Cheng and Chang attend a promotional event in Beijing. [Photo provided to China Daily]

She says her selection of cinematic projects has mostly depended on instinct.

But in the past, Cheng's struggle with depression made her lose focus on her work.

"I spent a terrible period of about three years battling depression. Every morning I would wake up in desperation," she says.

But during that phase she also discovered she wasn't alone in her fight. Her friends and family helped her through it.

"The situation allowed me to understand the significance of opening up your heart. I was lucky to have someone who would always listen to what I had to say," she adds.

While Cheng's stardom is an attraction for the audience, her new movie provides more, such as exotic locations that are frequently seen in romantic Chinese movies these days.

Shot in six cities in China and France, Love Contractually has a vital plot twist set in the World War II landmark of Normandy.

Liu Nan, the director, says a colorful house in Normandy gives the movie's last part a unique touch of romance.

Toward the end of the movie, the lead pair take a paraglider over northwestern France, offering a picturesque view of more medieval buildings as well as the natural scenery. But the rainy season in France was a big challenge while filming, he adds.