What such visits give the refugees, Yao believes, is hope.

"At least they find they are not forgotten. Some people in the world are concerned about them, which may help them go home one day and live a better life," she says.

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After she came back to China, Yao shared what she experienced on Weibo, the social-networking platform.She has become one of the most followed there, boasting more than 50 million fans.

Her efforts to promote the agency and its cause helped make the organization No 4 in searches among charity institutions on China's largest search engine, Baidu.com, in 2012. She also persuaded the UNHCR to open a Weibo account to better communicate with Chinese netizens.

When most stars would like to use the social media platform to post pretty photos of themselves and their pets, and to promote their new works, Yao voices her takes on public affairs. She has shared pictures and videos of refugees she met, initiated various charity programs, and supported those unfairly treated.

Several days before our interview, a 10-year-old girl threw a 1-year-old boy from the 25th floor, raising a heated discussion on Weibo about juvenile delinquency. Yao posted six times to condemn the crime and insisted someone should be held responsible for the case.

She knew it was not a safe choice to comment on affairs involving crime and children, but she did. "I cannot pretend not to see it," she says.

Her friend Yi appreciates her courage." She refreshes many Chinese people's perceptions of an actress.

"'Who are you to comment on social issues? 'They used to think that way - and it is a pity that many still hold that opinion - but Yao is strong-minded in what she believes is right. She believes she is a citizen first, a person who lives in the same environment as everyone, who suffers the same when the air becomes smoggy and the water is contaminated."

Yi attributes Yao's kindness to her good nature and deliberate effort to be an ordinary person, although she has become one of the most successful actresses in China. In her latest film Firestorm, she is the lead actress with superstar Andy Lau. The film has grossed a record 250 million yuan ($41million) for its genre.

But in Yi's eyes, Yao is still the friend to meet at a shabby eatery. She seldom wears sunglasses or tries to disguise her face. Once they went to a noodle shop and soon a friend called, who knew where they were because some customers had quickly posted their photos online.

"As an actress she does not want a photo of her looking not that pretty online," says Yi. "But she would not risk losing a normal life to be perfect all the time. She tells me that she mostly portrays ordinary people in her films, and she says she would be unable to do that if she does not live their life."

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