Although her DNA has politics all over, Wan Baobao has little interest in it; she is more attracted to fashion.

With shining eyes, tanned skin and a slim frame that seems to exude power, she has been compared to the protagonist in the Disney animation Chinese story, Mulan.

“I even gave the role a thought,” says Wan Baobao, a post-80s generation member who declines to reveal her age, when auditions for Hua Mulan were being held last year.

Wan’s grandfather Wan Li was former vice-premier and former chairman of the National People’s Congress. Her childhood was spent in Zhongnanhai with her grandparents and parents. But Wan had little interest in politics; she was more attracted to fashion.

She is a familiar face at fashion parties, showing off her bracelets, rings and necklaces from her own brand—Hong Kong-based Bao Bao Wan Fine Jewelry.

"I’m in charge of everything connected to the brand—from design to sales,” she says, holding a white-gold bracelet in her hand. Wan even tries to source each of the diamonds and precious stones used in her designs all by herself.

Pointing to the pattern of falling leaves carved in the bracelet, every inch of which is detailed in diamonds, she says: “It is more like a symbol of my brand.

“I respect all religions, and borrow ideas from all,” adds Wan, holding another white-gold necklace, featuring a cross.

Wan, who is planning to open the first Bao Bao Wan Fine Jewelry stores in Beijing, says most of her designs are inspired by her childhood memories. Her creations are not just flowers and leaves, but also images of the Forbidden City.

“You may see them as typical Chinese jewelry, but to me, they are just memories of my childhood. I grew up in Zhongnanhai. The (falling) leaves reflect (my) feelings for Beijing’s autumn. I missed them so much when I was abroad. Every time Beijing’s leaves turned red, I became more mature.

“My life, my interests and my work perfectly match one another. I put all my life experiences into my designs. I use my designs to move those who love my jewelry. I don’t have to do what I don’t like.”

Wan did not always want to be a jewellery designer. As a kid, she quite liked the idea of becoming a bus conductor, because they have “extremely beautiful bags”. Later, her dream job was becoming a lawyer because they “help people”.

Her interest in jewellery was sparked when she entered the world of fashion. “Jewelry design is a cross between business and art. What I am doing now is both providing beauty and helping people realise their dreams.”

Even at the tender age of 5, Wan was adept at table manners, attended dinners with high officials from foreign countries, had bodyguards and could take her grandfather’s special plane if she wanted to travel. However, she was never arrogant. She went to the United States alone to study French literature and photography at the age of 16. Four years later, she went to Paris to sharpen her French-language skills.

While exposure to two different cultures gave Wan a broader perspective, it also created difficulties. “It took a long time to get used to Western society, and when I came back to China, it was equally hard to adjust here.”

But there was one thing upon which she never compromised. “For so many years, no matter whether I was at home or abroad, people could look down on me or laugh at me, but I never compromised when they spoke badly of my country. This is the only thing that can irritate me.

“I have always been proud of my country. When I was 8 or 9 years old (I was) in the US, and I strongly felt that this pride did not match the situation at that time. However, today I can balance them, because my country is strong and powerful. I feel, finally, this day has come.” (By Gan Tian in Beijing/ China Daily/ Asia News Network)