American actor Leonardo DiCaprio speaks at a press conference in Beijing to promote his latest film "The Revenant" on March 20, 2016. The Academy Award-winning film "The Revenant" debuted in China on March 18 and has raked in 208 million yuan (US$32 million) in its opening weekend. [Photo / China.org.cn]

American actor and Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio appeared in Beijing for his intense one-day trip to promote "The Revenant" where he portrays a character who strives to survive against all odds.

DiCaprio landed in Beijing on early Sunday morning to begin his one-day trip for a premiere of the film two days after the national debut on March 18 in China. The Academy Award-winning film raked in 208 million yuan (US$32 million) in its opening weekend by the end of Sunday.

"Hugh Glass was a very interesting character to play," DiCaprio said on why the leading character in "The Revenant" appealed to him most at a press conference packed by many star-struck reporters. "He's an iconic American frontiersman, and also an outsider. His son was half indigenous American Indian. He's within and without. He was helping fur trappers escape from natives' attacks, but he was also somebody who was very connected to that culture and connected to the land. I think he was a person up against all odds -- everything had been taken from him, yet he had to find a will to live. This character says a lot about the tribe, the human spirit, and people striving against all odds."

The film, directed by Mexican veteran filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu, who was absent from the Chinese premiere, tells the story of a 19th-century frontiersman and his journey of survival and revenge after being abandoned by his fellow fur trappers in Native American territory. It stars DiCaprio and co-stars Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson and Will Poulter. It is based on a novel written by Michael Punke and inspired by Glass’ actual experiences in 1823.

The actor said the biggest challenge during the making of the film was how to shoot their parts as best as they can in a very short time after many rehearsals in the natural environment.

"We only shot the film in natural light, which only gave us one and half or two hours a day, as the sun was setting, to be able to put on film everything we worked for in an entire day," he said. "So that gave us a lot of adrenaline, a lot of attention in the filmmaking process, and it gave us excitement. It was a challenge to try to put together some very complex sequences in one and half hours."

The hotel and cinema where Leonardo DiCaprio was staying were surrounded by seige of crazy fans, many of whom traveled from other cities in China to try to see him in person. The security at the promotional events was probably one of the tightest among all film premieres in China.

DiCaprio thanked his fans in Beijing and interacted with fans in other cities via video cast later at the premiere, speaking of how he would go beyond his Oscar win in his future career.

"Achievements in my acting career are very simple; I have had the same philosophy since I was very young. I just do the best possible work I can and work with the best directors that I can. As well as that you have to give everything you can when you are on set, focus on why you are there, hopefully to make a great piece of art. You never know what's going to happen. You can only try your best. I will continue doing it professoionally," he said.

The actor also received several gifts from the Chinese producer Alpha Pictures and fans, including a work of Chinese calligraphy by China's famous calligrapher Tian Boping which reads "God helps those who work hard," a large, however strange, Oscar trophy-styled statue made of thousands of golden roses and another gift of Chinese calligraphy from fans which reads "Little Leo we love you."

The actor was also happy to show off his Chinese calligraphy talent, writing two Chinese characters that represent his Chinese nickname, "Little Leo," at the press conference, which amazed onsite attendants. However, he never forgot his other mission in advocating environmental protection.

"During my Oscar speech, I highlighted the issue of climate change. As we all know, the United States and China are two of the biggest contributors. I think China has made radical steps forward as far as alternative energy which is sustainable. I do think the responsibility that both the United States and China have is to set an example for the rest of the world. I really think that China can be the hero of the environmental and climate change movements," he said.

DiCaprio added, "The United States needs to do the same on climate changes. It is the biggest issue facing all humanity and the future, and the world needs to work together. It needs to start with China and the United States."

"The Revenant" received mostly positive reviews and won three Oscars for Best Director, Best Actor and Best Cinematography. It has grossed US$483 million worldwide, including Chinese box office sales, as of Sunday, since its release in January, according to BoxOfficeMojo.com.

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