A slew of China's most popular celebrities illuminated Beijing's Rose Garden villa on Wednesday as they showed up for a gathering arranged by their high-profile agent Huayi Brothers.

Among the 30 or so stars were Hong Kong Film Awards best actress Zhou Xun, A World Without Thieves actress Li Bingbing, pop duo Yu Quan, "Super Girl" Zhang Liangying, as well as Ruby Lin and Alec Su, hailing from Taiwan.

With the absence of "The Banquet" director Feng Xiaogang and Singaporean actress Fann Wong, the remaining Huayi Brothers' stars proved that the company indeed wields a powerful umbrella.

Founded in 1994 by Wang Zhongjun and his brother Wang Zhonglei, Huayi Brothers have grown to be a leading Chinese media conglomerate, covering film, television and music production.

Critics say Wednesday's event signifies Huayi Brothers' intention to build its own realm in show business.

(CRI.cn June 1, 2007)