Chinese actress Gong Li says the biggest challenge she faces in Hollywood isn't the language barrier, but rather tackling non-Chinese characters.

Gong, best known for her collaboration with Chinese director Zhang Yimou in films like "Red Sorghum," "Raise the Red Lantern" and "To Live," has shot a series of English-language movies lately.

She portrayed a Japanese escort in "Memoirs of a Geisha"; an ethnic Chinese money launderer for a south American drug kingpin in "Miami Vice"; and a Japanese woman married to the uncle of serial killer Hannibal Lecter in the upcoming "Young Hannibal," a prequel to the thriller "The Silence of the Lambs."

Chinese actress Gong Li (R) and actor Chow Yun-Fat from Hong Kong, pose together at a screening of their new film 'Curse of the Golden Flower', written and directed by Chinese director Zhang Yimou during the Closing Night at the AFI Fest 2006 in Hollywood, California November 12, 2006. [Reuters]

"I very rarely portray a real Chinese character, like a native Beijing resident, in Hollywood," said on the sidelines of the Hong Kong premiere for her new movie "Curse of the Golden Flower" late Saturday.

Referring to her character in "Miami Vice," Gong said, "even though she looks Asian, her character, her thoughts, her thinking aren't Asian at all. That's hard to master."

"Hollywood films are more challenging. I like the challenge," she added.

The movie, which marks Gong's reunion with director Zhang, continues the trend of big-budget Chinese-language epics set in ancient China. Zhang himself has directed two previous films of the same genre, "Hero" and "House of Flying Daggers."

Some critics say such films offer stunning sets and visuals but weak stories.

Gong said Zhang was careful to beef up the story of "Curse," which revolves around the power struggle between an ancient Chinese king (Chow Yun-fat), his queen (Gong) and his three sons.

"When the director first discussed the script with me, he was very careful that it wasn't a big but empty production. Very attractive packaging isn't enough. There has to be a story," she said.

Gong said Zhang learned from the experience of "Hero" and "House of Flying Daggers."

"He's made a few films like this. He put together elements from those films and improved the story," she said.

Gong said she is due to shoot another Hollywood movie next year but declined to give details.