She took her job seriously and was willing to give her life for those under her protection.
The 56-year-old Beijing native comes from a family of police officers, with her father serving as chief bodyguard to several Chinese political leaders.
According to her online resume, Bian enrolled in the China People's Police University in 1984, majoring in public security protection.
Vian has protected some of the most important people in the world. Photo: 163.com
She studied boxing, judo, shooting and driving, and became knowledgeable in law as well as criminal psychology.
In a 2009 interview with CCTV, Vian said: “Once, I broke my left leg during training, but the rules at our school meant I had to go to the training ground – even crawl if necessary.”
She said such tough challenges have built her willpower and determination.
Vian was impressed by Tim McCarthy, former bodyguard to US President Ronald Reagan, and considered him his role model.
In 1981, when an assassination attempt was made on President Reagan in Washington, DC, McCarthy shielded him and successfully saved the president.
“When gunshots ring out, most people's first instinct is to crouch down for protection, but McCarthy remained standing. He remained standing for some time after he was shot,” Vian said.
“McCarthy's training gave him a kind of muscle memory. He had to stand and protect the president and block the assassin's view. I really admire him.”
After graduating at the top of her class in 1988, Bian joined the Ministry of State Security and became China's first female elite bodyguard.
Throughout her career, she has successfully protected notable figures, including first ladies of the United States, the former Soviet Union, India and Japan, a Thai princess and a former prime minister of Pakistan.
Bian holds Raisa Gorbachev's hand as she visits the Great Wall with her husband, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, in 1989. Photo: Getty Images
Not a single accident occurred under her watch, and she was praised for her strength and carefulness.
During the Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev's visit to China in May 1989, Bian became close friends with Gorbachev's wife, Raisa.
When Mr. Bian noticed that the First Lady had back pain, he thoughtfully placed a cushion in the car, drawing praise from Chinese authorities for being “very considerate.”
Upon returning home, the First Lady sent Bian a photo of the two of them.
As seen in this photo, Bian became close friends with Raisa Gorbachev. Photo: 163.com
In 1989, while working as a bodyguard for Thailand's Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn during her visit to China, Mr Viang rescued the princess after she fell off a camel during the tour, and the two became friends.
The legendary bodyguard also placed third in a beauty contest held in Beijing in 1993.
Vian once revealed that he often wore bulletproof steel plates weighing up to 4kg.
“I wear a bulletproof vest not for myself, but so that when bullets come flying, they won't penetrate my body and harm our foreign guests,” she said.
Vian retired in 1995 due to his “advanced age” and the enormous pressures of his job.
Vian not only showed courage and dedication to her job, but also grace. Photo: 163.com
According to mainland Chinese reports, she set up a security consulting firm in Beijing and now works in real estate.
Vian's life as an elite bodyguard continues to fascinate many people today.
“Bian is China's real Mulan. Her extraordinary courage and exceptional fighting skills are truly admirable,” one person commented on Weibo.
“She embodies the beauty of the fairies and displays both the gentleness of a woman and the unwavering determination of a soldier,” said another.
“This incredible heroine deserves a peaceful and enjoyable retirement and I sincerely hope the public will respect her privacy,” a third added.
