Wanting Qu in Her Own Words

We chat with the platinum pop-star, tourism ambassador to China and official first girlfriend of the City of Vancouver.

Gorgeous, talented and career-driven, Wanting Qu is a force. Born in the northeastern Chinese town of Harbin, the 31-year-old pop megastar’s 2012 debut album "Everything in the World" went platinum six times, with the video for her track "You Exist in my Song" raking in 100 million-plus views. Qu’s demonstrable ability to reach Asian audiences and keen knowledge of Vancouver (the city she’s called home for 15 years) contributed to her appointment as Vancouver’s Tourism Ambassador to China in 2013. Already, she’s singlehandedly bolstered visits to Van from her home country by 25 per cent and become half of the city’s "First Couple" (Qu and boyfriend Mayor Gregor Robertson confirmed their relationship last Valentine’s Day—cue the "awws" and more than a few broken hearts). We chatted with the Renaissance women herself about her favourite spots to hang out, the inspiration behind her music and what it is that makes her feel most loved.  

How did you become a musician? I always loved music and secretly wanted to be a famous singer, but never knew I had the ability to write music until five years after I moved to Canada in my teens. Being in a foreign land on my own, my guitar and electronic piano became my best friends. Lyrics and melody are a huge part of my way of communicating to the world—I didn’t know the world would respond in such a massive way!

Tell us how you came to be Vancouver’s first-ever Tourism Ambassador to China. Half of my life now has been in Canada, half in China. I have a genuine love for both countries. I like to connect the two in positive ways: understand each other, accept the differences, embrace the good, improve where we can. Almost all of my songs were written in Canada and inspired by true stories. It’s easy to talk about my songs, to talk about Canada.

What’s your favourite part of the job? I get to experience the best of Vancouver and share the amazing experiences with others. I love the contest we did in 2013. Four of my lucky fans from Mainland China (out of hundreds of thousands of entries) won an all-inclusive five-day trip to Vancouver, all expenses paid. I was their tour guide the whole time, and they had the best time of their lives! I feel very fortunate to be able to do that—changing someone’s life by sharing this beautiful city with them.

Describe your perfect day in Vancouver. Ha ha, I’d definitely sleep in! Then brunch at The Flying Pig or Chambar, a bike ride on the seawall around Stanley park and hang out with friends in Granville Island. Dinner at Forage, and maybe catch a movie and go to a local concert at night. Or, spending a day catching some crabs would be fun, too. You know that dinner will be fresh!

What’s your best activity recommendation for visitors? For couples, definitely ride the seawall by bike or on rollerblades and go to Granville Island. Students, check out the FlyOver Canada ride at Canada Place. Go to Miku for dinner (and a great view). If you feel dancy, check out live bands at the Roxy, Caribbean vibes at Calabash or hit Granville or Gastown for night clubs.

What part of the region are you still waiting to explore? And what’s getting the most play on your iPod right now? The Coast Mountains and Gulf Islands, and "Adore You" by Miley Cyrus. —Adrienne Matei