In the early 19th century in China, women still kept the tradition of foot binding. In a small town in Hunan, Lily (played by Li Bingbing) and Snow Flower (played by Jun Ji-hyun) became old friends according to local customs. They lived together since childhood and communicated with each other through women's books. The deep feelings between them could not be replaced by anyone. As they grew older, Lily and Snow Flower had to marry and began their own miserable lives. In the early 21st century, Nina (played by Li Bingbing) was about to go to the United States on business, but on the eve of her departure, she learned that her friend Sophia (played by Jun Ji-hyun) was hospitalized in a car accident. Sophia was her friend since her student days, and they became old friends according to ancient customs. The car accident brought the two who had lost contact for a long time back together... This film is adapted from the novel "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" by the best-selling Chinese-American author Lisa Kwong.