Hailed by FHM as "Asia's Sexiest Woman" in 2002, she modelled for the covers of numerous fashion magazines in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China.

Lin has co-starred alongside Asian superstars, including Andy Lau, Stephen Chow and Ekin Cheng.

Sparrow, directed by Johnnie To, which took three years to make, was nominated for the "Golden Bear" at the Berlin International Film Festival 2008.

In 2008, Lin became the first artist to be signed with Stellar Entertainment Ltd., owned and managed by Michelle Yeoh and international film producer Terence Chang.

In this romantic comedy film involving Peter Lee, John Woo, Michelle Yeoh, and Terence Chang, her screen partner is Sun Honglei.

On 28 March 2011, Lin married Chinese-American businessman Chris Young in a low-key beach wedding in the Maldives.