Lin initially wanted to be a singer and has already recorded demo tapes for a record company, but she was given numerous offers for modeling in television and print ads.

In 1999, Hong Kong director Wong Jing invited her to develop her cinematic career in Hong Kong. She then starred in "The Tricky Master" and "For Bad Boys Only". With her success as an actress, she decided to abandon her hopes of becoming a singer.

The turning point in Lin's career came in 2001 for her role as a quick-witted and capable white-collar worker in "Running Out of Time 2".

The year also saw her team up with Hong Kong veteran actor Andy Lau in "Full Time Killer". She also worked with film director Tsui Hark in "The Legend of Zu".