Tingjun Cao at an earlier court appearance. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Tingjun Cao, 52, appeared at the High Court in Christchurch this morning via audio visual link in front of Justice Cameron Mander.
He has pleaded not guilty to Bao's murder.
Christchurch real estate agent Yanfei Bao. Photo: Supplied
The 44-year-old mother was last seen on 19 July, prompting a missing persons investigation.
That investigation was upgraded to a homicide inquiry on 26 July after police said they no longer believed she was alive.
Police undertook a forensic examination at a property for sale on Trevor Street in Hornby, the last location she was seen alive.
Searches have also taken place in and around Halswell River and Lake Ellesmere.
Just days after Bao's disappearance, Cao was arrested at Christchurch Airport and charged with her kidnapping.
In the weeks that followed, he was also charged with her murder.
His next appearance is scheduled 10 November and a trial date is tentatively set for October next year.
Tingjun Cao in court this morning. Photo: RNZ / Anna Sargent
At the beginning of August, Bao's family released a statement, thanking the public for their support.
"The love and compassion displayed by fellow New Zealanders has been truly humbling, and the Bao family cannot express how grateful they are for all the generous donations made through Givealittle."
It would help ease their burden, the family's statement said.
"In their time of crisis, the Bao family would also like to express their sincere appreciation to the police for their invaluable support and relentless dedication in the search for their missing loved one, Yanfei."
Bao's family urged anyone with information that could help with the investigation to come forward as soon as possible.
"Their only desire is to have her returned to them, so they can find closure and begin the grieving process.
"Amid this harrowing experience, the Bao family encourages everyone to cherish their loved ones and express their feelings openly."
Bao's husband, Paul Gooch, said people should go home tonight and tell those they hold dear "that you love and cherish them".
The family said the public's acts of kindness had given them strength as they remained hopeful Bao will be returned to them.
