Zhang Ailing

 

Zhang Ailing, born in Shanghai in 1920 to a renowned family, is a writer. [Photo by Xinhua]

Zhang Ailing, born in Shanghai in 1920 to a renowned family, was a writer. Her works frequently deal with the tensions between men and women in love and are considered to be among the best Chinese literature. Even in secondary school, Zhang Ailing already displayed great talent in literature. Her writings were published in the school magazine. In 1939, Zhang received a scholarship to study at the University of London, though she passed on the opportunity because of war in China. She then went on to study literature in the University of Hong Kong. Zhang died from cardiovascular disease in 1995 at the age of 75. Her well-knonw works include Eighteen Springs and Lust, Caution.