Qian Zhengying facts for kids

Qian Zhengying (Chinese: 钱正英; born July 4, 1923 – died October 22, 2022) was an important Chinese expert in water science and a leader in government. She spent her life working to manage water resources and serving her country.

Early Life and Education

Qian Zhengying was born in Jiaxing, a city in Zhejiang Province, China. Her father was an engineer who studied in the United States. Some people even say Qian Zhengying might have been born in the U.S.

She studied to become a civil engineer at Utopia University. This means she learned how to design and build things like bridges, roads, and dams.

Joining the Communist Party

In 1941, when she was 18, Qian Zhengying joined the Communist Party of China. This was a big step for her. She began working with the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army, helping with important projects in northern China.

Her early work focused on major rivers like the Huai and Yellow River. These rivers are very important for China's farming and cities.

Working with Water Resources

After 1949, Qian Zhengying took on bigger roles in water management. She became a vice-director in the Water Conservancy Department. This department was in charge of making sure water was used well.

She also helped lead a big project for the Huaihe River. From 1950 to 1952, she was the president of East China Technical University of Water Resources. Today, this school is known as Hohai University.

Important Leadership Roles

Qian Zhengying was a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for many years. This is a group of important leaders who help guide the country. She was part of the 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th committees.

She also served as the Minister of Water Resources. This meant she was the top person in charge of all water-related issues in China. She worked to make sure people had enough water and that floods were controlled.

Later, she became a Vice Chairperson of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. This group advises the government on important decisions. She held this role for the 7th, 8th, and 9th national committees.

In 1994, she was chosen to be the president of the Red Cross Society of China. The Red Cross helps people in need, especially during emergencies.

Awards and Recognition

Qian Zhengying was recognized for her amazing work. In 1997, she became an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. This is a very high honor for engineers and scientists in China.

The next year, in 1998, she received the Technology Engineering of China prize. This award showed how much her contributions to engineering and technology were valued.

Qian Zhengying passed away on October 22, 2022, at the age of 99. She left behind a legacy of dedication to water management and public service in China.