Zhang Xianliang facts for kids

Zhang Xianliang (张贤亮; December 8, 1936 – September 27, 2014) was a famous Chinese writer. He wrote novels, essays, and poems. He was also the head of the Chinese Writers Association in Ningxia for a time.

Zhang Xianliang faced many challenges in his life. He was held by the government during a time called the Anti-Rightist Movement in 1957. He was not fully free until 1979. His most famous books, like Half of Man is Woman and Grass Soup, tell stories from his own life. They share his experiences in difficult situations and during big changes in China, like the Cultural Revolution.

His Early Life and Challenges

Zhang Xianliang was born in 1936 in Nanjing, a major city in China. His family was well-off. His father was a businessman and worked for the government at the time. After a big war in China, his father faced serious accusations and later passed away.

Zhang started writing poems when he was only 13 years old. When he was 21, during the Anti-Rightist Movement, some of his poems were seen as against the government. Because of this, he was sent to a work camp in Ningxia.

He was held several more times over the years. In total, he spent 22 years in different camps and difficult situations. Later, during student protests in 1989, he showed support for the students. This led to one of his books, Getting Used to Dying, being banned until 1993.

After His Release

After being released, Zhang Xianliang became a member of a group that advises the Chinese government. In 1992, he started the West China Film Studio. This studio is in Zhenbeibu, Ningxia, at an old fort from the Qing dynasty.

Many movies have been filmed at his studio. Some well-known films include Ashes of Time and A Chinese Odyssey. Zhang Xianliang passed away on September 27, 2014.

His Books

Zhang Xianliang wrote many important books. Here are some of his well-known works:

• Mimosa (1985) - English translation (Panda Books, 1985)
• Grass Soup (1995) - English translation by Martha Avery (David R. Godine, 1995)
• Half of Man is Woman (1985) - English translation by Martha Avery (Viking, 1988)
• Getting Used to Dying (1991) - English translation by Martha Avery (Flamingo, 1991)
• My Bodhi Tree (1994) - English translation by Martha Avery (Secker and Warburg, 1996)

See also

In Spanish: Zhang Xianliang para niños