Hong Ying

Hong Ying (simplified Chinese: 虹影; traditional Chinese: 虹影; pinyin: Hóng Yǐng; born September 21, 1962) is a Chinese novelist, poet, and filmmaker. She is considered one of China's leading contemporary writers.

Hong Ying is known for her semi-autobiographical novels that explore themes of love, loss, family secrets, and the turbulent history of 20th-century China, particularly the Cultural Revolution and the period leading up to it. Her works often feature strong female characters and are known for their lyrical prose and emotional depth.

Born in Chongqing, she began writing poetry and short stories in her youth. She gained international recognition with her novel Summer of Betrayal (also translated as K: The Art of Love), which was controversial in China due to its depiction of extramarital affairs and sensitive political issues. Other notable works include Daughter of the River, The Concubine of Shanghai, and Shanghai Blues. Her novels have been translated into numerous languages and have received critical acclaim worldwide.

In addition to her literary work, Hong Ying has also directed and written screenplays for films. She currently resides in London and Beijing.