Famed romance writer Qiong Yao dies

Renowned romance novelist Qiong Yao died in New Taipei City, Taiwan, on Wednesday. She was 86.

The writer was found deceased after taking her own life at her residence, according to the local police and fire department.

Qiong was regarded as the most popular romance writer in the Chinese-speaking world, and her novels have been adapted into more than 100 films and television series. With a graceful and eloquent style, she crafted intricate, poignant stories reflecting her dreams and unwavering love, establishing contemporary classics that have captivated Chinese-speaking audiences for decades.

Upon learning of her death, many Chinese people fondly recalled their experiences reading her works online.

Yan Feng, a professor at Fudan University, said on Sina Weibo that Qiong's stories "portrayed pure, sincere, passionate, gentle, and firm love. It was a beautiful belief that coexisted with life".

Qiong was named Chen Zhe when she was born in 1938 in Chengdu, Sichuan province.

In 1942, during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945), the family frequently relocated, exposing young Qiong to numerous atrocities and adversities that she later detailed in her works. In 1949, the family resettled in Taiwan.

Qiong made her literary debut at age 9 in Shanghai, and she rose to fame with the publication of her first novel, Chuang Wai (Outside the Window), in 1963.

By October 2019, when she completed her final work, Meihua Yingxiong Meng (Plum Blossom Hero's Dream), she had authored 67 works, including novels, autobiographies and essay collections.

In addition to her writings, films and TV dramas adapted from her novels have influenced generations.

Her novel Jidu Xiyang Hong (How Many Times the Sun Sets) was adapted into a popular TV drama in 1985, marking the beginning of the "Qiong Yao romance era". TV dramas based on her novels became well-known on the Chinese mainland.

After visiting relatives on the mainland in 1989 and traveling to various regions, including Beijing and the provinces of Hubei, Sichuan and Yunnan, Qiong published a book about her experiences titled Jianbuduan De Xiangchou (The Nostalgia that Cannot Be Cut Off).Her efforts led to cross-Strait cooperation in the production of popular TV series such as Mute Wife, Wanjun and Three Flowers.

Throughout the 1990s, TV adaptations of her works dominated markets across the Taiwan Strait.

Love remained a consistent theme in her writing. Her final published work before her death was Wo De Gushi (My Story), released by Writers Publishing House. In the postscript, she wrote: "I have always believed in love! To me, the word 'love' encompasses a wide spectrum — country, society, family, friends, readers, fans … I have always given and received abundant love! This life has been truly meaningful!"