Harbin hosts events to celebrate renowned writer

Harbin, the capital of Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, recently hosted the inaugural Xiao Hong Art Festival and the second Xiao Hong Cultural Week on Friday, featuring a series of 15 cultural events, live performances and exhibitions.

The festivities commenced with a grand performance at the Harbin Concert Hall on Friday, showcasing talents such as composer Meng Weidong, lyricist Yang Qifang, poet Li Qi, soprano singer You Hongfei and tenor singer Liu Hegang.

The weeklong event pays tribute to Xiao Hong (1911-42), a celebrated writer from China's 1930s literary scene. Born in Harbin as Zhang Naiying, Xiao Hong adopted her pseudonym under which she published her notable works. Despite her untimely death in Hong Kong at the age of 31, Xiao Hong's literary legacy endures.

In 1935, Xiao Hong achieved literary prominence with the publication of her first novel, The Field of Life and Death, which featured a preface by the renowned writer Lu Xun (1881-1936), solidifying her position in the literary world. Her impactful contributions continue to be remembered and honored through these cultural events.