A lecture series on Chinese Studies given at Donglin Academy has been embraced by locals and become a forum to explore traditional Chinese culture. [Photo/wxrb.com]

To coincide with the 105th anniversary of the birth of Yang Jiang, the renowned playwright, author and translator, a biography of her life was released on July 17, to celebrate and honor her long and fascinating life.

The Life of Yang Jiang was written by Luo Yinsheng, an experienced biographer, whose biographical work is the only one to be reviewed by the great lady herself.

Sadly passing away in May this year at the ripe old age of 104, Yang Jiang was born in Beijing and moved to Wuxi later in life. She wrote several successful comedies as well as being the first person to translate Miguel de Cervantes' classic novel Don Quixote into Chinese.

The biography sensitively portrays Yang's life in different stages and investigates many facets of her character; the bookworm, the recluse, the literary giant, the wife and mother.

Luo said that Wuxi has been home to many cultural icons over the years, especially Yang Jiang and her husband Qian Zhongshu.