Fast Facts About China 247native of Anhui Province, joined the Communist Party of
China in December of 1942. He forged his political career in
Guizhou and Tibet. In 1992, he became an elected member
of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC
Central Committee, his first step toward a role in the central
leadership of the CPC.
Zhang Yimou
China’s best-known movie director was born in Xian, to a
newly-formed communist nation. Zhang Yimou’s family
background made him a target of the Cultural Revolution.
He was sent to the countryside to work with the peasants
and was later transferred to a textile factory. He is rumoured
to have sold his own blood to buy his first camera. Globally
renowned and having received numerous awards, some of
his best-known works are Raise the Red Lantern, The Story
of Qiu Ju and Ju Dou. He was also the chief director of the
opening ceremony of the Beijing Summer Olympics in
2008, which reportedly cost more than US$ 100 million
to produce.
Chow Yun-Fat
One of the most recognised Chinese male actor, Chow made
his mark in action films in the late 1980s. He also co-starred
with Michelle Yeoh in the acclaimed Crouching Tiger, Hidden
Dragon. A Hong Kong native, Chow started as a professional
actor in his teens after being selected by Hong Kong TV
station TVB to attend a young actors training programme.
Gong Li
China’s most famous actress was born in the northern
industrial city of Shenyang, and her father was an economics
professor. Gong Li had her first big break while still in acting
school when she secured the lead role of the 1988 film Red
Sorghum. Her collaboration, both onscreen and offscreen,
with director Zhong Yimou established her as China’s leading
lady. Noteworthy movies include Farewell My Concubine
(1993) and Memoirs of a Geisha (2005).