Mainland-based writers' association mourns passing of Taiwan romance author

BEIJING, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- The China Writers Association on Friday sent a message of condolences to the family of Qiong Yao, a bestselling Chinese romance writer, who passed away in New Taipei City at the age of 86 on Wednesday.

Hailing the late Qiong Yao as an influential writer who during a career spanning more than 60 years had authored over 70 beloved literary works, the mainland-based association said her writings had captivated generations of readers, making a profound impact on the Chinese-speaking literary world.

Highlighting the author's deep affection for the motherland, the message noted that she had visited the mainland on multiple occasions and had maintained a strong relationship with the China Writers Association.

Qiong Yao, born as Chen Zhe in 1938 in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, moved to Taiwan with her parents in 1949.

Under the pseudonym Qiong Yao, she published a series of popular romance fiction works -- starting in the 1960s.

Her books were introduced to mainland readers after reform and opening up in the 1980s and gained great popularity on the mainland. Some of her novels were later adapted into films and TV dramas that captivated audiences on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, such as "My Fair Princess" and "Romance in the Rain."