Jung Chang is a highly respected Chinese-born British author and keynote speaker, known for her eloquent exploration of Chinese history and culture. Her insightful storytelling and profound knowledge have captivated global audiences, with her memoir, Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China, selling over 20 million copies worldwide and achieving critical acclaim, including the British Book Awards' Book of the Year in 1993.
Chang’s journey began in Sichuan Province, China, where she was born in 1952 to Communist Party officials. Initially a member of the Red Guard during the Cultural Revolution, she quickly became disillusioned by its violence. Driven by a desire for knowledge and change, she pursued English studies at Sichuan University and, in 1978, left China on a government scholarship. Chang moved to Britain, where she made history by earning a PhD in Linguistics from the University of York in 1982 – the first Chinese citizen from a Communist background to achieve this milestone in a British university.
Over the decades, Jung Chang has made remarkable contributions to literature and historical discourse. Her 2005 publication, Mao: The Unknown Story, sold over 60,000 copies in its first six months in the UK, further cementing her as a leading figure in literature and historical analysis. In 2013, she published Empress Dowager Cixi, shedding light on a pivotal Chinese historical figure, and in 2019, Big Sister, Little Sister, Red Sister followed, each work underscoring her dedication to uncovering untold stories. In 2024, she was awarded a CBE for services to literature and history.
Jung Chang is an ideal speaker for events on globalisation, resilience, and cultural transformation. She covers vital topics such as China’s transformative 20th-century history, the impact of the Cultural Revolution, and the role of women in shaping modern China. Audiences find her talks insightful and engaging, gaining a nuanced understanding of China’s complex history and its global impact.
