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Renowned Taiwanese writer Qiong Yao, known for her timeless romantic works, tragically passed away on December 3, 2024, at her residence. She was 86. Her death has sent shockwaves across the literary and entertainment world, with her family confirming it was a suicide.
The police report indicates that Qiong Yao's secretary discovered her lifeless body after being instructed to check on her earlier that day. Emergency responders pronounced her dead on the scene. According to family statements, the author left behind a poignant suicide note that reflected her thoughts on life, aging, and death.
Qiong Yao, whose real name was Chen Zhe, captivated readers and audiences for decades with works such as Huan Zhu Ge Ge (My Fair Princess), Romance in the Rain, and Another Dream. Her novels were often adapted into iconic television dramas, making stars out of actors like Ruby Lin, Zhao Wei, and Fan Bingbing. Her storytelling, marked by deep emotional resonance and vivid portrayals of love, made her a household name across Chinese-speaking communities.
Her passing comes just weeks after she mourned the death of her late husband, Ping Xintao, on social media. In a touching post, she shared a song by Liu Jiachang, a prominent composer, only to have Liu also pass away on December 2.
Qiong Yao’s suicide note, titled When Snowflakes Fall, expressed her decision to embrace death as a final act of autonomy. Written in poetic form, the note described her life as a "journey" filled with "rugged mountain roads" and "stormy waves," but also love, creativity, and freedom.
She explained her choice as a deliberate and carefully considered decision, rejecting the prolonged suffering that aging and illness often bring. "I don’t want to wither and wither slowly," she wrote. "I want to make the decision for this final event."
In her letter, Qiong Yao urged friends and family not to grieve her death but to celebrate her life. She implored young people not to view her actions as an encouragement to give up on life, emphasizing that hers was a unique choice for the end of an already fulfilled journey.
The news of her death has sparked an outpouring of grief and reflection online. Many netizens expressed their sorrow, describing her as a "literary giant" who shaped their childhoods with her heartfelt stories.
One commenter wrote, "Her novels taught us the beauty of love and perseverance. It’s heartbreaking that she left in this way, but we must respect her choice."
Another added, "Qiong Yao’s words will live on forever. Her final note is as poetic and moving as her stories."
Others debated the implications of her decision, with some echoing her call for a more humane way to handle aging and death, while others expressed concern over the potential influence her act could have on younger generations.
Qiong Yao’s final message was not just a goodbye but a call to cherish life’s joys and endure its struggles. She emphasized that, despite the imperfections of the world, it holds countless moments of beauty and connection.
Her final wish resonates: “Be brave, live a strong ‘self,’ and don’t live up to this world. Although this world is not perfect, it also contains unexpected joys.”
Qiong Yao will forever be remembered for her artistry, her passion, and her unyielding spirit.
