Who Is Jiang Qing? Age, Biography and Wiki
Jiang Qing, born on March 1, 1914, was not just the wife of Mao Zedong but also a prominent political figure in her own right. Throughout her life, she was a significant part of the Communist Party of China, playing a crucial role during the Cultural Revolution. Jiang's past has been a subject of intrigue and controversy, making her a pivotal figure in Chinese history. As of 2025, she would have been 111 years old had she been alive.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 1, 1914 |
| Age | 77 Years |
| Birth Place | Zhucheng, Shandong, China |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | China |
| Date of death | 14 May, 1991 |
| Died Place | Beijing, China |
Popularity
Jiang Qing's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Jiang Qing was known for her striking presence. While specific figures for her height and weight are not widely documented, she was often described as having a commanding stature that complemented her influential role in politics.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Jiang Qing was married to Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People's Republic of China. Their relationship was complex and intertwined with political ambitions. Known for her fierce loyalty to Mao, Jiang played a significant role in his political life until his death in 1976. She did not have any confirmed relationships post-Mao, as her identity was inseparable from his legacy.
Jiang Qing (March 1914 – 14 May 1991), also known as Madame Mao, was a Chinese communist revolutionary, actress, and political figure. She was the fourth wife of Mao Zedong, the Chairman of the Communist Party and Paramount leader of China. Jiang was best known for playing a major role in the Cultural Revolution as the leader of the radical Gang of Four.
Net Worth and Salary
Estimates of Jiang Qing's net worth during her peak years are difficult to quantify due to the nature of leadership in communist China. However, her influence and connections likely afforded her considerable power and resources. In recent years, various assessments of historical figures like Jiang Qing analyze their indirect financial influence through political capital rather than traditional wealth.
Jiang Qing's grave remained undisclosed to the public until early 2009. Each year during the Tomb-Sweeping Festival, flower baskets are placed at Jiang's tomb. In 2015, leftist activists attempting to pay their respects faced resistance from dozens of security guards, with several taken to Pingguoyuan Police Station for questioning.
Frustrated Maoist supporters questioned why publicly honouring Chiang Kai-shek was permitted while commemorating Jiang Qing was not, rhetorically asking if the Republic of China had somehow reclaimed the mainland. Since 2018, such commemorations have proceeded without police interference.
On 14 May 2021, leftist activists held a panel discussion on "the Role of Li Jin in the History of the Party", which Li Na reportedly attended.
Since 2021, as large numbers of visitors continued to honour Jiang Qing, international media noted that authorities allowed leftist groups to commemorate her while prohibiting public mourning for Zhao Ziyang.
Following this, the authorities banned public mourning for her at her gravesite, with surveillance cameras and security guards constantly monitoring the situation.
Career, Business and Investments
Jiang Qing started her career as an actress before becoming deeply involved in political life, especially during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). She was one of the 'Gang of Four,' a political faction that sought to preserve Maoist ideology. Despite her controversial legacy, her contributions to Chinese theatrical arts and the political landscape are undeniable. After Mao's death, her political career ended with her arrest in 1976, and she faced a life sentence for her roles in the Cultural Revolution.
In 1935, when she entered the entertainment industry, she took on the stage name Lan Ping, which means "blue apple". Although the name had no particular meaning, its bluntness made it unique. However, Jiang Qing did not favour this name due to its association with her scandals in Shanghai.
She became known as Jiang Qing upon arriving in Yan'an, where "Jiang" means "river" and "Qing" means "azure" or "better than blue".
Social Network
During her lifetime, Jiang Qing had an extensive network within the Chinese Communist Party and was instrumental in shaping cultural policies in China. Nowadays, her legacy is analyzed and discussed across various platforms, especially social media and blogs focused on Chinese history and politics. However, she remains a highly debated figure with varying interpretations of her influence.
Jiang's widely publicised affair with Tang Na tarnished her reputation, making it difficult for her to continue her acting career in Shanghai. Like many youths of her time, she was drawn to the progressive ideals associated with Yan'an.
The Marco Polo Bridge Incident in July 1937, which marked the start of Japan's full-scale invasion of China, further galvanised young activists to advocate for a united front. Yan'an, promoted through Communist propaganda, emerged as a symbol of democracy, freedom, and hope.
She left Shanghai in July, after which the Japanese invasion in Shanghai started on 13 August.
Education
Jiang Qing’s educational background is often overshadowed by her political career, but she studied in a number of schools before pursuing drama and acting. Her involvement in art laid the framework for her significant role in propagating communist ideology through cultural channels.
She adopted the name Li Yunhe during primary school. She told her biographer Roxane Witke that she liked the name because "Yunhe," meaning "crane in the cloud," sounded beautiful. In July 1933, during her first visit to Shanghai, she assumed the name Li He and worked as a teacher for local workers.
On her second visit to Shanghai in June 1934, she used the alias Zhang Shuzhen. Later, when detained by the Nationalist government in October 1934, she identified herself as Li Yungu.
