China’s Most Influential Women

Yang Lan is often referred to as the “Oprah of China”. After studying English Literature in college, she started her career as a TV host on CCTV (China Central Television). Since then, she has since hosted a number of shows. 

Yang has given a TedTalk discussing the power and influence of young people on Chinese media. In addition, she was also China's first UNICEF Ambassador. In 2000, Yang Lan and her husband founded Sun TV. It's the History channel of China. 

As a self-made entrepreneur, TV host, and one of the country's most widely recognized faces, it’s no wonder she has made this list. 

Yang is an internationally recognized choreographer and dancer. She grew up studying the dances of Chinese minorities from Yunnan province. 

Her most famous work, “Spirit of the Peacock”, is a solo piece that was inspired by her studies and self-choreographed. 

Yang has performed blockbuster dance shows around the world- highlighting China's minority traditions.  Just last year in Israel, she brought the Chu and Han dynasty battle to life with her performance- “Under Siege”.

If the name sounds familiar, it is because Gong Li has been cast in the 2020 live-action Disney remake of Mulan. 

She is a world-renowned actress with an IMBd list of credits in movies like Memoirs of a Geisha (2005) and Farewell My Concubine (1993). Gong Li is also a UNESCO Artist for Peace awardee and inspiration for aspiring Chinese actresses.  

Our mothers aren't media moguls or pop stars, but Chinese moms are the driving positive force on our lives. 

I'm a first generation Chinese-American and I think many first generations can relate to me on this point. 

Our moms immigrated to a foreign place in hopes to give us a better life.  It is their perseverance, grace, and kindness in the face of discrimination and adversity that gives them a spot on this list.  

So, on this Women’s History Month, let's give our moms the recognition they deserve.