Han Bangqing (Han Pang-ch'ing) 1856-1894

The author of Shanghai Demi-monde, or Haishang hua, the first realistic novel devoted to an examination of courtesan life. He came from Songjiang prefecture but in his youth lived in Peking. His father was a government official, and he too sat the civil service exams, but failed repeatedly and gave up the idea of an official career. He lived in Shanghai for many years, writing poetry and occasionally contributing to newspapers.

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