Life of Guangzhou - 98-Year-Old Grandma Publishes Three Anthologies

Mai Xuelu, 98, a grandmother living in the Guangzhou Friendship Elderly Home, has published three anthologies. Now she has embarked on another task: writing her memoirs.

Mai Xuelu with her three anthologies (Guangzhou Daily)

Mai began writing poetry at the local "elderly university" about 20 years ago. At first she was enchanted by ancient Chinese poetry, but began composing her own works not long after.

"Poetry is the sunshine of my life and writing poems makes me feel younger!" said Mai enthusiastically.

So far she has written over 1000 works, including prose, essays and poems in the traditional Chinese style, many of which have appeared in local newspapers, journals and other publications around the country.

The year 2000 saw her first anthology published, followed by her second collection three years later and then a third, dwarfing the achievements of many younger writers.

Mai has a wide range of interests. Besides writing poetry, she is also good at painting in the Chinese traditional style (Guangzhou Daily)

The 98-year-old is planning to publish her memoirs in the near future.

Born at the end of the last feudal dynasty of China - the Qing dynasty - and living through the majority of the 20th century, Mai has witnessed many dramatic changes to the nation. Additionally, she has numerous interesting stories from the decades when she served as a teacher in local primary and middle schools.

What is equally remarkable is Mai's good health: she has suffered no serious illnesses for years and is able to cook for herself everyday. She has been elected as a special "health ambassador" for the elderly home this year, sent to visit Sichuan earthquake victims being treated here in Guangzhou.

(By Quanquan, Stephen Roach)

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