highlights

Top 10 farewells 2009

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-12-14 13:39

4. A voice loved by millions

A file photo of CCTV broadcaster Luo Jing. [Xinhua]

Luo Jing, veteran TV newsreader of China Central Television (CCTV) and known as the "voice of China" died in Beijing Friday morning, June 5. He was 48.

Luo quit Xinwen Lianbo, or Network News Broadcast, CCTV's daily live news program, last September, two months after being diagnosed with lymphoma.

For TV viewers, he was more than just a newsreader; he was part of their collective memory.

Related readings:
Photos: Public bid farewell to venerated newsman
Death of a voice loved by millions
CCTV leading news anchor Luo Jing dies at 48

5. The renowned translator of the classics

Undated file photo shows Yang Xianyi and his British wife Gladys Taylor. [Xinhua]

Together with his late British wife, Gladys Taylor, Yang Xianyi translated classics such as the 18th century "A Dream of Red Mansions" as well as more modern works by 20th century writers such Lu Xun.

Born in the northern treaty port of Tianjin in 1915, Yang was sent by his wealthy family to study classics at Oxford University in 1936, where he met Taylor.

He died Monday November 23 in Beijing after a long illness aged 94. [Full Story]

6. Ren Jiyu, great master of Chinese philosophy

Ren Jiyu, a great master in Chinese philosopher, passed away on Saturday, July 11 at 93. He has long been considered as standard bearers of Chinese academia.

The most distinctive academic achievement of Ren Jiyu is identifying Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism as the three spiritual supports of Chinese culture and pointing out that they exert a deep influence on Chinese people.

Ren was also the first to suggest that Confucianism was the religion of China in ancient times, shattering the belief that Chinese people have never had religious faith and evoking great controversy in academic circles even today.

He claimed that China would produce no great academics until the education system was reformed, and had great insight into the shortcomings of the modern education system.