Photo: VCG

The funeral and flower burial ceremony for the renowned writer and producer from island of Taiwan Qiong Yao took place on Wednesday at the Yangming Mountain Park in Taipei. After the cremation, her son personally scattered her ashes, attendees paid their respects by offering flowers and bowing in her honor.

Yu Xiaofan, who once played the lead role in the TV series Wan Jun inspired to Qiong Yao's work, was present at the ceremony. “I came here today to send Qiong on her final journey. Perhaps she has already transformed into a beautiful butterfly, flying towards the rainbow, flying towards Mr. Ping (Ping Xintao), to continue her beloved writing. I wish her a peaceful journey,” she said.

In addition to Yu, Ruby Lin, widely known for her role as Ziwei in the TV series My Fair Princess, also attended the ceremony. Lin, Yu, and other attendees joined fans in singing the song Meihua San Nong, which instantly brought everyone to tears.

“Ms. Qiong was an influential writer who harbored deep feelings for the mainland, and she played an active role in promoting cross-Straits literary exchanges and film cooperation,” said Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office, on Wednesday.

Ms. Qiong was an influential writer who over 60 years created more than 70 widely recognized literary works, giving life to a series of distinct and deeply moving literary characters. Her works attracted countless readers, leaving a profound impact on the Chinese-speaking cultural sphere, according to a statement released by the Chinese Writers Association on December 6.

“Qiong’s passing is not just a simple farewell; what she leaves behind is an emotional world that will forever be engraved in our hearts,” Chang Ximing, a fan who participated in the live stream of Qiong Yao's funeral, told the Global Times.

“Her works not only shaped my views on love and life when I was young but also shaped the way I and fellow fans experience emotions,” Chang said. “Her works taught us that love is not just about romance, but about acceptance, understanding, and growth; that family ties are not only about blood relations, but about constant support and reliance; and that friendship is not just about laughter and fun, but about mutual support and unspoken understanding.”

“Every time I revisit Qiong Yao’s works, I can still feel that pure warmth, that sincere and genuine emotional power. This is the most precious gift she has given us,” Chang said.