Remembering Liu Biru: A Daughter of Yuanhua
Introduction:
This article, originally published by the Yuanhua Branch of the Municipal Media Center and the Town Party Building Office (Publicity) on September 5, 2025, honors the life of Ms. Liu Biru (刘璧如). A renowned industrialist and philanthropist, she and her husband Cha Jimin devoted themselves to education, industry, culture, and science, leaving a lasting legacy in Yuanhua.
Additional Notes:
This English version has been adapted for accessibility to English-speaking readers, with minor adjustments made for clarity. All images and captions are sourced from the original publication, with copyrights retained by their original creators, included to honor the spirit and details of the initial work. The original article in Chinese is available for viewing here.
Though Far Away, the Stars Still Remember Yuanhua
On New Yuan Road in Yuanhua Town, factory buildings rise in rows and the sound of looms echoes. This thriving industrial zone not only carries the weight of local economic growth, but also embodies the deep affection that Liu Biru and her husband Cha Jimin held for their hometown. Though born in Changzhou, Jiangsu, Liu Biru’s marriage tied her inseparably to Yuanhua in Haining, making her a “daughter of Yuanhua.”
As the wife of Cha Jimin and a renowned Hong Kong industrialist, she and her husband began their journey from this ancient town, building together a business empire that spanned textiles and technology, earning international acclaim. Yet despite their extraordinary achievements, they never forgot their roots—the land called Yuanhua.
Education First: Building Dreams for the Future
Believing that education was the foundation of revitalizing their hometown, Liu Biru and her husband returned to Haining many times, visiting schools and encouraging the younger generation to strive forward.
- In November 1992, they established the Cha Ziqin Scholarship at Yuanhua Central Primary School to reward outstanding students.
- They donated 400,000 yuan to build the “Ziqin” teaching building.
- They funded the construction of the Cha Jimin Library at the former Haining High School, creating a hall of knowledge for local youth.
These initiatives reflected their deep commitment to nurturing talent and their long‑term vision of revitalizing the community through education.
Industry to Enrich the Homeland
In April 1980, after thirty years away, Cha Jimin and Liu Biru returned to their native soil. Seeing opportunities for development, they invested in the establishment of the Xinwei Leather Factory, beginning their journey of giving back through industry.
- In 1988, they co‑founded Yuanhua Silk Weaving Co., Ltd.
- In 1991, they introduced advanced British spinning equipment to establish Haixin Textile Co., Ltd.
- In 1993, they partnered with Haining Silk Company to create Huaxi Garment Co., Ltd., forming a complete production chain from silk weaving to garment export.
Profits were reinvested to expand production, truly benefiting the hometown. Today, walking along New Yuan Road, Cha family enterprises still thrive, driving Yuanhua’s economic and social development.
Culture to Nourish the Homeland
Beyond industry and education, Liu Biru and her husband also placed great importance on nurturing the cultural life of their hometown.
They returned to Haining many times, visiting the broadcasting and television building and museums, giving interviews to local media, and attending the national comic invitational exhibition at the “Migu Gallery.”
Liu Biru always greeted those from her hometown with a warm smile and gentle demeanor, revealing the simplicity and deep affection behind the image of an industrialist.
Each year during the tide‑watching season, she often returned with her husband to admire the grandeur of the Qiantang Tide, finding in the familiar voices of home a place to rest their profound feelings of devotion to both family and country.
Science to Serve the Nation
Their love for their hometown ultimately rose to the level of serving the nation. In 1994, Liu Biru and her husband invited scientists such as Yang Zhenning and Chen Shengshen to serve as advisors, founding the Qiu Shi Science and Technology Foundation, which rewards scholars and youth who make outstanding contributions to Chinese science.
In October 1999, with international approval, asteroid No. 3960 was permanently named “Cha Liu Biru Star.”
From then on, this star carried her spirit of benevolence, patriotism, and dedication, shining eternally in the vast cosmos.
Family Legacy: Virtue Passed to Future Generations
Looking back on Liu Biru’s journey, her achievements were inseparable from the deep cultural heritage of the Cha family.
The Yuanhua Cha clan has long been a distinguished family in Jiangnan, famed for “ten jinshi in one household, six hanlin among uncles and nephews.” Emperor Kangxi himself inscribed “Dan Yuan Hall,” praising them as “a great family since the Tang and Song, one of the few in Jiangnan.”
This cultural foundation shaped the couple’s aspiration to serve the nation through industry and their compassionate character. They blended the gentleness and humility of Jiangnan traditions with the pioneering spirit of Hong Kong, teaching by example for decades and forging a family legacy that continues to benefit future generations.
Attribution & Credentials:
- Supervised by | Jin Xiaosi
- Chief Editor | Wu Xiaofei
- Reviewed by | Yu Ling, Sun Feng
- Edited by | Yang Lichao
- Source | Yuanhua Branch of the Municipal Media Center; Town Party Building Office (Publicity)
