In Loving Memory of Ms. Liu Biru (1919–2025)
Introduction:
This article is an English adaptation of a tribute originally shared on the Jiangsu-based forum 化龙巷 on September 9, 2025. It commemorates the life and legacy of Ms. Liu Biru, daughter of the renowned Chinese industrialist Liu Guojun. As a philanthropist, business leader, and cultural advocate, Ms. Liu played a vital role in preserving Changzhou’s heritage and advancing its social development. Through this translation, we hope to honor her memory and share her story with a wider audience.
A Legacy of Compassion and Civic Spirit
Ms. Liu Biru, a revered philanthropist and business leader, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025, at the age of 106. Born in June 1919 in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, she was the eldest daughter of Liu Guojun, a pioneering industrialist whose name remains synonymous with integrity and innovation in Chinese business history. She was also the wife of Mr. Cha Jiming, the celebrated “Textile King of Africa,” a prominent entrepreneur and social activist.
Her passing was formally commemorated by the Zhejiang University Education Foundation, where she served as an Honorary Trustee. The tribute recognized her lifelong contributions to education, industry, and public welfare.
One of Ms. Liu’s most cherished philanthropic acts was her generous donation of 280,000 yuan in the early 1980s to restore the historic Wenbi Pagoda in Changzhou. At the time, this was a substantial sum, and her support proved pivotal in preserving the cultural landmark. The restoration was later documented with a photograph discovered by Mr. Sun Genqi, former General Manager of the Classical Garden Architecture Engineering Company, which confirmed the successful completion of the project and stands as a testament to Ms. Liu’s enduring love for her hometown.
But the Wenbi Pagoda was just one example of her benevolence. She also helped establish the Liu Guojun Vocational and Technical School, named in honor of her father, to promote practical education and skill development for future generations.
According to public records, Ms. Liu Biru was born in Changzhou and hailed from Jingjiang, Jiangsu. She held numerous leadership roles throughout her life, including Vice Chairwoman of the Jiangsu Provincial Political Consultative Conference, Vice Governor of Jiangsu Province, and Standing Committee Member of the CPPCC. She also served as Chairwoman of the Cha Foundation, Chairwoman of Hong Kong Mingli Group, Director of China Dyeing Factory Group, and held board positions with the Hong Kong Qiu Shi Science and Technology Foundation and the Liu Guojun Vocational Education Foundation.
Her early education began at age ten in the Liu family’s private school near Baijiaqiao, where she studied under disciples of renowned Confucian scholar Qian Mingshan, including the famous Changzhou poets Su Diechen and Qian Xiaosan. She immersed herself in classical Chinese literature and Confucian teachings, laying the foundation for a life steeped in cultural values.
In 1936, she married Mr. Cha Jiming, and together they devoted themselves to the development of China’s textile industry. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, the couple relocated to Chongqing, where they jointly managed the Daming Dyeing and Weaving Factory. In 1948, they moved to Hong Kong and founded the China Dyeing Factory, which played a vital role in sustaining and advancing the national textile sector.
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.
Attribution & Credentials:
- Original Source | Posted by sxq4901 on 化龙巷, Jiangsu (September 9, 2025)
