Sanmao, China's favorite son turns 70
(Shanghai Daily)
Updated: 2005-07-28 11:10

Late Taiwan well read writer Chen Ping also chose Sanmao as her pen name out of her deep love and sympathy for the happy-go-lucky, homeless boy in old Shanghai. [baidu]

"It is not an exaggeration to say that three generations of Chinese - from the elderly to children in kindergartens - have grown up with Sanmao," he says.

The cartoon strips have also been translated into many foreign languages and introduced to other regions and countries.

The boy's bittersweet stories have moved thousands of readers around the world. Renowned late Taiwanese writer Chen Ping 1943-91) even chose "San Mao" as her pen name out of her deep fondness and sympathy for the lonely, homeless boy.

Today, the whole nation is celebrating Sanmao's 70th birthday and in his birth place of Shanghai, a launching ceremony for two books on Sanmao and his "father" Zhang Leping will be held today at the Shanghai Library.

Earlier this month, a newly adapted multimedia children's drama "Sanmao Joins the Army" was staged in Beijing and attracted audiences of thousands of young people.

Meanwhile, a 104-episode cartoon sitcom about Sanmao is now being made by China Central Television, together with an online game designed by a Chengdu-based company.

In the game, a modern version of Sanmao will guide players in an exploration of the planets of the solar system.

"If my father were still alive, he would be very glad to see the children of today enjoying a peaceful and happy childhood through Sanmao's stories," Zhang says.

Perhaps one of the main reasons for Sanmao being so widely loved is that he never fails to keep up with the times.

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