Chinese writer Wang Meng.[Photo/Xinhua]

Wang Meng, writer, born October 1934

Wang is former minister of culture. Many of his works have been translated into more than 20 languages and published in various countries. Wang, a winner of China's prestigious Maodun Literature Prize, has made outstanding contributions to contemporary Chinese literature.

Qin Yi, actress, born January 1922

Qin is a national-level actress as well as a member of the third, fourth and fifth National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Adhering to the creative orientation of literature and art serving socialism and taking people as the center, she has starred in more than 30 films.

Guo Lanying, opera singer, born December 1930

Guo is an opera singer and vocalist who has made great contributions to China's music and music education. As a singer and performer, she is well-known for her popular songs and the vivid characters she portrayed. As a vocal artist and music educator, she helped establish the folk opera performance system and helped develop traditional Chinese vocal arts.

Fan Jinshi, archaeologist, born July 1938

Fan Jinshi is an archaeologist who has devoted herself to research and study in Dunhuang, Northwest China's Gansu province. She is an explorer and a guardian of Dunhuang's cultural relics. Based in the desert regions, she established a chronological catalog of the Mogao Caves, which facilitated the scientific protection of the ancient formations. She was honored as a National Excellent Communist Party Member and rated as a national advanced worker.