ZHOU YI          周易

Zhou Yi (周易, aka Zhou Tsaiwen and Cecilia Chung), the daughter of celebrated Grand Master of Beijing Opera Zhou Xinfang (周信芳), grew up in Shanghai in the 30's through 50's and studied journalism at the elite St. John’s University. Her mother Lillian’s  broad social circle provided her with great opportunities to observe first hand the now lost world of old Shanghai with its unique blend of East and West.

 

She is the author of numerous short stories (including Divorce, Autumn Dusk, Long Nights, Remorse, The Evening, and Two Women), a book review of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, 

and a translation of D. H. Lawrence’s The Rocking-Horse Winner,

all published in Chinese in Hong Kong and China.

 

After several years in Hong Kong, she settled in San Francisco, where she and her husband opened the wildly successful China House, the first high profile restaurant to introduce Shanghai cuisine to the U.S.  Below the Shanghai Art Deco mural, diners feasted on Shanghai dishes that had been virtually lost during 

China's tumultuous Cultural Revolution. Zhou and her husband hosted dignitaries, celebrities and a loyal local following, educating them on the best ways to enjoy food (and life). 

 

Leaving the restaurant business behind, she has returned to her first love, writing, and is currently seeking representation for her English language novels, On Fortune's Shore and Through the Loops of Time, and memoir, Unicorns. She lives in San Francisco, close to her daughter, Tora.