Full coverage: Writer Chen Zhongshi Passes Away

The 1993 novel "White Deer Plain" stands as a classic of 20th-century Chinese literature. Its story, set in Shaanxi Province between the end of the Qing dynasty in 1911 and the founding of the "People's Republic" in 1949, is frequently retold through dramatizations, including a new play that came to Beijing in March. Today, we bid farewell to the book's author, Chen Zhongshi, at his funeral in Xi'an.

Today, we bid farewell to the book's author, Chen Zhongshi, at his funeral in Xi'an.

Family members, fans, and members of China's literature circles, gathered to say goodbye to the great artist who won China's top Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1997.

Among them was famed writer, Jia Pingwa.

"Although Chen Zhongshi has passed away, he left the world with his masterpieces and his spirit, and these will stay with us forever," said writer Jia Pingwa.

"He's a real master. From 'White Deer Plain', I can see history and human nature," said a writer.

Chen died in hospital from cancer on the 29th of April at the age of 73, but his eloquent pen echoes still.

Today, we bid farewell to the book's author, Chen Zhongshi, at his funeral in Xi'an.