Unboxing Old Photos: Liang Shih-chiu and Han Jing-ching's May-December Romance
In 1975, 73-year-old literary master Liang Shih-chiu married 45-year-old artist Han Jing-ching in Taipei. This May-December romance, with an age difference of nearly 30 years, caused considerable controversy in the then-conservative society and literary circles. Liang Shih-chiu, who was grieving the loss of his former wife, remarried after meeting Han Jing-ching and spent his later years with her.
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- 📰 Published: May 6, 2026 at 09:03
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Central News Agency
(CNA website) On May 9, 1975, 73-year-old literary master Liang Shih-chiu and 45-year-old artist Han Jing-ching held their wedding in Taipei. This May-December romance, with an age difference of nearly 30 years, caused considerable controversy in the then-conservative society and literary circles.
Liang Shih-chiu is renowned in the Chinese-speaking world, dedicating his life to literary research and translation. His 37-year solo effort to translate 'The Complete Works of Shakespeare' was a significant milestone in Chinese literary circles; his essay collection 'Ya She Xiao Pin' (Sketches from the Cozy Studio) drew on everyday topics with wit and charm, widely beloved by readers.
Liang Shih-chiu and his first wife, Cheng Chi-shu, shared a deep affection. In 1974, Cheng Chi-shu passed away unexpectedly, leaving him heartbroken. He wrote 'Huai Yuan Meng Yi' (Memories of Huaiyuan) to commemorate their nearly half-century of life together, with sincere emotions that moved countless readers.
Soon after, Liang Shih-chiu serendipitously met Han Jing-ching. Han Jing-ching, originally named Han Derong, rose to prominence in her youth by participating in a singing competition in Shanghai, becoming active in the Hong Kong music and film industries, and gaining considerable fame in both Taiwan and Hong Kong. She was not only multi-talented but also well-versed in classical poetry and literature. When they first met in 1974, they hit it off immediately and quickly fell in love. Within a few months, Liang Shih-chiu had written hundreds of love letters to Han Jing-ching.
When their romance became public, gossip spread like wildfire. Besides the criticism over the age gap of their 'old-young pairing' and their disparate backgrounds, many people were still immersed in the grief of 'Huai Yuan Meng Yi' and found it difficult to accept Liang Shih-chiu's twilight romance; friends advised him to stop, and students formed a 'teacher protection group' to dissuade the relationship.
The external rumors and gossip could not shake Liang Shih-chiu's passion and determination, and he remarried a year after his bereavement. After marriage, the couple was deeply devoted. With Han Jing-ching's companionship, Liang Shih-chiu enjoyed his later years and completed works such as 'A History of English Literature' and 'Selections from English Literature'. They ultimately spent 12 years together until Liang Shih-chiu's passing in 1987.
To see more photos of Liang Shih-chiu and Han Jing-ching, visit the CNA Image Space immediately. 1150506
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(CNA website) On May 9, 1975, 73-year-old literary master Liang Shih-chiu and 45-year-old artist Han Jing-ching held their wedding in Taipei. This May-December romance, with an age difference of nearly 30 years, caused considerable controversy in the then-conservative society and literary circles.
Liang Shih-chiu is renowned in the Chinese-speaking world, dedicating his life to literary research and translation. His 37-year solo effort to translate 'The Complete Works of Shakespeare' was a significant milestone in Chinese literary circles; his essay collection 'Ya She Xiao Pin' (Sketches from the Cozy Studio) drew on everyday topics with wit and charm, widely beloved by readers.
Liang Shih-chiu and his first wife, Cheng Chi-shu, shared a deep affection. In 1974, Cheng Chi-shu passed away unexpectedly, leaving him heartbroken. He wrote 'Huai Yuan Meng Yi' (Memories of Huaiyuan) to commemorate their nearly half-century of life together, with sincere emotions that moved countless readers.
Soon after, Liang Shih-chiu serendipitously met Han Jing-ching. Han Jing-ching, originally named Han Derong, rose to prominence in her youth by participating in a singing competition in Shanghai, becoming active in the Hong Kong music and film industries, and gaining considerable fame in both Taiwan and Hong Kong. She was not only multi-talented but also well-versed in classical poetry and literature. When they first met in 1974, they hit it off immediately and quickly fell in love. Within a few months, Liang Shih-chiu had written hundreds of love letters to Han Jing-ching.
When their romance became public, gossip spread like wildfire. Besides the criticism over the age gap of their 'old-young pairing' and their disparate backgrounds, many people were still immersed in the grief of 'Huai Yuan Meng Yi' and found it difficult to accept Liang Shih-chiu's twilight romance; friends advised him to stop, and students formed a 'teacher protection group' to dissuade the relationship.
The external rumors and gossip could not shake Liang Shih-chiu's passion and determination, and he remarried a year after his bereavement. After marriage, the couple was deeply devoted. With Han Jing-ching's companionship, Liang Shih-chiu enjoyed his later years and completed works such as 'A History of English Literature' and 'Selections from English Literature'. They ultimately spent 12 years together until Liang Shih-chiu's passing in 1987.
To see more photos of Liang Shih-chiu and Han Jing-ching, visit the CNA Image Space immediately. 1150506
Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship you provide is a force for protecting press freedom.
Download the CNA 'First-hand News' APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.