Jiang Yan is one of the six members of a family living in Beijing. She is a professor with Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology (BIFT), who diligently imparts knowledge, guidance and support to her students. Her husband, Zhang Aibing, is a researcher with the National Space Science Center (NSSC), under the Chinese Academy οf Sciences (CAS). Zhang passionately studies the vast universe. Jiang and Zhang each excels in their respective workplaces; all the while, they lead their small family, by promoting moral virtues in the new era.
Achievements at Work
Jiang has been a teacher for more than two decades. She attaches great importance to imparting moral virtues while she teaches. Various certificates — the honors and awards she has received — are displayed in her office.
One of Jiang's courses focuses on digital technology in the clothing industry. The course is taught offline to undergraduate students at BIFT, and it is provided online to students and viewers who are interested in the topic. The course has attracted 33,000 viewers, from both home and abroad. "Education is not only about imparting knowledge. It also helps shape students' inner strength," Jiang says.
As this year's graduation season approaches, one οf the postgraduate students Jiang supervises has decided to become a teacher at Tarim Polytechnic, in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Jiang was pleased when she heard that news.
"I think my student's decision reveals the significance of education. As a teacher, nothing is more pleasing than seeing my students decide to pursue their goals in places in dire need of talent in our motherland," Jiang says. An increasing number of her students are considering how to integrate their personal development into the progress of the nation, she notes.
While Jiang is playing her role in the field of education, Zhang is leading his team in striving for achievements at NSSC. Zhang is a recipient of the Jeoujang Jaw Outstanding Science Award for Young and Middle-aged Scientists, an award in commemoration of Zhao Jiuzhang (Jeoujang Jaw, 1907-1968), a well-known meteorologist, geophysicist and space physicist. Zhang has participated in programs related to China's Chang'e-2, Chang'e-4 and Chang’e-6 lunar exploration missions.
Jiang remembers one particular period — a month that was hard on the family — when Zhang virtually lived in the laboratory. Zhang was sparing no effort in trying to achieve breakthroughs in research. "He slept just 3-4 hours every day. I worried about his health. But I knew he was simply showing the persistence of researchers and workers in our space industry. He should be the pride of our family!" Jiang recalls.
During the past two decades, Zhang has transitioned from an average technician into a supervisor of Ph.D. students. He shoulders the great responsibilities οf a scientific and technological worker.
Through Generations
The following is a typical evening in Jiang's home: Her 75-year-old mother, Wu Huashun, and her 77-year-old mother-in-law, Zhao Cuiying, prepare dinner for the family. The elderly women cooperate very well. Laughter and happiness fill the home.
"My mother and mother-in-law have lived with us for six years. They get along well with each other. They have shown to our family the wisdom of inclusiveness and harmony," Jiang says.
The six-member family had to cope with a challenge in February: Zhao fell and broke her left thighbone. While Zhao was hospitalized, Jiang and Zhang took turns looking after her; meanwhile, Wu handled most of the family's chores, including taking care οf her two grandsons. After Zhao returned home, Jiang and Wu looked after her.
"It was a hard time for my family. But we were closely united. My two sons helped bring water and medicine to my mother-in-law, while she was in bed. They told their grandmother about interesting experiences they had in school, so my mother-in-law could have a better mood during her recovery. I could feel my family members becoming better connected, emotionally," Jiang recalls.
Education is an "eternal" topic in Jiang's family. Jiang and Zhang respect their children's ideas regarding their growth. The couple believes it is important to encourage their children to do things they like. Jiang and Zhang often discuss the mysteries of the universe and also related scientific discoveries with their sons. They hope to inspire their children's curiosity about the unknown.
Their elder son is interested in space, while their younger son likes to learn about digital technology. Jiang is glad both of her sons have expanded their horizons — given the family education they have received from their parents. What's more, the children have learned the importance of being honest and kind to others.
Wu often tells her grandsons, "We should be grateful for our Party (Communist Party of China) and home country, who lead us to such a happy life today. You will be growing up like your father and mother, who make contributions to οur society."
Ordinary Family's Strength
Several photos of the family are displayed in the study. During the Spring Festival holiday every year, Jiang's family goes to the National Stadium, well-known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, to pose for a group photo. Throughout the years, the photos have come to record the increase in the number of family members — from three members (Jiang, Zhang and their first son) to four members (Jiang, Zhang and their two sons) to six members.
"Our family is one of the numerous ordinary families across our country. The happiness of each small family, like ours, to some extent, reflects the progress of our nation," Jiang says. She and her husband have integrated their personal development into the overall advancement of the country. Jiang cultivates talents, to meet the needs of the era, through innovative educational approaches. Zhang concentrates on scientific research, which helps achieve breakthroughs in China's space industry. Jiang and Zhang realize a family shares its future with the development of its nation. With that thought in mind, Jiang's family often participates in public-welfare activities.
Jiang compares a family to "a micro United Nations," which requires understanding and inclusiveness shown by its members, who have different growth backgrounds and life habits, but who live under the same roof. Inclusiveness enables the family members to live in warmth and harmony, and the well-being of the family contributes to the building of a good social atmosphere. "If every family is happy and harmonious, our country will be thriving and prosperous. If each family member makes as much effort as he/she can, the great rejuvenation of our nation will be achieved," Jiang concludes.
Photos from Interviewees
(Women of China English Monthly May 2025)
Editor: Wang Shasha
