1980s: Boom time for Idols booming

China flourished in the 1980s, and this decade brought new idols, many of whom were quite different from those of the 1970s.

First came the heroes. Typical of these were Zhang Haidi, a strong-minded disabled girl, young hero Lai Ning who died a fire-fighting martyr, and so on. People modeled themselves on these idealized heroes, and took them as their examples.

Zhang Haidi

Another group were famous for their literary skills. In the poetry circle were Gu Cheng, Bei Dao and Shu Ting. Hong Kong novelist Jin Yong (also named Louis Cha), Taiwan author Sanmao-pseudonym of Chen Ping – and Taiwan romantic novelist Chiung Yao were also popular with the Chinese public.

Among the icons of this era, the Chinese women's volleyball team were the greatest heroes. With the team winning a series of 5 world championships from 1981 to 1986, the name of China gained international renown. This reinforced the Chinese people's sense of honor, and also boosted the nation's confidence. It is no exaggeration to say that the spirit of the Chinese women's team symbolized the people’s passion for struggle throughout the 1980s.

Chinese women's volleyball team