File photo taken in 1962 shows a portrait of Yang Wuneng, then a teaching staff member at the German language faculty of today's Sichuan International Studies University. In a career that spans over 60 years, Yang Wuneng has translated 31 German classics into the Chinese language, including "Faust", "Selected Poems of Heinrich Heine" and "Immensee." Many of his translations are still bestselling books in some bookstores. His translation of "Grimms' Fairy Tales," for instance, has been popular among Chinese readers for many generations. Today, Yang is still an active figure in the literary and translation circle. He also loves to communicate with his readers. Every year, he attends cultural events at Chongqing Library, meeting young fans of his "Grimms' Fairy Tales" in person. Just recently, the octogenarian translator has opened his official account on instant messaging platform WeChat, telling readers the stories behind his translations. "The ultimate goal of life is to make contributions," says Yang, who has received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Translation, one of the most prestigious translation prizes in China. "I've decided to focus my work on classics from the very start. I wish I could make my own contributions as a translator. I wish I could help inspire Chinese readers by enriching the pool of fine literature available to them." (Xinhua)
