A bestselling Taiwanese author died thirty-five years ago. Today, millions of Chinese readers, and thousands of Chinese tourists, get their first glimpse of Africa through her eyes. But did Sanmao’s Africa exist?

7 years.

6 countries.

4 continents.

Find out why I crisscrossed the world chasing one of China’s most elusive writers.

Read: Issue 002 of Now Voyager

Learn more about how I reported this story.

Read my behind the scenes interview with Now Voyager magazine.

Watch or Listen to me speak about what Sanmao means for Chinese engagement with Africa on the China Global South Project.