Cai Chongda

Cai Chongda
Native name	蔡崇達
Born	(1982-05-27) May 27, 1982 Dongshi, Fujian, China
Occupation	Journalist writer editor
Nationality	Chinese
Alma mater	Quanzhou Normal University
Notable works	Vessel: A Memoir
Chinese name
Chinese	蔡崇達
Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin Cài Chóngdá Southern Min Hokkien POJ Chhòa Chông-ta̍t

Cai Chongda (born May 27, 1982) is a Chinese journalist, magazine editor, and writer, best known for his memoir, Vessel: A Memoir (pinyin: Pínáng). He currently serves as the executive editor of China News Weekly.

Early life and education

Cai was born on May 27, 1982, in the seaside town of Dongshi, Fujian, China to an underprivileged family. At the age of 16, he won first place at a national composition competition, and published a book the following year. He attended Quanzhou Normal University, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in 2004.

Career

At 24, Cai became the News Editor of Modern Weekly, a Chinese magazine. At the age of 27, Cai became Director of Reporting at GQ China, becoming the youngest person to hold this position across GQ's 17 international branches. In 2015, he founded Magmode, a menswear brand.

Works

In 2014, he published the essay collection, Pínáng (皮囊). The book became a bestseller in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, selling over 3 million copies in China. In 2021, it was translated by Dylan Levi King into English, published under the title Vessel: A Memoir. Vessel's film rights have since been purchased by Andy Lau, a Hong Kong actor.