Wanqing Chen is a multimedia journalist and documentary producer based in China. She primarily focuses on stories about underrepresented communities and investigations into social injustice. Previously, she worked with the Associated Press in Beijing. Her coverage ranges from gender and workers’ rights, to China’s economy and U.S.-China relations.Her reporting has been republished by international media including NPR, SCMP, and more. Her coverage of Chinese feminist groups won an AAJA award in 2023.Born and raised in a steelworking community in Wuhan, Wanqing learned early on how to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. As she moves from the small steel town to a broader world, she brings this nuanced understanding to every endeavor.Experiencing the Wuhan lockdown firsthand in 2020, Wanqing found her calling in covering social issues and understanding the complexities about China and the world from a humane perspective. During this time, she also found her flair for gaining access to difficult spaces. The experiences and reflections drove her to transition from finance to documentary filmmaking and journalism.In her free time, she enjoys working out, reading, cooking, meeting new people, and exploring nature - perhaps partly shaped by her childhood along Yangtze River and East Lake.Fun fact:
Wanqing holds a BSc and MSc degree in Financial Engineering and has worked as an equity research analyst covering TMT at a hedge fund in Shanghai. So besides writing and filming, she is proficient in Python, R, Stata and other programming tools that assist with modelling/data analysis and market assessment.
Another fun fact:
Wanqing began training in painting and dance at age three, and has participated in numerous shows and competitions for years. From childhood to university, she has performed diverse styles like hip-hop, jazz, and traditional Chinese dance at galas, and won a second prize at a traditional Chinese dance competition.