Ba Jin was a prominent Chinese writer and social activist, born on November 25, 1904, in Chengdu, Sichuan. His real name was Li Fei, and he adopted the pen name Ba Jin, which means "Eight Jins." He is best known for his novels that explore themes of family, love, and social change, particularly during the tumultuous period of the early 20th century in China. Ba Jin's most famous works include the trilogy Torrents, which reflects the struggles of traditional Chinese families against modern influences. He was also an advocate for social justice and democracy, actively participating in various political movements throughout his life. Ba Jin passed away on October 17, 2005, leaving a lasting legacy in Chinese literature.