Ruan Lingyu’s Three-Mile Funeral Procession

In 1935, Chinese silent film star Ruan Lingyu committed suicide in Shanghai at age 24, after relentless Shanghai gossip tabloids exposed and picked apart her private life. The scandal and constant press attacks added intense pressure to her already troubled personal situation. Her death shocked the city and drew enormous crowds. Her funeral procession stretched for about three miles, and during the event, three women in the crowd committed suicide.

Previous Fact Next Fact