Chen Kaige Family Tree: The Story Behind Farewell My Concubine

Chen Kaige, born 12 August 1952 in Beijing, China, is one of China's Fifth Generation directors — Yellow Earth (1984, cinematography by Zhang Yimou), Farewell My Concubine (1993 — Cannes Palme d'Or — first Chinese-language film), The Emperor and the Assassin (1998), Together (2002), The Promise (2005), The Battle at Lake Changjin (2021 — highest-grossing Chinese film ever).

The Family's Roots: A Beijing Cinema Family

Father was also a director.

His Parents

Father: Chen Huaikai (1920–1994) — Chinese director.

Mother: Liu Yanchi — screenwriter.

His Wives

Sun Jia'in (m. c. 1985, div.) — first wife.

Chen Hong (m. 1996) — Chinese actress; producer.

His Sons (with Chen Hong)

Chen Yudong (Arthur Chen), born 8 October 1999 — son; actor.

Chen Feiyu (Arthur), born 21 September 2000 — son; actor/model.

The Chen Family Tree at a Glance

Father: Chen Huaikai (1920–1994) — director.

Mother: Liu Yanchi — screenwriter.

First Wife: Sun Jia'in (c. 1985, div.).

Wife: Chen Hong (m. 1996) — actress.

Sons: Chen Yudong (b. 8 October 1999); Chen Feiyu (b. 21 September 2000).

Chen Kaige:

  • Born 12 August 1952, Beijing
  • Sent-down youth: Yunnan rubber-tree plantation 1969-73 (Cultural Revolution)
  • People's Liberation Army 1970-75
  • Beijing Film Academy Directing 1978 (with Zhang Yimou class of Fifth Generation)
  • Yellow Earth (1984) — Fifth Generation breakthrough
  • Farewell My Concubine (1993): first Chinese-language Palme d'Or
  • 2 Academy Award Best Foreign Language Film nominations
  • Chen Feiyu and Chen Yudong both became actors

What the Chen Family Story Teaches Us

A director father. A screenwriter mother. Two marriages producing two actor-model sons. A career that captured China's first Palme d'Or — for a film about Peking Opera.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Chen story carries the same lesson. Some families produce three generations of Chinese cinema in one household.

👉 Start building your family legacy today with Family Root App

📜 Disclaimer The family tree and biographical information provided in this article are based on publicly available sources and records. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or authenticity of all data. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not aim to infringe on any individual's privacy or personal rights. If you believe any information is incorrect or wish to request edits or removal, please contact us at Info@familyrootapp.com.