Zhou Weihui, known in English as Wei Hui, studied Chinese Language and Literature at Fudan University in Shanghai, after a year of military training.

Soon after its publication, Shanghai Baby was banned by the Chinese government because of the novel's explicit sexual scenes and bold portrait of China's new generation.

Shanghai Baby has been translated into 34 different languages and has sold over six million copies in 45 countries, more than any other work of Chinese contemporary literature.

Marrying Buddha, Wei's second novel and a sequel to Shanghai Baby, was published in 2005 and became another international bestseller.

Wei Hui has been regarded by international media as a spokeswoman of the new generation of Chinese young women.