According to Yahoo, in mid-July, Renmin University of China announced the results of its review of Jiang Fangzhou's 2019 master's thesis. The university concluded that nine sections of the thesis overlapped with research published abroad 14 years prior. Additionally, Jiang Fangzhou's thesis contained improper annotations and references.

The university determined she violated academic research regulations, leading to the revocation of her master's degree.

Writer Jiang Fangzhou, 35 years old. Photo: Sohu

Subsequently, on her personal page, the writer stated she accepted the disciplinary action. Jiang Fangzhou apologized to writer Yan Lianke, her former thesis advisor, and also expressed regret for "disappointing readers".

Yan Lianke was penalized with a one-year suspension from advising students. The academic scandal gained public attention in China in June 2026, after Professor Xiao Ying of Tsinghua University published an article questioning Jiang Fangzhou about signs of plagiarizing others' research. Initially, Jiang Fangzhou denied plagiarism and claimed she had "reported to the police" the person she accused of slandering her.

Currently, Jiang Fangzhou's earlier novels are under suspicion of not being solely her work. Many speculate that her mother, Shang Ailan, a literature teacher and writer, may have written them for her.

For instance, a passage from a work Jiang Fangzhou published at 12 years old reads: "Once a woman marries, within five years, her husband no longer dares to closely admire his wife. Even if he does, he won't dare to look a second time".

Jiang Fangzhou was born in Hubei province and began writing literature at seven years old. At 10, she published her first book, "Opening the Gates of Heaven". At 11, she released her novel "Blossoming", which sparked extensive public discussion and debate regarding its content and language.

She also published novels and fairy tales such as "I Am an Animal", "The Rainbow Rider", "Childhood Judgment", and "I Admit I've Never Experienced It". Jiang Fangzhou won numerous literary awards and was hailed as China's "child prodigy" in the literary scene.

By Nhu Anh