My first book, Let Only Red Flowers Bloom, was published by Crown on March 18, 2025.
Based on years of on-the-ground reporting in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and beyond it’s a literary non-fiction exploration of what it means to be Chinese today in Xi Jinping’s China.
“…gripping and scrupulously reported…” - The Washington Post
“The book has an eye for luminous detail… a swan song for a vanishing world.” - The Financial Times
“…a fascinating portrayal of people on the margins of Chinese society struggling to survive in a country where the tides could shift at any moment.” - Los Angeles Review of Books
"Reviewed by The Wall Street Journal
“…dazzling…Her writing here is concise yet replete with empathy, insight, context and narrative momentum.” - BookPage starred review
“…a fearless work of reportage…” - Shelf Awareness
Chosen as one of the Most Anticipated Books of 2025 by Foreign Policy
Among the Most Anticipated Nonfiction of 2025 by Barnes and Noble
“Essential reading for anyone interested in geopolitics—or the world of the near future.” - Kirkus Starred Review
“…powerfully told…” - Taipei Times
I am currently based in Washington D.C. Before that, I spent a decade living in Taipei, Taiwan and Beijing, China.
I’m attracted to how identity shapes our view of the world and the backstories behind the headlines. I love stories that explore the overlooked, quirky, and personality-driven side of news.
Get in contact
You can email me at emily.z.feng@gmail.com
I’m represented by Sylvie Carr at the Parse Agency. For book-related speaking engagements, please contact sc@parseagency.com.