Lee Ya-Ching (Li Xiaqing) with American women aviators, 1939
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Courtesy of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, NASM 85-4640
China’s first female aviator, Lee Ya-Ching, was popular among Americans. When China was invaded in 1937, she piloted Red Cross planes between Hong Kong and Canton. The following year, Lee made a goodwill tour of the United States and Canada to collect aid and garner support for Chinese civilians. She also enjoyed a fruitful acting career, starring in several films under the stage name Li Dandan.