China’s first woman pilot from Tibet who excels in basketball and skateboarding and dreams of becoming the “coolest captain” has captured attention at the Changchun Air Show.
On September 20, Gesang Baizhen, the 25-year-old fighter pilot with the Chinese Air Force, took the stage at the air show in northeastern China.
According to the mainland media outlet Jimu News, Gesang grew up in a Tibetan family. Her name was inspired by the “flower of the plateau” and “white pearl”.
In secondary school, inspired by Chinese women astronauts Liu Yang and Wang Yaping, Gesang developed a passion for aviation.
Soon, she was admitted to the Air Force Aviation University, where she gained a solid foundation in flying.
In October 2024, Gesang successfully completed all assessments to become a fighter pilot.
Mainland reports suggest she consistently ranked at the top in each evaluation, earning the respect of her instructors.
Gesang said that, as a woman pilot of a heavy fighter jet, she faces immense pressure, but it also fuels her determination to push forward.
She said: “There are physiological differences between men and women, so I have always prioritised physical fitness. As long as I am in the sky, I am a warrior.”
Her ultimate goal, she added, is to protect her country.
According to Guangming Daily, Gesang enjoys a variety of sports such as basketball, skateboarding, dancing and swimming.
She also mentioned that her idol is Tan Hongmei and expressed her desire to become the “coolest female captain” like Tan.
At 46, Tan is a seasoned large transport aircraft pilot who has flown six different aircraft models and took part in the Beijing military parade in September.
Gesang is currently continuing her studies at the Xi’an Flying College of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force.
She encouraged young people with dreams of flying, saying: “Our future is limitless. As long as we believe in ourselves, we can achieve great things.”
Gesang’s story has resonated widely on mainland social media.
One online observer said: “She is brave, beautiful and full of personality. She is a source of pride for the Tibetan people in China.”
“Growing up on the plateau, enduring hypoxia and harsh cold has become her strength. She has become an eagle,” said another.
China’s military is witnessing the rise of many talented women.
One stand-out is 26-year-old Xu Fengcan, often dubbed the country’s “most beautiful female pilot” for her resemblance to South Korean actress Song Hye-kyo.
Xu has also served as a commentator at the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition and was a deputy at the 2023 National People’s Congress, a prestigious political role in China. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
