A pioneer in translating Chinese into Spanish, Marcela de Juan (1905–1981) led a life worthy of a novel. Born in Havana to a Mandarin father and a Belgian mother, she spent her childhood and youth between Madrid and Beijing. Almost without intending to, this life trajectory became both a bridge and a legacy. She was not only responsible for some of the first anthologies of Chinese poetry in Spanish, but also dedicated herself to promoting various aspects of Chinese culture and society in Spain. As a tribute, the library of the Instituto Cervantes in Shanghai now bears her name and is hosting an exhibition featuring articles and photographs that trace her life and work.