Ha Jin is the pen name of Jin Xuefei, a novelist, poet, short story writer, and Professor of English at Boston University. Born on February 21, 1956, in Liaoning, China, Jin holds dual Chinese-American nationality. His work is primarily written in English and often explores themes related to China, a decision influenced by political events such as the Tiananmen Square incident.

Ha Jin's literary career is marked by numerous awards, including the National Book Award in 1999, the Faulkner Award in 2005, and recognition by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2006. He has also been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2005.

Ha Jin is a significant figure in the modern literary world, and his poetry is associated with the Misty Poetry movement. His chosen pen name, "Ha," is a tribute to his favorite city, Harbin.