Olympic champion Yang Qian (left) visited a charity service center in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province on Nov 27. [Photo/Ningbo Daily News]

Yang Qian, an Olympic champion from Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province, set up a charitable fund in her hometown on Nov 27.

While visiting a local charity service center, Yang said she has always wanted to join in charity efforts in Ningbo.

She donated 300,000 yuan ($46,959) to set up a charitable fund entitled "Huaqian Charitable Fund", which will be used for the development of education and sports.

"Zhonghua (meaning "China") is our motherland, and I am a student of Tsinghua University. That's why I combined the word 'Hua' with my given name 'Qian'. I hope it will help people in need," Yang said with a smile.

Yang recently learned about the story of "Shun qi zi ran", an anonymous donor in Ningbo who has donated more than 13.63 million yuan over the past 23 years. She said that she was touched by the spirit of this mysterious donor and was happy to participate in philanthropic efforts in Ningbo.

During her visit to the center, Yang bought many accessories from a charity store whose revenue will go toward charitable causes. She also donated her autograph postcards and sportswear to the store.