BEIJING - Renowned Chinese film director Xie Tieli died at the age of 90 in Beijing on Friday, according to a statement from the China Film Group Corporation.

Born in 1925, Xie is regarded as one of the leading figures in the "Third Generation" of Chinese directors, the group who rose to prominence after the founding of the New China in 1949.

The winner of a best director award and a lifetime achievement award from the Golden Rooster film awards, China's Oscars equivalent, his best-known films include "Early Spring in February" (or "Early Spring"), "Bosom Friend", "Tempest" and "A Dream of Red Mansions".

He was thought of as one of China's most influential filmmakers.

Xie was formerly deputy head of the Beijing Film Studio, one of China's major film production companies, chairman of the China Film Association and president of the China Film Directors' Guild.

He had also served as a legislator in the National People's Congress.