introduce famous figures in Chinese history
Ji Gong (济公) (1130 or 1148–1209), also known as Li Xiuyuan in secular life and Daoji in Buddhist monastic life, hailed from Yongning Village, Tiantai County (now Tiantai County, Zhejiang Province), in the area of Taizhou, China. He was a renowned monk during the Southern Song Dynasty, revered by later generations as the “Living Buddha […]
Monk Ji Gong – a legendary figure in Song Dynasty Read More »
Qiu Chuji (丘处机) (1148 – 1227), also known as Changchun Zi (Longevity Master), was born in 1148 in Qixia, which is now part of Shandong Province, China. Renowned as one of the “Seven Northern Immortals” of the Quanzhen Daoist tradition, he achieved global acclaim for his remarkable journey at the age of 74 to the
Sun Quan (孙权) (182–252), born in Fuchun County, Wu Commandery (present-day Fuyang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang), was a pivotal figure during the Three Kingdoms period, serving as the founding emperor of the Wu state. He was not only a skilled military strategist but also a astute political leader. The groundwork for Sun Quan’s rise to power
Wang Shouren (王守仁) (1472-1529), also known by his courtesy name Yangming, was a prominent thinker, literary figure, military strategist, and educator of the Ming Dynasty in China. Born in the northern part of Yuyao, Zhejiang province, Wang was the son of Wang Hua, a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Personnel in Nanjing. Wang Shouren
Wang Shouren – A Prominent Figure in Neo-Confucianism Read More »
Zhang Xianzhong (张献忠) (1606-1647) was a key figure in the tumultuous era of the late Ming Dynasty in China. Born into poverty in the village of Liuqu in Haotan Township, Dingbian County, Shaanxi Province, Zhang rose to prominence as a leader of a peasant uprising and became the founder of the Daxi regime. In the
Zhang Xianzhong – A Key Rebel Leader in Late Ming Dynasty Read More »
Wu Cheng’en (吴承恩) (approximately 1504–1582) was a prominent Chinese Ming dynasty writer and government official, hailing from Lianshui (present-day Lianshui County, Jiangsu Province), and later residing in Shanyang (modern Huai’an City, Jiangsu Province). Wu Cheng’en gained renown for his exceptional literary talents from a young age. In the eighth year of the Jiajing reign (1529),
Wu Cheng’en – The Author of The Journey to the West Read More »
Bai Juyi (白居易) (772-846) was a prominent figure in Chinese literature, hailing from Huazhou Xiagui (modern Weinan, Shaanxi) and born in Xinzheng, Henan. He emerged as a realist poet during the Tang Dynasty, securing his place as one of the three major poets of the era. Bai Juyi’s early life was marked by the turmoil
Bai Juyi – One of the Three Major Poets of Tang Dynasty Read More »
Xiang Yu (项羽) (232 BCE – 202 BCE), a prominent figure in ancient Chinese history, is widely remembered as a formidable military and political leader during the late years of the Qin Dynasty and the early stages of the Chu-Han Contention. Hailing from the town of Xiang in present-day Sihong County, Suqian City, Jiangsu Province,
Xu Xiake (徐霞客, 1587-1641), born in Jiangyin, Nan Zhili (present-day Jiangsu, specifically Jiangyin), was a prominent figure in the Ming Dynasty renowned for his contributions as a geographer, traveler, explorer, and literary figure. From an early age, Xu Xiake exhibited a strong passion for learning, immersing himself in the study of poetry, literature, and, most
Xu Xiake – a geographer and explorer in Ming Dynasty Read More »
Wen Tianxiang (文天祥) (1236-1283) was a prominent figure in the tumultuous final years of the Southern Song Dynasty in China. Born in Luling County, Jiangnan West Road (present-day Qingyuan District, Ji’an City, Jiangxi Province), he is remembered as a statesman, literary figure, and national hero. Wen Tianxiang, along with Lu Xiufu and Zhang Shijie, is
Wen Tianxiang – A National Hero in South Song Dynasty Read More »