SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Ancient Chinese Culture: Basic Facts & Terms

  • He Bo (The River God)

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    Ana

    He Bo (Lord He, River Lord or the River God) is the god of the Yellow River in Chinese mythology, originally named Feng Yi. Legend has it that Feng Yi tragically drowned while crossing the river, after which the Lord of Heaven appointed him as He Bo (Lord of the River) to oversee the…

  • The Reforms of Guan Zhong

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    After Duke Huan of Qi ascended the throne in 685 BC, he appointed Guan Zhong to implement a series of policies aimed at enriching the state and strengthening its military, which are also known as the “Reforms of Guan Zhong” (or the Guan Zhong Reforms).

  • Guan Zhong

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    Guan Zhong (?–645 BC) was a prominent statesman in the early Spring and Autumn period. His given name was Yi Wu, his courtesy name was Zhong, and he was a native of Yingshang. Initially serving under Prince Jiu, he was later recommended by his close friend Bao Shuya and appointed as a high-ranking minister…

  • Yi Yin

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    Juan

    Yi Yin was a prominent minister in the early Shang Dynasty. His given name was Zhi, while “Yin” was his official title. Originally a slave serving the ruler of the Youshen tribe, he yearned to join Tang of Shang after hearing of the latter’s virtue and benevolence. When Tang married a woman from the…

  • Confucius

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    Confucius (551–479 BC) was a thinker, statesman, and educator of the late Spring and Autumn period, as well as the founder of the Confucian school of thought. Born Kong Qiu, with the courtesy name Zhongni, he was a native of Zouyi in the State of Lu (located in present-day southeast Qufu, Shandong Province).

  • The Covenant of Kuiqiu

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    Ana

    Duke Huan of Qi was the first and most famous of the Spring‑and‑Autumn Five Hegemons. He convened the feudal lords many times.

  • The Classic of Poetry

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    Ana

    The Classic of Poetry (also translates to Book of Songs, Book of Poetry) is China’s earliest existing anthology of poetry. Originally titled Shi (Poetry), it was canonized as a Confucian classic during the Han Dynasty, hence the title Classic of Poetry (Shijing). Compiled in the Spring and Autumn period and traditionally believed to have…

  • Duke Huan of Qi

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    Duke Huan of Qi was one of the most famous overlords in China’s Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC). He became the ruler of the State of Qi at a young age. He was open‑minded and willing to accept good advice. He appointed a wise prime minister named Guan Zhong and trusted him fully.…

  • Yue Fei

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    Ana

    Yue Fei (1103–1142) was a celebrated military general of the early Southern Song dynasty, renowned for his staunch resistance against the Jin dynasty (established by the Jurchens). His courtesy name was Pengju, and he was born in Tangyin, Xiangzhou (in present-day Henan Province).