Eastern Jin Dynasty

  • Zu Ti’s Northern Expedition

    Zu Ti’s Northern Expedition (313–321 CE) refers to the military campaign led by the Eastern Jin general Zu Ti across the Yangtze River to recover the Central Plains from non-Han regimes following the collapse of the Western Jin.

  • Zu Ti

    Zu Ti (266–321 CE) was a celebrated general of the Eastern Jin dynasty. His courtesy name was Shizhi, and he was a native of Qiu County, Fanyang Commandery (in present-day Laishui, Hebei).

  • Huan Wen’s Northern Expeditions

    A series of three military campaigns launched by Huan Wen, a powerful general and de facto ruler of the Eastern Jin dynasty, between 354 and 369 CE, aimed at recovering the Central Plains from non-Han regimes that had occupied northern China after the collapse of Western Jin.

  • Xie An

    Xie An (320–385 CE) was a prominent statesman of the Eastern Jin dynasty. His courtesy name was Anshi, and he was a native of Yangxia, Chen Commandery (modern-day Taikang, Henan).

  • A son-in-law’s tale of spontaneity

    During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, there lived a distinguished minister named Xi Jian, who held the esteemed position of Grand Commandant. He had a beloved daughter, Xi Xuan, who had just reached a marriageable age. She was not only beautiful but also exceptionally talented. Xi Jian, doting on his daughter, was determined to find…

  • Wang Xizhi’s Goose Exercise

    Wang Xizhi (303-361 CE), the revered “Sage of Calligraphy” of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, is famous not only for his unparalleled art but also for his profound love of geese. This unique passion led him to create a set of health exercises known as the “Goose Exercise,” which contributed to his vitality and artistic…

  • Exchanging Scriptures for Geese

    Wang Xizhi, a preeminent calligrapher of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, is revered as the “Sage of Calligraphy.” His life was not only marked by extraordinary artistic achievements but also enriched by numerous intriguing anecdotes. Among the most famous tales is “Exchanging Scriptures for Geese,” a story that reflects his artistic sensitivity and zest for…

  • Tao Yuanming

    Tao Yuanming (365–427CE) was a poet of the Eastern Jin dynasty. Also known as Tao Qian, with the courtesy name Yuanliang, he was given the posthumous private honorific title “Jingjie.” He was from Chaisang, Xunyang (in present-day southwestern Jiujiang, Jiangxi). He held several official posts, including Chief Sacrificial Wine Officer of Jiangzhou, Military Advisor…

  • Wang Xizhi

    Wang Xizhi (303–361) was a calligrapher of the Eastern Jin dynasty. His courtesy name was Yishao, and he was from Langya Linyi (in present-day Shandong Province). Born into an aristocratic family, he rose to the rank of General of the Right Army, earning him the popular title “Wang Youjun” (Wang of the Right Army).