There is much more to Chinese history than the Revolution of the 20th Century. Ancient Chinese history is indeed fascinating and at the centre of the dynastic eras lies the ‘Four Beauties of China.’ These women were renouned for their beauty, but unfortunately there are few historical records that dictate their lives. However much of what is known of them today has been mostly told through narrative legend, a more vocal expression of the tale. Their significance stems from ancient times. It is said that they exercised great influence over kings and emperors. Consequently, their actions, to an extent, impacted Chinese history, as we know it. Travel to Beijing or Travel to Xi’an to learn more about this country’s fascinating country.
All four women lived in four separate dynastic eras. The first one, Xishi was said to be so beautiful that fish would forget how to swim and sink away from the surface when she walked near them. Wang Zhaojun, the 2nd beauty, was so stunning that the mere sight of her would make birds fall from the sky, mid-flight. Diaochan (left), the 3rd woman, had such a luminous figure that the moon would shy away in humiliation in comparison to her face. Yang Guifei was said to have such a pretty face that puts all flowers to shame.
The tale of Wang Zhaojun is a very interesting one. This lovely woman came from a poor and humble background. During the Han Dynasty, the emperor employed a painter who would paint the ‘selected’ women, the women who were apparently the most beautiful in China. He would subsequently show these paintings to the Emperor who would then approve of whether these ladies would become one of his wives. Due to her low income and social status, she could not afford to pay the painter enough to paint her as a beautiful woman. So, the painter portrayed her as a very unattractive woman. Years later, China was in the midst of a crisis with their neighbouring country (modern day Mongolia). Wang Zhaojun volunteered to marry the ruler of this nation, to bring peace to both sides. As a result of this marriage, an alliance was made between the two nations. This shows the political significance of the tale of the Four Beauties of China. The Legend tells us that Wang Zhaojun should be respected for
the sacrifices she made, just to create stability in her country.
The fable portrays Wang in heroic terms. To this day, she is loved and respected by Chinesepeople. The People’s Republic of China uses her as a symbol of integration of Han Chinese and other ethnicities in China. Her tomb (right) still exists, in Inner Mongolia, by the Da Hi River. It has become a popular tourist destination, similarly the other sites that commemorate these women. For example, there is a Xi Shi temple located on the banks of the Huansha River. Also, the Statue of Yang Guifei (Below) has been standing tall for years in the Huaqing Pool near Xi’an.
I would thoroughly recommend visiting these sites. Furthermore, when you are on your China Tours, take the time and ask someone about the tale of the Four Beauties of China, a truly fascinating tale. Not only is it a story, it is also an expression of Chinese culture, literature and history.
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