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Related Resources • Li Bai Poems • People • Legends and Gods

Li Bai (701-762) was also called Tai Bai or Qing Lian Ju Shi (the Blue Lotus Recluse) as his poetic name. He is one of the most renowned and admired poets in China.

A diligent reader in his youth, he was influenced by both Confucianism and Taoism. He started out at 25 to travel in the country. At the age of 42, a friend recommended him to the court. He was greatly delighted at first and eager to serve the emperor like an ancient capable statesman. But the Emperor Xuanzong only had him as a palace poet to write trivial lyrics while the emperor and Yang Guifei, his favorite imperial concubine, were feasting themselves. Unwilling to serve such a meaningless function, Li Bai left the capital in less than two years.

Then Li Bai went on with his aimless wandering all over the country. Unfortunately, he was charged of being an adherent of the rebel and sentenced to exile, though pardoned on the way. He died of illness at Dangtu in today's Anhui.

Li Bai is considered as the foremost romantic poet in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). His political ambition was spoiled, so he turned to drinking to drown his sorrows and writing, which was described as "A hundred poems per gallon liquor." His poetry is still very popular and recited by Chinese children today. Here are some of his poems in English.

Written by our column writer Hao Zhuo.

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