Qu Yuan
Literature & Poetry • Historical Archive • 🇨🇳 China • 10 views

Qu Yuan 🇨🇳

屈原 (Known as "Qu Yuan")
Poet, Statesman of Chu, Author of Li Sao, National Cultural Hero
Born c. 340 BCE 🇨🇳 Zigui, China
Passed Away c. 278 BCE Miluo River, China
Lifespan ~62 years old
10 views
Notice / Correction
"The road ahead is long and has no end; yet high and low I will search for my quest. (路漫漫其修远兮，吾将上下而求索)"

Archival Overview

Patriot-poet and minister of the Kingdom of Chu during the Warring States period, celebrated as China's first great named poet. Author of Li Sao (Encountering Sorrow); the annual Dragon Boat Festival commemorates his sacrifice.

Biographical Record

Qu Yuan served as a high-ranking minister in the southern state of Chu, advocating alliance against the expanding Qin state. Exiled due to court intrigues and slander, he composed breathtaking romantic poems reflecting his love for his homeland and distress at its looming subjugation.

Upon hearing that the Chu capital had fallen to Qin armies, he drowned himself in the Miluo River. Local villagers raced out in boats to save him, giving birth to the worldwide Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu).

Key Life Milestones

c. 315 BCE

Left Minister of the Kingdom of Chu

Drafted national legal decrees and managed foreign diplomacy for King Huai of Chu.

c. 304 BCE

First Exile & Composition of "Nine Songs"

Slandered by rival ministers, he retreated to the countryside, collecting folk liturgical poetry.

c. 285 BCE

Composition of Li Sao (Encountering Sorrow)

Wrote China's greatest classic elegiac poem expressing unwavering loyalty to truth and country.

278 BCE

Martyrdom at Miluo River & Dragon Boat Festival

Plunged into the Miluo River with a stone; the people initiated the dragon boat racing tradition.

Memorial Guestbook & Tributes

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial
Qu Yuan Temple & Memorial Tomb at Miluo River
Miluo River, China
GPS: 28.8056, 113.0667
View on Memory Atlas
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