The Four Great Beauties of Ancient China: Legends of Beauty and Power

In Chinese history, beauty has often been intertwined with politics, poetry, and legend. Among countless figures, four women are celebrated as the most beautiful in ancient China:

• Xi Shi (西施)
• Wang Zhaojun (王昭君)
• Diaochan (貂蝉)
• Yang Guifei (杨贵妃)

Known as the Four Great Beauties of Ancient China, each woman’s life story is filled with romance, tragedy, and political intrigue. Their beauty was said to be so extraordinary that it could make fish sink, birds fall, the moon hide, and flowers close — metaphors that became part of Chinese poetic tradition.

1. Xi Shi (西施) — “Fish Sink” (沉鱼)

• Story: A beauty from the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BCE), Xi Shi was sent to the court of King Fuchai of Wu as part of a political scheme by the Yue state. Her presence helped weaken Wu, leading to Yue’s eventual victory.
• Legend: Her beauty was said to make fish forget to swim and sink beneath the water.
• Legacy: Xi Shi became a symbol of sacrifice for country and is often featured in poems and operas.

2. Wang Zhaojun (王昭君) — “Birds Fall” (落雁)

• Story: Living during the Han Dynasty, Wang Zhaojun volunteered to marry a Xiongnu chieftain to promote peace between Han China and the northern tribes.
• Legend: On her journey north, her beauty was so striking that birds in flight forgot to flap their wings and fell from the sky.
• Legacy: She symbolizes peace through marriage diplomacy and is remembered as a woman of grace, intelligence, and patriotism.

3. Diaochan (貂蝉) — “Moon Hides” (闭月)

• Story: A legendary beauty from the late Eastern Han period, Diaochan played a key role in the downfall of the tyrant Dong Zhuo. With her charm, she turned Dong Zhuo and his general Lü Bu against each other.
• Legend: Her beauty was said to be so radiant that even the moon would hide in shame when she appeared.
• Legacy: Though possibly fictional, Diaochan became a literary symbol of feminine power and political intrigue, widely portrayed in operas and the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

4. Yang Guifei (杨贵妃) — “Flowers Close” (羞花)

• Story: Consort of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, Yang Guifei was admired for her charm, dance, and voluptuous beauty. Her relationship with the emperor, however, contributed to political instability, leading to the An Lushan Rebellion.
• Legend: Flowers were said to bow and close in shame when compared to her beauty.
• Legacy: Yang Guifei remains one of the most famous women in Chinese history, inspiring countless poems, paintings, and modern adaptations.

Cultural Significance

The Four Great Beauties are more than symbols of physical attractiveness. Their stories reflect:

• The role of women in politics and diplomacy
• The tension between love and duty
• The cultural idealization of beauty in poetry and art
• The lasting influence of legends in shaping Chinese aesthetics

Modern Influence

FAQs

Q1: Who are the Four Great Beauties of Ancient China?

They are Xi Shi, Wang Zhaojun, Diaochan, and Yang Guifei — legendary women celebrated for their extraordinary beauty and historical influence.

Q2: Did these women really exist?

Xi Shi, Wang Zhaojun, and Yang Guifei were historical figures, while Diaochan is likely a literary creation from Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Q3: What do the metaphors “sinking fish, falling birds, hiding moon, and closing flowers” mean?

They describe the overwhelming beauty of each woman: fish sink (Xi Shi), birds fall (Zhaojun), moon hides (Diaochan), and flowers close (Yang Guifei).

Q4: Why are they important in Chinese culture?

Their stories combine beauty with themes of love, politics, sacrifice, and tragedy, shaping cultural ideals and artistic expression for centuries.

Q5: Can tourists visit sites related to them?

Yes — sites like Xi Shi’s hometown in Zhejiang, Wang Zhaojun’s tomb in Inner Mongolia, Diaochan-themed operas, and Yang Guifei’s memorials in Xi’an attract visitors today.