Writers › Writer / Poet

Bai Xingjian (Zhiweng)

Tang Dynasty writer and essayist (776–826 CE), younger brother of Bai Juyi, author of 'The Story of Li Wa' depicting redemption and devoted romance.

Also known as Bai Zhitui · Bai Xingjian

Bai Xingjian (776–826 CE), style name Zhiweng, was an accomplished Tang Dynasty writer and the brother of Bai Juyi. His celebrated novella 'The Story of Li Wa' (Li Wa Zhuan) portrays the trials and eventual triumph of an elite scholar and courtesan, providing vivid sociological insights into Chang'an urban life.

Life and times

  1. 776BornTang
  2. 826 CEDied

Works

  1. Literature · Fiction1
    1. Story of Li WaTangBai Xingjian's tale of the courtesan Li Wa, who rescues the ruined youth she once spurned

Family tree

  1. Direct kin
    Bai JuyiElder brother
    Bai Xingjian (Zhiweng)

Records

Bai Xingjian Rises to Director

Mid-to-late Tang, to Baoli 2 (826)

Bai Xingjian, courtesy name Zhitui, passed the jinshi examination and joined Lu Tan's staff in Eastern Chuan of Jiannan. He later came to court from Zhongzhou with his brother Bai Juyi and was made Reminder of the Left, then Vice Director of the Bureau of Guests, took over a finance case from Wei Ci, and was promoted to Director. He died in the second year of Baoli (826).

References (1)

Bai Xingjian Sets Down the Tale of Li Wa

Zhenyuan years

In the Zhenyuan years Bai Xingjian talked with Li Gongzuo of Longxi about the character of women and then told the story of Li Wa, Lady of Qianguo, in the Tale of Li Wa. It ends with his name and the date, autumn, eighth month of a yihai year.

References (2)