Historical figures mentioned in my article 106

Li Bai李白​ (701–762 CE), courtesy name Taibai太白, was known as the “Poet Immortal诗仙”​ and used the pseudonym “Qinglian Jushi青莲居士”​ (Hermit of the Blue Lotus). He was a Tang dynasty poet and government official.

There is scholarly debate over Li Bai’s family background. Based on different studies and interpretations, theories include that he was a Han Chinese from Sichuan, a Han Chinese from the Western Regions, or even of non-Han ethnicity from the Western Regions.

Li Bai grew up in Sichuan and began traveling across China at the age of 24, hoping to secure an official post through recommendation. Despite repeated setbacks, his reputation as a literary master reached the capital by the time he was 42. He was summoned by Emperor Xuanzong of Tang唐玄宗 and appointed as a Hanlin Academician​ (court poet), marking the most illustrious period of his life. However, after only two years, he resigned due to slander and exclusion, resuming his journeys across the country.

During the An Lushan Rebellion安史之乱, Li Bai joined the forces of Prince Yong永王, Li Lin李璘, who sought to seize power. After Li Lin’s defeat, Li Bai was implicated, imprisoned, and exiled to Yelang夜郎. He was later pardoned on his way to exile and died at the age of 62.

Around 1,000 of Li Bai’s poems survive. His style is characterized by its elegance, boldness, and imaginative freedom, blending rich creativity with a romantic spirit. He excelled particularly in the quatrain​ and yuefu song forms. His most famous works include “Quiet Night Thoughts”​ (《静夜思》), “Bring in the Wine”​ (《将进酒》), “The Road to Shu Is Hard”​ (《蜀道难》), “Hard Roads”​ (《行路难》), “Early Departure from Baidi City”​ (《早发白帝城》), “Climbing Phoenix Tower at Jinling”​ (《登金陵凤凰台》), and “Seeing Meng Haoran off at Yellow Crane Tower”​ (《黄鹤楼送孟浩然之广陵》).

Li Bai believed he possessed the talent to serve as a pillar of the state. He aspired both to contribute to society and to retire as a hermit. Religiously, he was a devoted Daoist who fervently sought immortality, undergoing Daoist initiation and practicing alchemy. He was also well-versed in Buddhist teachings.

Li Bai is the most famous Chinese poet and has exerted tremendous influence on later generations. Along with Du Fu, he has been regarded since the early ninth century as one of the greatest poets of the High Tang period. Celebrated by critics across dynasties and renowned beyond China’s borders, he holds an exalted position in literary history.