Five famous concubines who shaped Chinese history, from Empress Dowager Cixi back 2,000 years
Chinese serial The Story of Yanxi Palace has whetted appetites for stories of imperial consorts and their machinations; we recall five women whose actions, allure, and even abduction, had decisive impacts on the empire in their day
The latest hit show on Chinese television screens is a period drama about scheming concubines in the Qing dynasty court. The Story of Yanxi Palace has attracted record-breaking viewership and spawned memes galore.
While imperial consorts vying for affection and power make juicy plots, several of them have played pivotal roles in China’s history.
Here are five concubines whose relationships and exploits have helped shape the country.
1. “The Peacemaker” Wang Zhaojun (Han dynasty, 206BC-8AD)
Wang Zhaojun was a Han Chinese who married the Xiongnu leader Chanyu Huhanye. She was instrumental in maintaining peace between the tribal kingdom and the Han court.
