Li Po
(701–762)

Li Po's works are characterized by a free flowing, unrestrained style that likewise describes the poet's lifelong love of travel and his philosophical interests. Born in Szechwan Province in central Asia, Li Po spent much of his youth traveling abroad. As a skilled swordsman, he lived the life of a knight-errant, exploring the scenic landscape of central China, along the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers. Such travels are reflected in his poetry, as is the influence of the Taoist philosophy, which celebrates the pure simplicity and unity of all things in life.

In 742, Li Po was presented to the emperor Hsüan-tsung, and thereafter lived as a scholar-poet and member of the Hanlin Academy. In 744, Li Po met fellow poet Tu Fu; together they became known as the two greatest poets of China. Later in life, Li Po was briefly imprisoned while participating in a political uprising. He died in 762 while traveling in southwestern Anhwei. Translations of his romantic and lyrical poems were first published in 1922 in The Works of Li Po, the Chinese Poet.

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