Historical scenes/legendary figures
  • Zhang Qian 

During the Han Dynasty, the nomard tribe, Xiongnu was a constant threat on the north western frontier of China. In 139 BC,  Emperor Han Wudi sent Zhang Qian as an envoy to seek allies among the states beyong the Xiongnu. Although Zhang Qian failed in his main aim, his extraordinary journeys took him as far as Bactria and Ferghana (modern Turkestan) and he returned with valuable information about the states of Central Asia and hearsay about the distant Roman empire. 

Zhang Jian, was a great traveller.  There were many legends about his exploits.  One of which was that he discovered the source of the Yellow river which was supposed to be linked  to the Milky Way.  He ascended to the Milky Way and met the spinning Damsel.  He is frequently shown  as floating on the Yellow River on a log-raft.
  • Su Wu
     
    Su Wu was the  faithful minister of  Empeor Han Wudi. He was sent  by the emperor as an envoy to make peace with the xiongnu, a nomadic tribe which occupied the area in North Western China and frequently invaded the territories of the Han Dynasty.  While on mission, he was accused of plotting to overthrow the Xiongnu leader.  He was tortured and offered high position to induce him to surrender.  However, he refused to do so.  He was banished to the wild and barren Beihai region to tend cattle.  He remained there for 19 years and was released 19 years later after the Xiong Nu made peace with Han Dynasty.  He is usually depicted as an old man carrying a stick and in the company of a herd of cattles.
  • Wang Zhao Jun
  • Liu Hai and his toad
  • Dongfang Shuo
  • Xi Wang Mu
  • Su Dongpo
  • Ma Gu
  • Fu Lu Shao
  • Ba Xian (8 immortals)
  • He He (2 genii of Union and Harmony)
  • Zhong Kui
  • Wang Xi Zhi
 

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