Wang Zhaojun, also known as Qiang and with the courtesy name of Zhaojun, is one of the Four Great Beauties of ancient China. To avoid using the name of Sima Zhao during the Jin Dynasty, she was also referred to as “Mingfei,” a palace maid during Emperor Yuan of Han's reign. She was born in Zigui (now Xingshan County, Yichang City, Hubei Province) in the Western Han Dynasty. She became the wife of the Xiongnu Chanyu Huhanye. The story of Wang Zhaojun's journey to the Xiongnu has been passed down through the ages. Born in a common family in Zigui (now Xingshan County, Yichang City, Hubei Province), Wang Zhaojun was selected to enter the imperial harem during the first year of the Jianzhao era under Emperor Yuan of Han. In 33 BC, when Huhanye visited Chang'an again, he proposed a marriage alliance. Wang Zhaojun volunteered to go to the Xiongnu. As she left for the Xiongnu, gazing at the vast desert and the lone flying geese, she felt a deep sense of sorrow and played the lute, singing a song called “The Ballad of Departure” that expressed her homesickness and hope. Her beauty and the melancholic music caused the geese to fall from the sky, creating the timeless legend of “Geese Falling on the Level Sands.” After arriving in the Xiongnu territory, Wang Zhaojun was titled “Ninghu Yanzhi” and gave birth to a son for Huhanye. Later, she married Diaotao Mogao and had two daughters. She died at the age of fourteen.
Wang Zhaojun was born in a common family in Zigui (now Xingshan County, Yichang City, Hubei Province). During the first year of the Jianzhao era under Emperor Yuan of Han, she was selected to enter the imperial harem. At that time, Emperor Yuan was already over forty years old and his health was deteriorating due to excessive indulgence. Although Wang Zhaojun lived in luxury, she was like a bird in a cage or a fish in a pond. With thousands of beauties in the imperial harem, it was uncertain when it would be her turn to see the emperor, and even if it were, what difference would it make? Moreover, when the girls entered the harem, they had to be painted by the court painter Mao Yanshou, who, bribed by others, painted a teardrop mole near her eye, which was considered an ominous sign, leading to her neglect by the emperor. Thus, Wang Zhaojun remained a minor palace maid. However, a diplomatic event changed her life. This event started with the Xiongnu, the greatest enemy of the Han Dynasty.
Besides, Zhang Yuxi, dressed in a large cloak, portrayed Wang Zhaojun vividly. “Snowflakes flying beyond the Great Wall, a beauty so captivating, a graceful swallow, a timeless legend,” Zhang Yuxi, dressed in white and wearing a long red robe, depicted Wang Zhaojun's reluctance after leaving for the Xiongnu. Unlike others, Zhang Yuxi also released photos of herself with a double ponytail, wearing a black leather bodysuit that revealed her long, slender legs and showed a different side of her, contrasting sharply with the conservative image of ancient women. This unique portrayal earned Zhang Yuxi many fans.
Although Yang Mi's portrayal of Wang Zhaojun in “The Legend of Mi Yue” abandoned her childhood sweetheart and somewhat compromised her character, seeing her standing gracefully in traditional Hanfu still leaves a lasting impression. Just as each reader has their own Hamlet, everyone has their own Wang Zhaojun. I prefer Yang Mi's version. At that time, Yang Mi had not experienced the harsh realities of life and love, making her eyes clearer and her performance more lively, enhanced by the support of veteran actors. While I don't expect her acting skills to save the day, they certainly added to the charm of the show.
Lisa Caihua, a well-known patriotic Hong Kong actress, is particularly recognized for her portrayal of Wang Zhaojun in “Zhaojun Out of the Frontier,” which is widely regarded as the most impressive, beautiful, and stunning depiction of Wang Zhaojun, perfectly embodying the image of one of the Four Great Beauties. Lisa Caihua's portrayal of Wang Zhaojun in elegant Hanfu exudes a gentle and graceful aura, while her magnificent and noble attire for the journey to the Xiongnu is truly breathtaking. Especially the scene where she rides a white horse in her Xiongnu attire makes me feel that Lisa Caihua is the perfect Wang Zhaojun!
The excavation of the story of “Zhaojun Out of the Frontier” and the marriage alliance has led to the grand debut of the large-scale live-action stage play “Wang Zhaojun” at the Xuanpingli Scenic Area during the May Day holiday. Since the May Day holiday in 2019, there has been a daily performance at 4 PM at the Xuanpingli Scenic Area (free admission recently). The successful staging of this large-scale live-action play has not only increased the fame and cultural uniqueness of the Xuanpingli Scenic Area but also promoted the development of the local cultural heritage, making Xuanpingli a significant cultural landmark of Xi'an.
“A face that could make the moon hide and flowers blush, a beauty that could make fish sink and geese fall,” the phrase “falling geese” refers to the story of Wang Zhaojun's journey to the Xiongnu. Although Yang Mi's portrayal of Wang Zhaojun in “The Legend of Mi Yue” is not as famous as her current TV roles, her eyes were very beautiful back then, and her face was still youthful. Yang Mi's portrayal of Wang Zhaojun was exceptionally clear and pure, and her expressive eyes brought both the young and mature versions of Wang Zhaojun to life, earning high praise. Such a beautiful woman as Wang Zhaojun, whose journey to the Xiongnu has been celebrated throughout history, unfortunately, fell ill and died in the frontier, unable to return to her homeland.
The last one is Wang Zhaojun, and Yang Mi's performance in “Wang Zhaojun” was also commendable. Although it did not match the popularity of some of her other roles, it was a heartfelt effort. Yang Mi's portrayal of Wang Zhaojun was both clear and pure, especially her big, lovely eyes that were very captivating. Whether it was the young Wang Zhaojun or the older Zhaojun, Yang Mi skillfully portrayed the characteristics of each stage, earning high praise from the audience. Unfortunately, such a beautiful woman as Wang Zhaojun, fell ill in the frontier and died without ever returning to her homeland, which is truly regrettable.
Domestically, over a dozen young girls collaborated with Honor of Kings to create a special version of Wang Zhaojun's “Qiqiao Zhiquing” embroidered strapless dress, priced at 999 yuan. The pink gradient dye and purple jacquard trim add a dreamy touch. Taobao Special Selection offers this item at a promotional price of 99 yuan, a good deal for those interested. For those who prefer daily wear with Han elements, click below ↓↓↓ Over a dozen young girls collaborated with Honor of Kings to create a special version of Wang Zhaojun's “Zhiyue” Han element strapless dress SG… The wavy neckline highlights a slender neck. Taobao Special Selection offers this item at a promotional price of 99 yuan, a good deal for those interested. For those who prefer Hanfu styles, click below ↓↓↓ Over a dozen young girls collaborated with Honor of Kings to create a special version of Wang Zhaojun's “Qiqiao Zhiquing” embroidered strapless dress SHF524… The pink gradient dye and purple jacquard trim add a dreamy touch. Taobao Special Selection offers this item at a promotional price of 99 yuan, a good deal for those interested. Over a dozen young girls collaborated with Honor of Kings to create a special version of Wang Zhaojun's “Zhiyue” Hanfu accessory, priced at 59 yuan. Inspired by Wang Zhaojun's staff, the design features intricate embroidery, making it a beautiful room decoration. It is perfect for everyday use and as a fashion accessory. The small round bag with a wavy edge is made of purple jacquard fabric and features a moon and golden morning glory embroidered on the front. The moon is crafted using appliqué embroidery, giving it a subtle shimmer… Taobao Special Selection offers this item at a promotional price of 59 yuan, a good deal for those interested.
When I was young, I saw Wang Zhaojun in a TV drama, wearing a phoenix crown and a red silk robe, holding a lute, with a light and graceful dress, a bright smile, and a fiery red Hanfu that captured my attention. In the TV drama, Wang Zhaojun wore a hollow gold hairpin adorned with pearl decorations and a crimson pearl bracelet on her wrist. I was deeply attracted by these costumes. However, at that young age, I did not realize that they were Hanfu.