Chinese courtesans in ancient times, who often tried to attach themselves to powerful people, are excluded from official history books. Whether they are real or just fabricated figures, stories of their romantic affairs and miserable experiences are still passed down through the ages.

 

   Du Qiuniang

 

Du Qiuniang, from a humble family in the Tang Dynasty, was beautiful and well-versed in music and dancing. She was also good at poetry. Du was a well-known for her singing in the southern areas surrounding the Yangtze River.

As one of the concubines of the Emperor Hsien-tsung, Du Qiuniang also assisted the emperor in handling political affairs. She went back to her hometown after Emperor Hsien-tsung died.