Qu Yuan was born to a Chu nobility family in Zigui，around 340 BCE and served in the court of the state of Chu.
He lived during a period known as the era of the Warring States, in Chinese history. The era of the Warring States was a transitional period between the Zhou Dynasty and the Qin Dynasty. Towards the end of Zhou Dynasty, the nobilities became stronger and began building their state mechanism and developing their military capabilities.
Areas outside of Zhou domain also developed their state infrastructures and became emerging powers. As a result, the Zhou King became a nominal figurehead and eventually abolished.
The various regional powers expanded by conquering smaller and weaker state until 7 major principalities emerge to compete for the ultimate control of China. The 7 states were Qi , Chu , Yan , Han, Zhao , Wei and Qin. The rulers of the 7 states were often known as Dukes 公 or Marquis but eventually declared themselves as Kings.
The State of Qin through a series of reforms emerged as the most powerful of the 7 states and began exerting their power on neighboring states. The 6 state’s response alternated between alliance against Qin, and allegiance to Qin. The alliance strategy was unsuccessful because of mutual suspicion among the 6 states and the state of Qin was able to expand by attacking neighboring states while maintaining friendly ties with distant states.
Qu Yuan who served in the Chu court advocated allegiance to resist the Qin expansion. The state of Chu was a major power but weaken because of political infighting and corruption. Qu Yuan himself became the victim of court politics, expelled from the Chu court, and lived in exile.
While in exile, he composed collections of poetry expressing patriotism for the state of Chu. In 278 BCE, the state of Qin attacked Chu and managed to sack the Chu capital Ying, forcing the state of Chu to shift their capital.
When Qu Yuan heard about the fall of Chu capital, he was devastated and committed suicide by drowning himself in the Milo River.
The subsequent dynasties built a memorial and a tomb for Qu Yuan in Zigui County, his hometown. Unfortunately, these structures were submerged during the construction of the Three Gorges Dam.
A new memorial hall to Qu Yuan is located on the Phoenix Hill.
Qu Yuan’s legacy is commemorated through the consumption of Dumplings or Zong Zi and Dragon Boat race every year on the day he committed suicide; the 5th day of the 5th lunar month.
