Yang Guifei & Emperor Xuanzong
The beauty that toppled a dynasty
Emperor Xuanzong became so devoted to his consort Yang Guifei that he neglected the empire; during a rebellion, his own troops demanded her death, and he was forced to allow her execution.
01Why it matters
It is China's great imperial romantic tragedy, immortalized in Bai Juyi's "Song of Everlasting Sorrow."
02The conflict
The An Lushan rebellion and the army's ultimatum.
03The iconic moment
Yang Guifei forced to hang herself at Mawei post station.
04What survived
"The Song of Everlasting Sorrow"; the Huaqing pools.
05Frequently asked questions
Why is the story of Yang Guifei & Emperor Xuanzong famous?
It is China's great imperial romantic tragedy, immortalized in Bai Juyi's "Song of Everlasting Sorrow."
How does the story of Yang Guifei & Emperor Xuanzong end?
Yang Guifei forced to hang herself at Mawei post station. "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow"; the Huaqing pools.
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