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Han Yu

Type Figure Region China Time 768–824 Also known as Han Changli、Han Wengong、Tuizhi

Han Yu (768–824) was an outstanding Tang dynasty writer, thinker, and statesman from Heyang, with ancestral roots in Chang'an.…

Timeline

  1. 768–792Heyang · JiaozuoHan Yu lost his father at age three and was raised by his elder brother Han Hui. After the family's decline, he studied diligently on his own, reading widely in the classics and histories, laying a solid foundation for his later success in the imperial examinations and his Ancient Prose writing.
  2. 792–802Chang'an · Xi'anIn the eighth year of the Zhenyuan era, Han Yu passed the jinshi examination. Thereafter in Chang'an he associated with Liu Zongyuan and others, vigorously advocating ancient prose and opposing the ornate parallel style, gradually forming the theory of the Ancient Prose Movement.
  3. 802–820Chaozhou · ChaozhouHan Yu served successively as investigating officer to the military governor of Bianzhou, investigating censor, and vice minister of justice. In the fourteenth year of the Yuanhe era he submitted his Memorial Remonstrating Against Welcoming the Buddha Relics, angering Emperor Xianzong and being demoted to governor of Chaozhou. In Chaozhou he promoted education and drove away crocodiles, achieving notable administrative success.
  4. 820–824Chang'an · Xi'anUnder Emperor Muzong, Han Yu was recalled as director of the Imperial Academy and vice minister of war, later promoted to vice minister of personnel, known to the world as Han Libu. He died in Chang'an in the fourth year of the Changqing era, posthumously named Wen, and is honored by later generations as Han Wengong.

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