Ouyang Xiu, courtesy name Yongshu, also known by the pseudonyms Zuixi and Liuyi Jushi, was posthumously honored as Wenzhong. He was a prominent literary figure, historian, and political activist during the Northern Song Dynasty. Ouyang Xiu, a native of Luling in Jizhou (present-day Ji’an, Jiangxi), served in the courts of Emperors Renzong, Yingzong, and Shen Zong. He held positions such as Hanlin academician, vice chancellor of the Imperial Secretariat, and privy councilor, actively participating in the political reforms led by Fan Zhongyan known as the Qingli Reforms.

Sima Qian, courtesy name Zichang, as a renowned historian and literary figure during the Western Han period in China. He is most famous for his work “Records of the Grand Historian,” which is widely recognized as a masterpiece of Chinese historiography. Due to his contributions, he is often referred to as “Sima Qian” or “Grand Historian.” Sima Qian also held the position of Taishigong, or Grand Astrologer, during his lifetime.

Confucius, whose given name was Qiu and courtesy name Zhongni, is often respectfully referred to as “Kongzi” or “Kong Fuzi.” He was born in Yangyi, a state of Lu during the late Spring and Autumn period of Eastern Zhou. Confucius was an influential educator and philosopher, holding important government positions in the state of Lu. He is considered the founder of Confucianism, and his teachings have had a profound and lasting impact on Chinese culture and philosophy.

Yan Zhenqing was a political figure and calligrapher during the Tang Dynasty. His courtesy name was Qingchen, and he was born in Wannian County, Jingzhao Prefecture. His ancestral home was in Xiaoti Village, Linyi County, Langya Commandery. Yan Zhenqing’s regular script (kaishu) calligraphy is renowned and is considered one of the “Four Great Masters of Kaishu,” alongside Ouyang Xun, Liu Gongquan, and Zhao Mengfu.

Wen Tianxiang, the Duke of Xinguo, was a prominent figure in the late Southern Song Dynasty. He hailed from Luling in Jizhou, belonged to the Han ethnic group, and initially had the name Yunsun and the courtesy name Tianxiang. After achieving the top scholar rank in the imperial examination, he changed his name to Tianxiang and his courtesy name to Lvshan. Later, after residing in Wenshan, he adopted the style name Wenshan. Wen Tianxiang engaged in negotiations with Kublai Khan, presenting conditions for retreating to the deep mountains. Kublai Khan offered a choice between serving in the government or execution. Wen Tianxiang chose execution, and along with Lu Xiufu and Zhang Shijie, he is collectively known as the “Three Heroes of the Late Song Dynasty.”

Han Shizhong, courtesy name Liangchen, was a renowned Southern Song Dynasty military general. He held various high-ranking positions, including Grand Tutor, Military Governor of Zhenzhou, Wuan, and Ningguo, and was also appointed as the Inspector of Li Quan Temple. He was conferred the titles of Yangwu Yiyun Gongcheng, Prince of Xian’an County (first rank), and later posthumously awarded the title of Prince of Tongyi County. He was honored with the posthumous title “Zhongwu.” His original wife was Lady Bai, but later, Lady Liang Hongyu became his principal wife.

Zhuge Liang, styled as Kongming, was the Chancellor of Shu during the Three Kingdoms period. He was a famous politician, military strategist, inventor, and prose writer in Chinese history. He hailed from Yangdu in Langya Commandery, Xuzhou, during the late Eastern Han Dynasty. In his youth, he studied in Nanyang Commandery and was known locally as the “Crouching Dragon” and “Sleeping Dragon.” He later answered Liu Bei’s summons and played a decisive role in forming the alliance between Sun and Liu as well as in the establishment and stability of the Shu Han regime.

Empress Wu Zetian, also known as Empress Wu or Wu Hou, whose original name is unknown, was born in Wenshui County, Bingzhou. She is the only empress in Chinese history to have gained widespread recognition for wielding imperial power. Initially a consort during the reign of Emperor Taizong, she later became the empress and was posthumously honored as Tian Hou. She is often referred to alongside Emperor Gaozu of the Tang Dynasty, known as the “Two Saints.”

Faxian, commonly known by his surname Gong, was a native of Wuyang in Pingyang. He was a prominent Buddhist monk, traveler, and translator during the Eastern Jin Dynasty.

Wang Zhaojun, whose given name was Qiang and style name Zhaojun, was one of the renowned ancient Chinese beauties and a member of the Four Beauties of ancient China. During the Jin Dynasty, to avoid the taboo of Sima Zhao’s name, she was also known as “Mingfei.” She served as a palace lady during the reign of Emperor Yuan of the Western Han Dynasty and hailed from Zigui in Nanjun, Western Han South County.

Bai Juyi, courtesy name Letian, ranked twenty-second in the imperial examination, was also known as the “Hermit of Xiangshan” and “Master of Drunken Chanting.” He was highly regarded as a poet, originating from Taiyuan, Shanxi, and born in Xinzheng, Henan. Bai Juyi was a prominent Tang Dynasty literary figure known for his profound and engaging poetry. His works were accessible to the common people, to the extent that there is a saying, “Even an old lady can understand.”

Zheng He, originally named Ma He and also known as Sanbao or San Bao, was from the village of Zhidai in Baoshan Township, Kunyang, Yunnan. He was a Chinese navigator, diplomat, and eunuch during the Ming Dynasty. Zheng He was a devout Buddhist and served as an influential figure in the Ming Dynasty court.

Bao Zheng, courtesy name Xiren, was born in Hefei, Luzhou, during the Northern Song Dynasty. He held various high-ranking positions, including Deputy Chief of the Secretariat, Imperial Attendant, Supervisor of Light Chariots, and was honored with the title of Marquis of Donghai County, along with substantial land grants. Bao Zheng was known for his honesty and integrity, earning him the title “Bao Qingtian” in later generations. He is revered as a deity.

Ban Zhao, courtesy name Huiji, was a Chinese literary figure during the Eastern Han Dynasty and the first female historian in Chinese history. Ban Zhao, courtesy name Huiji, was a Chinese literary figure during the Eastern Han Dynasty and the first female historian in Chinese history. She belonged to the Ban family, which held a prominent position in the court. Ban Zhao’s father, Ban Biao, initiated the writing of the “Book of Han,” a historical work. After her older brother Ban Gu continued the project and died unjustly, Ban Zhao took up the task of continuing and completing the “Book of Han,” making it China’s first comprehensive history book.

Emperor Guangwu, whose given name was Liu Xiu and style name was Wenshu, hailed from Caiyang County in Nanyang Commandery. He was the founder of the Eastern Han Dynasty, reigning from August 5, 25 AD, to March 29, 57 AD. His temple name was Shizu, and he was posthumously honored as Emperor Guangwu. Liu Xiu was the ninth-generation descendant of Liu Bang and came from a prominent local family in Nanyang Commandery. During the waning years of the Xin Dynasty, the country was in turmoil, and banditry was rampant. In the third year of the Dihuang era, Liu Xiu and his elder brother Liu Yan rose in rebellion. In the year 25 AD, he ascended the throne in Huo County, adopting the reign title of Jianwu, and established the Han Dynasty. He is historically known as Eastern Han.

Zheng Chenggong, originally named Zheng Sen and styled Mingyan and Daming, with the childhood name Fusong, was a military leader of the Southern Ming Dynasty and the founder of the Zheng family regime. He was granted the imperial surname Zhu by Emperor Longwu and given the name Chenggong, and he is commonly referred to as Guoxingye, Zheng Cixing, Zheng Guoxing, and Zhu Chenggong. He was conferred the title of Prince of Yanping by Emperor Yongli’s decree, hence being called Zheng Yanping. His grandson, Zheng Keshuang, was posthumously honored as the Martial King. In later generations, he is often revered as the Prince of Yanping, the Respected King of Kaitai, the Saintly King of Kaitai, the Mountain-opening King, and the King of Dongning, among other titles.

Zhu Xi, born in Wuyuan, Huizhou, in the Eastern Route of Southern Song, was originally from Youxi County in Fujian Province. He lived for fifty-two years and was nicknamed Lang in his childhood. His style names included Jiyuan, Yuanhui, and Zhonghui. He was also known by the names Huian, Kaoting, Huiweng, Ziyang Master, Elderly Man of Cangzhou, and Old Man of Yungu. He was posthumously honored as Wen and is also known as Zhu Wengong. Zhu Xi was a Neo-Confucian philosopher of the Southern Song Dynasty and one of the greatest proponents of the Cheng-Zhu School of Neo-Confucianism. He is commonly referred to as Zhu Zi.

Guan Yu, styled Yunchang, originally had the style name Changsheng. He was born in Xie County, Hedong Commandery, during the Eastern Han Dynasty, around the time of Emperor Huan’s reign. During the late Eastern Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period, he was a prominent general serving under Liu Bei and was renowned as a “match for ten thousand men.”

Genghis Khan, also known as Yuan Taizu, was a Mongol and the founder of the Mongol Empire. He was a statesman and military commander of great renown. His birth name was Temüjin, and he belonged to the Borjigin clan of the Mongols. In 1206, when he was enthroned, his nobles and officials conferred upon him the Mongolian title of Genghis Khan. In December 1999, the American A+E Television Network ranked him as the 22nd most influential person of the last millennium, making him one of the most influential figures in history (second only to Gandhi at 17th place among Asians).

Cao Cao, styled Mengde, had the childhood name Jili and the courtesy name Aman. He was a prominent military strategist, politician, and poet during the late Eastern Han Dynasty. He was also the founder and key figure of the Wei state during the Three Kingdoms period. During his lifetime, Cao Cao held the position of Chancellor of Han and was granted the title of King of Wei. After his death, he was posthumously honored as the Martial King. His son, Cao Pi, later declared himself Emperor, posthumously honoring Cao Cao as Emperor Wu and giving him the temple name Taizu.

Wang Shouren, whose childhood name was Yun and style name was Bo’an, is also known as Yangmingzi and posthumously honored as Wencheng. He is commonly referred to as Wang Yangming. He was a renowned thinker, philosopher, calligrapher, military strategist, and educator during the Ming Dynasty. He held official positions such as Minister of War in Nanjing and Left Censor-in-Chief in the Imperial Censorate. Due to his military achievements in quelling the Chen Hao Rebellion, he was granted the title of Duke of Xinjian during the Longqing era and posthumously honored with a marquisate during the Qing Dynasty. Wang Yangming is known for being the foremost exponent of the School of Mind in Confucianism, excelling not only in Confucianism but also having a deep understanding of Buddhism, Daoism, and the ability to lead troops in warfare. He is a rare example of a polymath in Chinese history.