Wang Zhaojun was born in modern day Zhaojun village, Xingshan County, Hubei province in 52 B.C. during the Han dynasty. She was one of the four beauties of ancient China. (Including Xi Shi, Diao Chan, and Yang Yuhuan). These ladies were not only known for their immense beauty but also for their unique life experiences and wonderful personalities.

 

Wang Zhaojun was great at playing chess, writing Chinese calligraphy, painting, and was known for her ability to play the "Zheng," an archaic Chinese instrument. (See image to the right). 

 

She was selected to serve the royal members as one of the royal concubines in 33 B.C. During that time, relations between China and an ancient nomadic group in northern China called the Xiongnu was strained. A leader of the Xiongnu state visited the Han emperors and attempted to make peace with the Chinese empire by marriage. Because of China's strong sense of nationalism, no princess or concubine wanted to marry a Xiongnu leader or live in a distant place away from China. The only woman within the court to agree to this peace treaty was Wang Zhaojun.

 

She got along with Xiongnu people, introduced Chinese culture to Xiongnu, and she helped maintain peaceful relations to the Han empire. After her husband died, she chose to follow Xiongnu traditions by marrying his successor instead of the Chinese Han custom of the widow remaining a widow in order to preserve her chastity. She did this so she could continue to maintain the friendship and peace between the two countries. After her death, the Xiongnu built a memorial for her. Wang Zhaojun single-handedly maintained peace between China and the nomadic Xiongnu nation.