Wang Zhaoyun

Wang Zhaoyun, stylized as Zixia, was born during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). She was born into a poor family and went on to become a well-known courtesan in the West Lake area.

Wang was married as a concubine to Su Dongpo, a famous poet during the Northern Song Dynasty. Wang was clever and considerate, and she took good care of her husband. Su Dongpo also loved his wife very much and taught Wang how to read and write poems. Wang Zhaoyun died at the age of 34 after she gave birth to her second child. Then Su Dongpo built a pavilion and wrote a couplet in memory of his wife.