Xin Qiji

Xin Qiji (辛棄疾, Xīn Qìjí) (28 May 1140 – 1207) was a Chinese poet during the Southern Song dynasty.

Xin Qiji is known a patriot. At the time of his life, northern China was occupied by the Jurchens, a people from what is now north-east China then regarded as barbarians but later to beome the Manchus. Only southern China was ruled by the Chinese Southern Song dynasty. Xin Qiji was born in the north, and in his childhood his grandfather told him about the time when the Chinese also ruled the north. It was then when he developed his patriotic feelings.

Xin Qiji later became a successful military leader who sought to avenge a dishonorable victory by the Jurchens. He had many victories but was forced to give up his plan when the South negotiated a peace treaty in 1164. Xin Qiji retired in 1194 and built a retreat in the Shang-jao countryside. There he studied and perfected his famous ci form of poetry.

He died in 1207 at the same time that war was renewed between Song China and the Jurchens.

See also: List of Chinese authors