"Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai" (also known as "China's Romeo and Juliet")

"Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai" (also known as "China's Romeo and Juliet")

"Butterfly Lovers" or "Chinese Romeo and Juliet" is one of China’s most famous folk tales, which is about a love story of two young lovers, Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai

Zhu Yingtai, a clever and determined young woman, longed to pursue an education. However, during the old time, women were not allowed to attend school. To fulfil her dream, she disguised herself as a boy and travelled to a big city, Hangzhou to study.  

At school, she met Liang Shanbo, a kind and upright young man. The two became close friends and studied together for three years. Despite their deep bond, Liang Shanbo never discovered Zhu Yingtai’s real identity.  

Zhu Yingtai was forced to leave school due to her family’s demands. Before departing, she hinted at her real identity to Liang Shanbo and hoped he would propose marriage with her. However, Liang Shanbo failed to understand her hints.  

Zhu Yingtai’s father arranged her to marry a wealthy man. When Liang Shanbo finally realized the truth, he was heartbroken and fell gravely ill, eventually passing away from grief.  

On the day of her wedding, Zhu Yingtai insisted on visiting Liang Shanbo’s grave to pay her respects. As she approached the tomb, it suddenly split open. She leaped into the grave, and moments later, two butterflies emerged, symbolizing the lovers’ eternal union in death.  

The story of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai is not only a poignant tale of love but also a profound expression of the human desire for freedom, love, and equality.  

The love between Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai transcends life and death, becoming a symbol of loyalty and devotion.