Xi'an poetry duel: Retiree wows crowds with verse expertise

A chance encounter on a pedestrian street in Xi'an has turned Wang Wei, a 57-year-old retiree from Anhui province, into an online sensation. Wang's impromptu poetry duel with a literary blogger, lasting over 40 minutes, has impressed netizens with her extensive knowledge and remarkable memory.

During a visit to Xi'an's Great Tang All Day Mall Pedestrian Street last month, Wang, a former labor union chairwoman, crossed paths with a blogger dressed as the famed Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai. A spontaneous exchange of verses ensued, traversing various styles from the ancient anthology Songs of Chu to Tang Dynasty classics. The blogger, nicknamed Xiao Shaanxi, described the experience as both challenging and exhilarating.

Wang downplays the difficulty of the duel, attributing her fluency to a lifelong love affair with poetry. "The 40 minutes only showcased a fraction of what I know," she stated modestly. Her passion began in the 1980s when radio programs on poetry sparked her interest. These programs provided historical and cultural context, aiding memorization.

Wang's love for poetry extends beyond words. She describes her travels as "journeys with poetry." Visiting locations immortalized in verses, like Xi'an, Suzhou, and Yangzhou, allows her to experience firsthand the beauty depicted and deepens her appreciation for the poems. Since her retirement last year, these immersive journeys have become a reality. "Being physically present in the landscapes enhances understanding of the poet's emotions," she said.

Wang's newfound online fame hasn't altered her humility. She encourages others to "read more poems, appreciate, and promote fine traditional Chinese culture."