Women are vastly under-represented in ancient Chinese literature. The few who appear, often in myth or semi-fiction, serve primarily to reflect that era’s moral expectations for women. From filial warriors to patriotic seductresses and femmes fatales, these women have one thing in common – they all trade personal autonomy for survival in a man’s world. Here are three fictional women in Chinese history and what makes their names live on to this day. 1. Hua Mulan The only historical record of Hua...
Back to Entertainment
Entertainment
September 11, 2026 at 11:15 PM
Famous Chinese women in folklore, from Hua Mulan to a consort who brought down a dynasty
SCMP Culture