Abstract
Wang Zhaojun is known as one of the ‘Four Great Beauties’ of ancient China and is renowned for her diplomatic marriage with the leader of the Xiongnu during the Western Han Dynasty. However, there are few historical records about her life, which also leaves ample space for later reinterpretation and artistic creation. Since the Wei, Jin, Southern, and Northern Dynasties, her image has been constantly reimagined in literature, drama, and novels. Every transformation reflects the social and political needs of a different era. In the 20th century, especially after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the representation of Zhaojun was closely linked to the governance of ethnic relations. As the country promotes ethnic unity and integration, historical figures like Zhaojun are reinterpreted to serve contemporary political goals. In 1962, playwright Cao Yu adapted her story into the play ‘Wang Zhaojun’, redefining her marriage as a political allegory of national harmony. This adaptation not only reflects artistic innovation but also transforms Zhaojun from a historical figure into a symbol of ethnic unity.
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