Romance of the West Chamber

The Romance of the West Chamber is one of China's most famous dramas. It's the story of two young lovers who consummate their love without the approval of their parents, and is called "China's most popular love story". The Romance of the West Chamber has inspired various styles of stage performance, the latest one being Kunqu opera adding modern elements to a traditional play.

TheRomanceoftheWestChamberisoneofChina'smostfamous
dramas.

The Romance of the West Chamber was written by playwright Wang Shifu some 700 years ago. Set in the Tang Dynasty, it's about the secret love affair between Zhang Sheng, a young scholar, and Cui Yingying, daughter of a rich family.

Its theme is an attack on feudal mores, supporting the longing of young people in ancient China for freedom of marriage. According to the orthodox viewpoint of feudal society, love was not a basis for marriage, and most marriages were arranged by the parents of the couples.

TheRomanceoftheWestChamberisoneofChina'smostfamous
dramas.

The original story of Cui Yingying and Zhang Sheng was first told as a short story written by Yuan Zhen, a famous poet in Tang Dynasty. This version was called the Story of Yingying. It differs from the later play in that Zhang Sheng ultimately breaks from Yingying, and does not ask for her hand.

Perhaps bowing to popular sentiment, Wang Shifu changed the tragic ending into a happy one.