WEBApr 18, 2024 · Qu Yuan (born c. 339 bce, Quyi [now Zigui, Hubei province], China—died 278 bce, Hunan) was one of the greatest poets of ancient China and the earliest known by name. His highly original and imaginative verse had an enormous influence over early Chinese poetry. Qu Yuan was born a member of the ruling house of Chu, a large state …