Shen Quanqi

Shen Quanqi (Chinese: 沈佺期; Wade–Giles: Shên Ch'üan-ch'i) (c. 650 – 729), also known as Yunqing (Chinese: 雲卿), was a Chinese poet active during the Tang Dynasty. He was born in the prefecture of Neihuang (内黄) in the province of Xiangzhou (相州), which is known today as the province of Henan.

In 675, Shen Quanqi obtained a magistrate degree. He then served several positions as a scholar at the imperial court, and was appointed by the government official Zhang Yizhi (張易之). However, the Wuzhou Dynasty was overthrown, and Zhang Yizhi was executed. As a result, Shen Quanqi was arrested and imprisoned on charges of bribery and corruption. He was then released, but sent in exile to Huanzhou (驩州), which is known today as Hoan Châu in Vietnam. Eventually he was called back to resume his duties at the imperial court.

He made numerous contributions to Chinese poetry, including the Five-verse poems (五言律詩). He was also known to write together with poet Song Zhiwen (宋之問), and the two were known as the "Shen-Song" (沈宋) pair.

See also

• Classical Chinese poetry forms
• Regulated verse