Du Fu (712-770), one of the greatest poets in China, is familiar to most of us. However, Du has remained largely unknown in the Western world.

The BBC’s one-hour documentary Du Fu: China’s Greatest Poet introduces the great poet to Western people. As the first English-language documentary about Du, it compares him to Dante and Shakespeare, two of the greatest masters of literature of the West.

In the film, British historian, Michael Wood explores the poet’s life. He visits a number of places, such as the poet’s birthplace Gongyi, Henan Province and the Du Fu Thatched Cottage(杜甫草堂) in Chengdu, Sichuan, where Du used to live. Along the way, he meets and talks to people who help to tell the stories of the poet.

The documentary explains why Du’s works have been popular for centuries. “Chinese people really value the recording of history and Du is better than anyone at reflecting(反映) history in his poetry. That’s because historical events are mirrored in his own life and spiritual(精神的) journey,” said Zeng Xiangbo, a professor at Renmin University of China.

Du was a civil servant(文职人员) in the country. But as the An Lushan Rebellion of 755 floored the empire, he escaped, took his family on the road as refugees(难民), and endured starvation(饥俄) and poverty(贫穷). Through ups and downs, the poet never stopped writing, pouring out his concern for his country and people, as well as celebrating the simple joys of life. Known as China’s “saint of poetry”, he wrote about 1,500 poems that are still with us today.

As William Shakespeare is to literature in English, so is the poet Du Fu to the Chinese literary tradition. Recently, a new BBC documentary, which is aiming at introducing the beauty and fascination of traditional literature, was brought to the public.

It records the poet - Du Fu’s life experiences. Born in 712, Du lived under the rule of die Tang Emperor Xuanzong (713-756) (唐玄宗统治时期) a golden time in the long history of China. However, as the An Lushan Rebellion (安史之乱) of 755 broke out, Du, had to take his family on the road as refugees (难民) and suffered a lot along the way. Through ups and downs, the poet never stopped writing and about 1,500 poems have been kept over the ages. In these poems, he stated his worries for his country and people as well as the importance of celebrating the simple joys of life.

“Chinese people really value the recording of history and Du is better than anyone at doing that in his poems. Historical events are mirrored both in his own life and spiritual journey,” Zeng Xiangbo, a professor toldChina Daily.

Even though he never held a high position in the government, Du still cared about common people. For example, in the poemMy Cottage Unroofed By Autumn Gales(《茅屋为秋风所破歌》), he wrote that “Could I get mansions covering ten thousand miles, I’d house all scholars poor and make them beam with smiles.”

“That’s why he was honored as a Poet Sage (诗圣) by Chinese people. A difficult life and his spirit of caring about the world helped him create so many great works,” Shi Wenxue told theGlobal Times.

Who is the greatest teacher in Chinese history? Many people would think of Confucius(孔子). Although he lived over 2,000 years ago, people still remember and respect him for his contribution(贡献) to the education(教育) today.

Confucius lived during the Spring and Autumn Period. He had a hard childhood. His father died when he was 3 and his mother brought him up. He didn’t give up studying. He visited many famous teachers and learned music, history, poetry and sports.

Later, he started the first public school in Chinese history. At that time only children from noble(贵族) families could go to school, but Confucius believed everyone should go to school if they wanted to learn. He had about 3,000 students in his lifetime.

Today, people still follow Confucius’s lessons. He told us that we all should learn something. He also taught us that thinking is very important in study. “All study but no thinking makes people puzzled(困惑的). All thinking but no study makes people lazy.”

Confucius is not only a great teacher, but also a famous thinker with wise thoughts about the world and society. His most important teachings are kindness and good manners.

“A person should be strict with himself, but be kind to others.” he said.