A tomb named Liang Shanbo has been discovered and excavated. However, this also reveals the truth about this character, which is quite different from what is portrayed in films.
If the West has Romeo and Juliet, then the East has Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. They are a famous couple in Chinese history, the protagonists of a love story filled with tears that continues to resonate with people even today.
Image of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai in film.
However, a long-standing question arises: were Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai real historical figures, or merely characters created in Chinese legend?
To find the answer, Chinese archaeologists and experts have embarked on a quest for evidence. In 2016, a tombstone inscribed with the words “Tomb of Liang Shanbo” was discovered in Zhejiang, China. This news immediately caused a stir. Everyone believed that Liang Shanbo was a real person who lived during the Jin Dynasty (266 – 420).
During that time, Liang Shanbo was not an ordinary person but a well-respected official known for his integrity and concern for the people. Consequently, after his death, he was worshipped by the locals.
However, this also introduces a contradiction with cinematic portrayals. In reality, Liang Shanbo did not die young as depicted in films; rather, he lived at least into middle age. He had a glorious career and did not abandon everything for love.
In Liang Shanbo’s tomb, a carved brick depicting two hearts was discovered. It is believed to be a token of love, but it is impossible to determine for whom. There is also no evidence that Zhu Yingtai ever existed in history.
Chinese experts hypothesize that the ancients, enamored with Liang Shanbo, crafted a beautiful love story around him. Over time, it has become a globally famous love legend.
