What Would Famous Beauties like Yang Guifei and Empress Wu Zetian Look Like After Being Reconstructed by AI?
As descendants, we know historical figures mainly through descriptions in books or paintings. Do they resemble these descriptions? This question has intrigued many. Fortunately, technology has advanced remarkably. The use of AI to recreate the faces of figures such as Laozi, Confucius, Yang Guifei, and Empress Wu Zetian is no longer a challenge.
Recently, Chinese experts utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to simulate the appearances of these famous figures. The results have astonished many.
1. Fuxi
In Chinese culture, Fuxi is a significant figure as he is believed to be the founder of Chinese civilization. He is credited with the invention of writing, fishing, and trapping. He is also well-known for his numerous texts on divination.
Fuxi is depicted by AI as a king with a serious demeanor. (Image: Sohu)
Fuxi is often described with a body of a dragon or snake and a human head, earning the title of “Long Zu” (Dragon Ancestor). However, AI portrays Fuxi as a human. Through AI’s artwork, Fuxi appears as an elderly man with long hair and beard, a serious yet charismatic face.
2. Laozi
Laozi (circa 500 BC) is a Chinese philosopher recognized as the founder of Daoism. He is often compared to Confucius and other thinkers in ancient Chinese philosophy.
AI reconstructs Laozi’s face to be very friendly. (Image: Sohu)
Laozi is described with details such as being born with a smile; his mother reportedly carried him for 70 years before giving birth, which is why his hair was white at birth. AI also suggests that Laozi is an elderly man with a very friendly appearance and a constant smile, featuring long white hair and beard.
3. Confucius
Anyone familiar with Confucianism is likely familiar with the name Confucius. He is the most famous educator, philosopher, and political theorist in China, with ideas that profoundly influenced Chinese civilization and other East Asian countries.
AI depicts Confucius with a gentle appearance, exuding the dignity of a great philosopher. (Image: Sohu)
Zhuangzi (369 BC – 286 BC), a distinguished philosopher of the Warring States period, described Confucius as follows: “Long above and short below, a hunchback with ears protruding backwards.” These records indicate that Confucius had an unbalanced physique, with a longer back than legs and a somewhat crooked gait. “Records of the Grand Historian – The Family of Confucius” states: “Born with a head that was flat on top.” Here, “flat on top” is understood to mean that Confucius had a dented head with a raised perimeter.
Xunzi also noted: “The face of Zhongni looks like a horrid statue.” “Horrid statue” refers to ancient statues used to ward off evil, which had square faces and messy hair, appearing quite grotesque. However, AI believes that Confucius is an elderly man with a gentle appearance, embodying the wisdom of a great philosopher.
4. Empress Wu Zetian
Wu Zetian in a Ming Dynasty portrait bears some resemblance to a man. (Image: Sohu)
Wu Zetian, often known as Wu Meiniang, is the only female emperor in Chinese history. The most popular portrait of her features her wearing a phoenix crown. However, this artwork dates back to 1498 during the Ming Dynasty, meaning many of Wu Zetian’s facial features are imagined.
Under AI’s depiction, Wu Zetian has a beautiful face, fair skin, and full red lips. (Image: Sohu)
According to historical records, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, Li Shimin, summoned Wu after hearing of her beauty and made her a concubine. Later, the crown prince, Li Zhi, infatuated with her, disregarded the warnings of officials and elevated her to the rank of “Zhao Yi,” a high position among the palace women. Unfortunately for him, this mistake allowed Wu Zetian to seize power and declare herself emperor.
AI’s depiction of Wu Zetian showcases a more elegant face than the Ming paintings. She has fair skin, full red lips, and an overall beautiful appearance according to the standards of the Tang Dynasty.
5. Yang Guifei
An ancient painting depicting the beauty of Yang Guifei. (Image: Sohu)
Yang Guifei (719-756), the most favored consort of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty (Tang Minghuang), is one of the “Four Great Beauties” of ancient China. She was so beautiful that flowers withered out of shame when she admired them (Tu Hua). Historical accounts describe Yang Guifei as stunningly beautiful, epitomizing the aesthetic ideals of the Tang Dynasty.
The emperor’s favoritism towards Yang Guifei is considered a factor in the decline of the Tang Dynasty. He became so engrossed in wine and sensual pleasures that he neglected state affairs and overspent, leading to losing the empire to others.
AI has beautifully portrayed Yang Guifei, who is renowned for her stunning beauty. (Image: Sohu).
Based on an ancient painting of this consort combined with historical descriptions, artificial intelligence (AI) has created an image of Yang Guifei with beauty that captivates hearts. Her facial features are delicate and refined, with rosy-white skin, almond-shaped eyes, elegant eyebrows, a high nose, and charming lips. With such beauty, it’s no wonder that Emperor Xuanzong favored her for 11 years.
6. Cang Jie
Cang Jie is a mythical figure in Chinese history, revered as the progenitor of Chinese characters. The text “Xunzi” from the Qin period states: “Many love writing, but only Cang Jie created characters and passed them down.” The “Laozi” text also mentions Cang Jie creating characters, at least indicating that he was an expert in calligraphy during that time. Tales of him have been passed down since the Warring States period, as recorded in the “Laozi” text.
Cang Jie depicted by ancient artists (above) and AI (below). (Image: Sohu).
According to historical descriptions, Cang Jie was born with four eyes, always having a discharge from them, but these eyes emitted unusual light, allowing him to observe things with clarity. He had long hair, a beard, and wore animal skin, sitting on a hide of a fierce beast, always holding a brush, seemingly deep in thought while conversing with others. His head was also distinct, with a high crown indicating exceptional intelligence.
AI has accurately depicted Cang Jie as described in historical texts. He has four eyes; however, the AI-generated image of Cang Jie appears leaner and lacks some of the unique features seen in ancient artworks.
7. Li Shimin
Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty (598 – 649), whose real name was Li Shimin, was the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty in Chinese history. Li Shimin displayed great talent from a young age, excelling in martial arts, military strategy, and bravery, fearlessly facing the most dangerous situations in battle.
At just 18 years old, he held military power, recruiting many talented generals, such as Li Jing, Wu Shizong, and Qin Shubao.
A Sui Dynasty official, Gao Shilian, married his granddaughter, Zhangsun, to him when he was 14, and she was only 12. He also had a talent for the arts, particularly in calligraphy and music, with his calligraphy style modeled after Wang Xizhi.
AI has reconstructed the portrait of Li Shimin with a dignified and imposing appearance. (Image: Sohu).
Li Shimin, as depicted by AI, is portrayed as a king with a dignified and impressive presence, featuring a high nose and a dragon-like face.
8. Zhu Yuanzhang
Zhu Yuanzhang, also known as the Hongwu Emperor (1328 – 1398), was the founding emperor of the Ming dynasty. He is regarded as one of China’s greatest emperors due to his significant contributions to the country, but he is also criticized for his harsh rule. Historical records indicate that Zhu Yuanzhang came from a poor peasant background. Despite living in poverty, he was a shrewd and visionary individual.
Portrait of Zhu Yuanzhang by the imperial court (top) and a reimagined version by AI (bottom). (Image: Sohu).
According to folklore, Zhu Yuanzhang was described as ugly, with a face resembling a plow and covered in moles; however, artistic depictions of him tell a different story. From these paintings, AI has depicted him as an emperor with a majestic appearance and a commanding expression.
9. Kangxi
Kangxi, also known as the Shunzhi Emperor (1654 – 1722), was the fourth emperor of the Qing dynasty. In Qing history, Kangxi is considered one of the most outstanding emperors, establishing a prosperous 134-year reign after a series of wars and proactive policies that helped the Aisin Gioro clan maintain its imperial status in central China.
Image of Kangxi as described in ancient texts (top) and reimagined by AI (bottom). (Image: Sohu).
Some historical records state that the legendary Kangxi stood at only 1.58 meters tall. However, in the book “Portrait of the Chinese Emperor” by the French missionary Joachim Bouvet, who visited China in the 26th year of Kangxi’s reign, a very different description of the emperor is given.
AI has reimagined Kangxi with sharp, cold eyes, a slightly rounded nose, and many scars from smallpox on his face.
10. Yongzheng
Yongzheng, also known as the Yongzheng Emperor (1678 – 1735), was the fifth emperor of the Qing dynasty. Historical records describe Yongzheng as a diligent and frugal emperor. During his 13 years on the throne, he truly embodied a tireless work ethic, rarely neglecting state affairs. Aside from taking a brief break on his birthday, he was committed to his duties every single day of the year. One could say that a diligent king like Yongzheng may be hard to find again in Chinese history. His policies paved the way for nearly 150 years of prosperity for the Qing dynasty.
AI’s reimagining of Emperor Yongzheng portrays him as a gentle ruler. (Image: Sohu).
AI has reconstructed the image of Emperor Yongzheng as a kind-faced ruler, with long ears and a slightly leaner appearance compared to the traditional portraits from the imperial court.
11. Qianlong
Emperor Qianlong, also known as the Qianlong Emperor (1711 – 1799), was the sixth emperor of the Qing dynasty. He holds the record for the highest life expectancy among Chinese emperors. While he is depicted as majestic and powerful in many films, few people know the true appearance of Emperor Qianlong. His reign lasted nearly 60 years, from October 11, 1735, to September 1, 1795, marking the peak of economic and military strength for the Qing dynasty. During this time, the territory of the Qing dynasty extended to the Yangtze River Delta and Xinjiang, reaching its maximum size of over 13,000,000 square kilometers.
AI has recreated the portrait of Emperor Qianlong with small eyes and a low nose, quite different from cinematic portrayals. (Image: Sohu).
Based on the original painting, AI has reconstructed the image of Emperor Qianlong with small eyes and a low nose, contrasting sharply with the imposing figure often depicted in films. Instead, the Qianlong Emperor appears more like an ordinary middle-aged man.
Interestingly, upon viewing the portraits of Chinese emperors, netizens in China have exclaimed, “Don’t let films deceive you.”
12. Liu Bei
Liu Bei was an outstanding politician and military leader during the Three Kingdoms period. He recruited two talented generals, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. They formed a brotherhood, sworn to live and die together. Liu Bei also made great efforts to recruit Zhuge Liang to assist him in establishing the Shu Han dynasty.
In “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”, Liu Bei’s appearance is described as follows: “Born with a height of 7.5 inches (about 1.8 meters), long earlobes, arms reaching past his knees, eyes that can see over his ears, and thick, full lips.”
It must be said that the description of Liu Bei in the novel is somewhat exaggerated.
In “Records of the Three Kingdoms – Volume 32,” Liu Bei is also depicted as “born with a height of 7.5 inches, long earlobes, arms reaching past his knees, and phoenix eyes.”
In “Book of the Later Han – Volume 75,” Lü Bu scolded Liu Bei for being “big-eared” before his death.
This suggests that Liu Bei’s appearance was indeed larger than that of an average person. Specifically, his height of “7.5 inches” (with 1 inch in the Three Kingdoms period equating to 24 cm, Liu Bei’s height would exceed 1.8 meters), and his arms reaching past his knees are likely exaggerations in the descriptions.
Through AI processing, we see an extremely “handsome” and youthful Liu Bei, complete with the familiar beard from film portrayals, not overly large ears, and phoenix eyes as described in the novel. His appearance could captivate any girl who encounters him.
13. Guan Yu
Guan Yu ranks first among the Five Tiger Generals of the Shu Han dynasty. He is venerated in Chinese popular culture as a symbol of righteousness, bravery, kindness, and faith. This is why many people in China often find statues of Guan Yu, also known as Guan Gong, in temples.
In “Romance of the Three Kingdoms,” Guan Yu is described as: “Standing 9 inches tall (over 2 meters), with hair 2 inches long (over 48 cm); often with a serious expression, thick lips; phoenix eyes and silkworm eyebrows; a dignified and imposing appearance.”
In “Records of the Three Kingdoms,” the author does not provide detailed descriptions of Guan Yu’s appearance but instead borrows words from Zhuge Liang to praise him as an exceptional and powerful figure.
In “Commentary on the Records of the Three Kingdoms,” Guan Yu is noted to have “a face like purple jade” and a beautiful long beard, which is true.
Through AI, the God of War appears with a resolute face, thick black eyebrows furrowed in concentration, and a long, symbolic beard, exuding an extraordinary aura.
14. Zhang Fei
Zhang Fei is renowned for his legendary martial prowess during the Three Kingdoms period. His portrayal in films often leaves an impression of a fierce general with a perpetually grim face and raised eyebrows, exuding valor but lacking the calm and handsomeness seen in his sworn brothers, Liu Bei and Guan Yu.
In “Romance of the Three Kingdoms,” Zhang Fei is depicted as: “Standing 8 inches tall (over 1.92 meters), with a fierce gaze, curly beard, and a voice like thunder, charging like a galloping horse.”
However, neither “Records of the Three Kingdoms” nor “Commentary on the Records of the Three Kingdoms” mention Zhang Fei’s appearance.
AI has created two representations of Zhang Fei:
One, a strong and resolute figure, full of masculine charm, looking quite handsome. Many people even find it hard to believe Zhang Fei could possess such an “attractive” appearance.
Two, this representation resembles his film portrayals, with a slightly chubby figure, unruly eyebrows and beard, and a fierce look.
