Zhou Bangyan

Zhou Bangyan (; 1056–1121) was a Chinese musician, poet, and politician of the Northern Song dynasty. He was from Qiantang (in modern Hangzhou). His courtesy name was Meicheng (), and his art name was Qingzhen Jushi (). He left a two-volume poetry anthology called either the Qingzhen-ji or the Pianyu-ci. Biography Birth and early life Zhou Bangyan was born in 1056. He was a native of Qiantang (錢塘/钱塘 Qiántáng, modern-day Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province). Political career At the age of 23, Zhou went to live in the capital Bianliang as a student at the National Academy. In 1083 he published “Rhapsody on the capital” (汴都賦 Biandu fu), which described the bustle of Bianliang while also praising the Song dynasty’s accomplishments. The poem pleased Emperor Shenzong, and Zhou was appointed Supervisor at the National Academy (太學正/太学正 taixuezheng). In 1087, at the age of 31, Zhou was sent to Lu Prefecture in Anhui where he worked as an instructor (教授). He stayed in the provinces for ten years, mostly as Sub-prefect of Lishui County in Jiangsu, before Emperor Zhezong recalled him in 1097 to be Registrar of the National Academy (國子主簿). He found favour with Emperor Zhezong and his successor Emperor