Wong Tai Sin Sign 60 · Li Bai Makes Peace with the Barbarians

Li Bai (also romanized as Li Pak) was China's most celebrated poet during the Tang Dynasty, around 750 CE. Think of him as the Chinese equivalent of Shakespeare, but with a legendary drinking problem and zero interest in playing politics. The story goes that Emperor Xuanzong summoned Li Bai to the capital, offering him prestigious court positions. But Li Bai preferred wandering the countryside, getting spectacularly drunk, and writing immortal poetry by moonlight. When imperial messengers came calling, he'd literally be too intoxicated to board the boat to court. This wasn't disrespect—it was a conscious choice. Li Bai represents the archetypal free spirit who values artistic integrity and personal freedom over worldly success. His most famous poems were supposedly written while completely plastered, yet they remain masterpieces of Chinese literature a thousand years later.