Tang Xianzu (1550-1616), whose courtesy name was Yireng, was born in Linchuan, Jiangxi province.

Tang was a famous playwright and writer, and was known as "Shakespeare in the East". His magnum opus The Peony Pavilion written in Suichang county, Lishui, Zhejiang province, is well known around the world.

He was listed as one of the top 100 historical and cultural celebrities in the world by UNESCO in 2000.

Chinese opera The Peony Pavilion is performed during the International Cervantino Festival in Guanajuato, Mexico, Oct 14, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]