Introduction
"Bā zhèn tú" (The Tactical Octagon) by Du Fu is a poem that honors Zhuge Liang’s legendary battlefield strategy and lasting influence, showing how clever thinking and creativity can leave a mark that survives the ages. This idea is powerfully brought to life in the famous film Red Cliff (2008–2009), directed by John Woo, which dramatizes the epic Battle of Red Cliffs where Zhuge Liang’s tactics, including the use of formations like the Stone Sentinel Maze, play a key role.
Zhuge Liang’s legend and strategies have also inspired:
Famous Novels: The classic Chinese novel "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" features Zhuge Liang.
Video Games: Popular game series like Dynasty Warriors allow players to experience the Battle of Red Cliffs and use Zhuge Liang’s strategies, including the tactical formation, bringing ancient tactics to life in interactive battles.
Card Games: The widely played Chinese card game "San Guo Sha" (also known as "Legends of the Three Kingdoms") includes Zhuge Liang as a key character, with special cards and abilities based on his famous strategies and formations.
Knowledge Builder
Content
The Tactical Octagon ("Bā zhèn tú") by Du Fu, a celebrated poet from the Tang Dynasty. Designed to be accessible and educational, the course fosters an appreciation for poetry, cultural heritage, and emotional expression while aligning with the developmental stage of young learners.
1.1: Video: Background and Analysis Part 1
1.2: Quiz: The Tactical Octagon ("Bā zhèn tú") Part 1
1.3: Video: Background and Analysis Part 2
1.4: Quiz: The Tactical Octagon ("Bā zhèn tú") Part 2
1.5: English Read Along
1.6: Chinese Read Along
Patron
Patron of the Arts & Culture
Lee Kum Kee
Lee Kum Kee celebrates poetry, which inspires imagination, fosters cultural and historical connection, and honors the power of words that resonate across generations.
Instructor
Philip Hand, MA
Philip Hand is a commercial and literary translator based in Xiamen, Fujian, China.
He studied Chinese and linguistics at Cambridge University and holds an MA in Translational Studies.
Philip’s dream is to translate with such skill that the Chinese sense of humor and irony can be shared with the world—because, as he believes, you never truly know someone until you laugh with them.
On Ming Aretê, you can appreciate his insightful translations of Chinese classical poetry as well as his emotionally rich recitations, which breathe expressive life into the texts.
For more wonderful translations and analysis of Tang Poetry by Philip Hand, please visit Tang Poetry on Substack.