Dog in Chinese mythology resemblance to the real animal, which, however, plays a big part in Chinese folklore."(Eberhard, 2003: 164) The reasons for referencing "guardian lions" as "dogs" in Western cultures may be obscure, however the phenomenon is well known. Despite any fantastic myths from China about dogs, real dogs have been familiar throughout China since prehistorical times (unlike certain exotic animals, such as lions or other creatures, whose real attributes may often only have been known indirectly). Dogs also feature in various historical and legendary accounts or stories, found in the extensive literary records of China, although in some cases the lines between
Li Shishi Dynasty poet Chao Chongzhi described Li Shishi's dancing and singing talents as follows: "Watch her dance to "Nichang Yuyi Qu", listen to her recite / sing "Yushu Houting Hua"." (看舞霓裳羽衣曲，聽歌玉樹後庭花) Southern Song era poet Zhu Dunru (朱敦儒; 1081-1159) wrote: "Performing an interpretation of "Yangguan" in another tone and style, in the previous dynasty only Madam Li (Li Shishi) was capable of doing that." (解唱《陽關》別調聲，前朝惟有李夫人) Li Shishi Li Shishi was a courtesan (角妓 / 角伎) in Kaifeng, the capital of the Song Dynasty, and Emperor Huizong was a regular client of hers. She fled to Zhejiang or Hunan after the Jingkang