Su Shi is a poet like no other in Chinese history, having endured the longest exile and ventured the farthest distance. He is also a symbol of the scholar-official class in ancient China and one of the most beloved literary figures among Chinese people.

Su Shi was born in an era of relative peace and prosperity in China, marked by cultural, technological and economic advancements, as well as political complexities. His early life was deeply influenced by Confucianism, Buddhism and Daoism, which would later infuse his works with profound moral and philosophical insights.