Xishi – Said to be so beautiful, fish would forget to swim and sink as she passes by (7th century BC).

Celebrated for her natural beauty, she was selected by King of Yue Gou Jian (who was vanquished by the state of Wu) and was trained in royal court etiquette. Gou Jian sent his minister Fan Li to take Xishi as a tribute gift from Yue to the Prince of Wu. Xishi and Fan Li fell in love and secretly confessed their love for each other. The Prince of Wu welcomed Xishi and was enamoured by her appearance, so distracted he forgot his duties. Xishi continued to distract him eventually bringing political chaos allowing Gou Jian to take back his honour. Xishi was said to have disappeared with Fan Li after the death of the Prince of Wu never to be seen again.