The Princess Wen Cheng is such a legend that are so clouded by folklore that it would a chore to find out who was she and how she had influenced the history of Tibet and Tang China.

It was indicated that she married the Tibetan King Songsten Gambo in 635 AD. Tang annual had placed the date as 641 AD. Which is the correct date?

She carried the title of princess, but was she a member of the immediate royal family? Apparently not, this is understandable, as in Han dynasty, palace maids were chosen for the marriage to Xiongnu, were hastily given the title of princess. Tibetan history had listed her a member of the extended royal family of Tang Dynasty of 18 years old when sent off. General Li Dau-Chung (King of Jiang-Xia ) spent 2 years in traveling with her to Tibet. The King of Tibet was very grateful and behaved properly as a son-in-law in receiving General Li Dau-Chung. This could easily lead to the conclusion that Wen Cheng was actually General Li Dau-Chung’s daughter. Who is General Li Dau-Chung?

Zunjing de Centaur,

I guess the more popular something is the further away it also is from historical accuracies? I would assume that people tell folklores to present ideologies as encouragements for youngsters.

Despite all the legends surrounding Princess Wen Cheng, I truly believe that she did have a strong influence on the history of Tibet and Tang China.

When looking at history, it was not uncommon for Han Emperors to choose palace maids, and then conferring them the title of a princess before marrying off to Xiong Nu. Hmm, did not Xiong Nu sometimes demand for a real princess? Anyway, I have always thought Princess Wen Cheng was the daughter of Tang Taizong and his concubine since Wikipedia listed her as such. Well, it is Wikipedia, so I really don’t know how reliable it can be. All I know about General Li Dau-Chung is that he spent two years traveling to Tibet with Princess Wen Cheng.

Yes and thank for your kind reply. I am certain Princess Wen Cheng had a strong influence on history of Tibet and Tang China. I was hoping to find out what kind of influence? dressing, language, culture and customs. I was hoping to find out if at any point the Tang historical had mentioned the achievements of Wen Cheng, besides being a bride from China.

some of the influences she has brought are as follows based on this link : http://www.womeninworldhistory.com/essay-07-02.html

Brought Tibet's most sacred image of Sakyamuni (the Buddha) with her. Buddhism had been practiced in China since at least the first century AD. Today this image resides in the Jokka Khang Temple, which Wencheng had built, in Lhasa. The Jokka Khang is the spiritual center of Tibet and the holiest destination for all Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims.

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• Brought the art of silk making to Tibet.

• Developed Tibetan alphabet and writing.

• Introduced a number of technological advances, such bringing Han artisans to pass on their skills in metallurgy, farming, weaving, construction, and the manufacture of paper and ink.

As per this next link, http://china-corner.com/article_list.asp?id=724
she brought about diplomatic ties, culture & religion of buddhisim

she seems well loved by the locals
but i however cannot seem to find anything on if she had bore the king who was Songtsan Gambo any decendent.
any idea on this?

she did not