Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c10.s2.t13.2

v2.c10.s2.t13.2

poems. Ai Qing's poetry thus had a complex and singular identity. Scholars have interpreted his pen-name in different ways; the word “ai” suggests beautiful or good as in the expression “少艾” (for a young beauty) and the word "qing" suggests youth and freshness as in the expression "年青" (for young people). The name Ai Qing, therefore, has a certain buoyant sound and implies the poet's unabashed romanticism. He always loved and glorified life, and influenced many younger poets.