Abstract: The compilation of history of Yunnan literature requires the study of many writers, among whom is Xie Qiong, a distinguished and sociable Kunming poet during the reigns of Jiaqing and Daoguang emperors (1796-1850). He participated in the literati gatherings centering around Liu Dashen but never succeeded in the imperial examinations for promotion to officialdom, ending his life as a minor government employee. The most vital of his poems include those that truly reflect the weariness and frustration of the scholars sitting examination after examination for access to officialdom as well as the mixed emotions of a minor government employee. These works not only show a freshly pure style but also give us a feeling of unconstrained boldness. Some of his poems, like those in style by Sushi and Xin Qiji, two of the greatest poets in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), range among the best in the history of Yunnan’s poetry. The study of Xie Qiong is significant to understanding the literature circles and the group of poets failing the imperial examinations at that time.

Key words: Xie Qiong, lifetime, poetic achievement