the New Yuefu movement

The New Yuefu movement was a literary campaign in early 20th-century China that aimed to modernize and popularize traditional Chinese poetry, especially the Yuefu folk ballads. Led by scholars like Guo Moruo, it sought to break away from classical, formal poetry by using simpler language and themes relevant to contemporary life, making poetry more accessible and expressive. This movement also emphasized merging traditional cultural elements with modern ideas, helping to revitalize Chinese literature and foster national identity during a time of social and political change.