Voltaire and the Orphan of China

The Orphan of Zhao written by Ji Junxiang, a playwright of the Yuan Dynasty, was adapted into The Orphan of China by Voltaire. Since then, this Chinese tragedy had been repeatedly translated, reviewed and adapted by different countries, creating the 'craze for The Orphan of Zhao' across Europe in the mid-18th century. The 'China Fever,' which emerged in Europe at the end of 17th century, also reached its climax at that time.