Liang Shanbo (梁山伯) Yu Zhu Yingtai (祝英台) (LiangZhu: abbreviation) – The Butterfly Lovers is crowned as Oriental Romeo and Juliet:

Zhu Yingtai was the daughter of Mr. Zhu, a rich and influential man in Shangyu. She was a naughty but beautiful girl, and disguised as a man to go to Hangzhou for learning. On her way, she met with Liang Shanbo from Kuaiji. They became the sworn brother under the willows. Since then, they learnt and lived together for three years. During their study and life, they helped each other and made a deep affection to each other. Liang was too honest to recognize her real identity. In the meantime, Zhu deeply loved him.

Three years later, Zhu’s father urged her to come back. On her departure, Zhu gave many hints indicating her deep love for him, but Liang was confused.Months later, when Liang visits Zhu, he discovers that she is actually a woman. They are devoted to and passionate about each other and they make a vow to the effect of “till death do us part”. The joy of their reunion is short-lived as Zhu’s parents have already arranged for her to marry Ma Wencai, a man from a rich family. Liang is heartbroken when he hears the news and his health gradually deteriorates until he becomes critically ill and then he dies.

On the day of Ma and Zhu’s marriage, strong winds prevent the wedding procession from escorting the bride beyond Liang’s grave, which lies along the journey. Zhu leaves the procession to pay her respects at Liang’s grave. She descends in bitter despair and begs for the grave to open up. Suddenly, the grave opens with a clap of thunder. Without further hesitation, Zhu throws herself into the grave to join Liang. Their spirits turn into a pair of butterflies, emerge from the grave, fly away together and are never to be separated again.