The position of Qu Yuan had become higher and higher and his influence was farther and wider since the Han Dynasty. He has always been viewed as a great man due to his persistent patriotism, dauntless fighting spirit, and his spirit not to associate with evil persons. Although his patriotism is always related to his loyalty to the court, he could not escape the influence of the basic moral principles in his times. At the same time however we should be clear that Qu Yuan possessed strong self-awareness. He did not regard himself as the servant to the court but as the guider of his state. He has a firm belief in his political and personal ideals. To pursue his ideals he did not hesitate to fight against most of the people of the social group, which he belonged to. He maintained the right to think for himself and to be faithful to himself in a dilemma of patriotism and loyalty to court. The later generations have learned a lot from him as a martyr to ideals.

　　At the same time more than twenty poems which he devoted all of his life to are viewed not only as perfect classic examples in the history of Chinese literature, but also as precious heritage of the world literature. Qu Yuan was a statesman at that time, but not the poet in the normal sense. The literary men of different generations have always paid tribute to Qu Yuan in a lot of literary works. Some of the works are very influential such as Biography of Qu Yuan by Sheng Yazhi, On Quyuan’s Drowning by Hui Jingcheng, A Picture of Qu Yuan by Cheng Hongshou, Illustrations for Li Sao by Xiao Yuncong, and A New Version of Illustrations for Li Sao by Men Yingzhao. Contemporary writers also sing Qu Yuan in many literary forms such as poem, novel, drama, film and TV series. The historical play Qu Yuan by Guo Moruo(1892-1978, a great writer) is the most famous, and its public presentation in Chongqing City during anti-Japan war struck patriotic fire in the heart of Chinese people to participate in the national anti-Japan war.

　　At the beginning of the last century, the study of Qu Yuan has become prosperous. The studies are carried out by many scholars, and institutes, and they pay a lot of attention to many topics such as the date when he was born and died, his family background, personality, political life and poetry writing. The study is so intensive that its influence has reached every corner of China and the world. Qu Yuan from the oriental civilization is accepted by the whole world and has become the most authoritative symbol for the exchanges of western and oriental civilization. Thus Qu Yuan does not belong to China but also to the whole world.

　　A nation should not just have its national spirit, but also its model. Qu Yuan of the State of Chu is a great model of Chinese spirit. His integrity, braveness and loyalty to his country are respected by the following generations. When he was put in a very important position by Emperor Huai, he tried to realize his ideal of fine politics. After he was exiled to Jiangnan (south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River), he still persisted in his ideal. Although he had ever thought of taking a long journey to escape, he never did that. He never left his mother and finally sacrificed for his country. It is his inflexible patriotism that characterizes Qu Yuan’s spirit.

　　Patriotism is an important part of Chinese national spirit. Both Qu Yuan and his spirit can cause great inspiration in different times, societies and countries. In 1953, Qu Yuan as a Chinese poet was ranked by the World Peace Council one of the four Famous Men of World Culture together with Nikolaus Copernicus, Polish astronomer, Francois Rabelais, French writer, and Jose Marti, Cuban writer and leader of national movement. “Qu Yuan is not only a talented singer in ancient times, but a great patriot. He is selfless, brave, noble and very famous across the world. His immortal image will long live in the heart of every Chinese people and we are the heirs of his great spirits,” said Mao Zedong.