Classical Chinese poetry refers to a rich tradition of poetry that flourished in China from ancient times until the early 20th century. It is characterized by its use of specific forms, such as shi, ci, and qu, which have distinct structures and rules. The language is often concise and layered with meaning, employing techniques like parallelism and allusion to convey emotions and imagery. The themes of classical Chinese poetry often revolve around nature, love, and philosophical reflections. Notable poets include Li Bai and Du Fu, who are celebrated for their contributions to the Tang Dynasty poetry. Their works continue to influence modern literature and are studied for their artistic and cultural significance.