She is regarded by later generations as the goddess of the moon. This beautiful story has always been liked by the Chinese and provides a favourite allusion for poets and writers. Chairman Mao Zedong's poem in memory of his martyred wife Yang Kaihui has these well - known lines: The lonely moon goddess spreads her ample sleeves

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　　To dance for these loyal souls in infinite space.Here, in the Chinese original, the name Chang'e is used instead of "moon goddess". The figure of Chang'e, a beauty dressed in the elegant garments of a bygone age floating towards the moon, naturally supplies unending inspiration for painters and sculptors.