Guiguzi(鬼谷子):
In Chinese, it is pronounced as: guǐ gǔ zǐ，Written as:

Guiguzi is a legendary figure in Chinese history, renowned for his exceptional intelligence and strategic acumen. He was a prominent Diplomat/Strategist and military tactician during the Warring States period. His real name and specific details of his life are not thoroughly recorded in history, with most information about him passed down through legends and classical texts.
Named after his retreat in the Ghost Valley of Yunmeng Mountain (located in present-day Qi County, Hebi City, Henan Province), he is respectfully called “Master Guiguzi” or “Grand Ancestor Wang Chan” and is considered an important figure in Taoism. Living during the Warring States period—an era marked by the contention of Feudal Lords and a proliferation of philosophical schools—Guiguzi developed a unique set of techniques in diplomacy and strategic manipulation.
Guiguzi educated many famous disciples with his superior wisdom, including well-known figures such as Su Qin, Zhang Yi, Sun Bin, and Pang Juan. These disciples played significant roles on the political stage of the Warring States period, becoming highly sought-after advisors by various states.
Considered the progenitor of Diplomat/Strategists, Guiguzi’s techniques of diplomacy were crucial foreign policy strategies during the Warring States period. His methods primarily involved two strategies: forming alliances with weaker states to oppose stronger ones, and aligning with powerful states to suppress the weaker ones. Guiguzi also made significant contributions to military tactics, and his strategic ideas had a profound influence on subsequent military theories.
He is said to have authored the book “Guiguzi,” which covers strategies in lobbying, diplomacy, psychological warfare, and more. This book had a significant impact on ancient Chinese politics, military, and diplomatic affairs.
In Taoism, Guiguzi is revered as a symbol of wisdom and strategy, known as “Grand Ancestor Wang Chan” and holds a mythical status. His thoughts were not only valuable during the Warring States period but also profoundly influenced later military strategists, political advisors, and statesmen. Stories and legends about Guiguzi have been referenced and adapted in many literary works over the centuries, making him an eternal symbol of wisdom in Chinese culture.
As a historical and legendary figure, although the specifics of his life remain obscure, Guiguzi left a significant mark on Chinese history with his deep wisdom and strategic thinking. His diplomatic techniques and strategic thoughts not only shaped the political landscape of the Warring States period but also became a vital theoretical foundation for future studies in politics and military strategies. Guiguzi symbolizes wisdom, strategy, and exceptional insight within Chinese culture, holding a prominent position.