active 1678-1695 Dazhi Wu

Wu Dazhi, also known as Wu Diaohou, was a Qing-dynasty compiler and editor active in the late 17th century. He is remembered chiefly for helping compile Guwen Guanzhi with Wu Chengquan, a collection of 221 essays in literary Chinese first published in 1695.

The anthology was designed as a practical study aid, with carefully chosen selections, clear notes, and an approachable scale. Its range and readability helped it become one of the best-known introductions to classical Chinese prose, and it has remained widely used in Chinese-language education for centuries.

Reliable biographical details about Wu Dazhi himself are scarce in the sources available here. Some reference works identify him as the younger nephew of Wu Chengquan and give his courtesy name as Diaohou, but beyond his role in shaping Guwen Guanzhi, the historical record appears thin.