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

　　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.