The “Tui Bei Tu” is one of the most mysterious and intriguing books in Chinese history. Written during the Tang Dynasty by two scholars, Li Chunfeng and Yuan Tiangang, this ancient text is said to contain a series of prophecies that predict major events in China’s future. The name “Tui Bei Tu” means “Pushing Back Pictures,” referring to the practice of pushing back one’s fate or destiny. Over the centuries, the “Tui Bei Tu” has captured the imagination of historians, scholars, and conspiracy theorists alike.

The book consists of sixty prophecies, each accompanied by a poem and a symbolic illustration. These prophecies are written in a cryptic style, making them difficult to interpret. Many believe that the “Tui Bei Tu” has accurately predicted events such as the fall of the Tang Dynasty, the rise of the Qing Dynasty, and even the Cultural Revolution. However, some argue that these interpretations are simply coincidences or the result of reading history into vague predictions.

One of the most famous prophecies is the “Iron Bird Prophecy,” which some interpret as foreseeing the invention of airplanes. Another well-known prediction is said to describe the fall of the last emperor and the rise of a republic. Whether these prophecies are true or not, the “Tui Bei Tu” continues to fascinate those who study it.

To get a modern perspective, I interviewed two students from Eleanor Roosevelt High School about their thoughts on the “Tui Bei Tu.”

Alina Li shared, “I think the ‘Tui Bei Tu’ is really cool. It’s amazing that people from so long ago tried to predict the future. Even if some of the prophecies seem vague, it’s still fun to see how they might connect to real events.”

Chester Chen added, “It’s interesting how people interpret the ‘Tui Bei Tu’ differently. Some predictions seem really accurate, but I wonder if it’s because we try to make them fit into our history. Either way, it’s a fascinating part of Chinese culture.”

Today, the “Tui Bei Tu” remains a topic of debate. Some people believe it holds the key to understanding the past and predicting the future, while others view it as a collection of poems open to interpretation. Whether or not the prophecies are true, the “Tui Bei Tu” serves as a reminder of humanity’s fascination with fate and the unknown. It stands as a cultural treasure, sparking curiosity and debate across generations.