Yuan Zhen and Li Shen were renowned poets of the Tang Dynasty, often referred to as the "Tang Poetasters" or "Tang Poets." They were part of the flourishing literary scene during the Tang Dynasty, a period known for its cultural richness and literary achievements. Yuan Zhen (799-831) and Li Shen (781-842) were both prominent figures in the world of poetry, and their works continue to be celebrated for their elegance, depth, and innovation.

The term "Tang Poetasters" was coined to describe the group of poets who were particularly influential during the Tang Dynasty. This term emphasizes their role in shaping the literary landscape of the era. Yuan Zhen and Li Shen were among the most celebrated of these poets, known for their mastery of various poetic forms, including the shi (classical Chinese poetry) and ci (lyric poetry).

The popularity of Yuan Zhen and Li Shen can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, their poetry was characterized by its emotional depth and its ability to convey complex human experiences. For instance, Yuan Zhen's "The Nightingale" is a poignant expression of longing and loss, while Li Shen's "The Traveler" captures the loneliness and melancholy of the journey. These emotional resonances made their works widely appealing.

Secondly, both poets were innovative in their use of language and form. Yuan Zhen, for example, was known for his use of vivid imagery and his ability to blend traditional and contemporary themes. Li Shen, on the other hand, was a master of the ci form, which allowed him to explore a wide range of emotional states with great nuance.

Historical data supports the significance of Yuan Zhen and Li Shen in the Tang Dynasty. According to the "Tangshu" (Book of the Tang), a comprehensive history of the Tang Dynasty, Yuan Zhen was a member of the "Eight Great Poets of the Tang," a group of poets who were particularly influential in the development of Tang poetry. Similarly, Li Shen was highly regarded for his contributions to the ci form, as evidenced by his inclusion in the "Tang Ci Ji" (Collection of Tang Ci), a seminal work on Tang lyric poetry.

In conclusion, Yuan Zhen and Li Shen were known as the "Tang Poetasters" or "Tang Poets" due to their significant contributions to the literary landscape of the Tang Dynasty. Their poetry, characterized by its emotional depth and innovative use of language and form, continues to be celebrated for its beauty and complexity. Historical records, such as the "Tangshu" and the "Tang Ci Ji," confirm their status as key figures in the development of Chinese poetry during the Tang Dynasty.