The Chanting Willows Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?

What Happens at the End of The Chanting Willows?

Based on the novel, “Love by the West Lake” by Wang Xufeng, “The Chanting Willows” is set against the backdrop of the Orioles in the Willows Garden, by Hangzhou’s West Lake, and tells of the emotional entanglement between a fan painter and two female Yue opera performers, Chuitiao and Yinxin. The two girls have performed together since they were children and are like sisters. Chuitiao is true to her nature and lives for the opera, whereas Yinxin appears naive, but knows how to work her way up by currying favour with the right people. ​The two are inseparable until the fan painter, Gong Yushan arrives on the scene. As the popularity of Yue Opera wanes, Chui Tiao and Yinxin’s relationship also deteriorates. It is only towards the end, when they are about to part, that they realise that the person they need the most is each other.

Dai Wei's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Wang Yang (Chuitiao)'s journey. The two girls have performed together since they were children and are like sisters.

How Does Wang Yang (Chuitiao)'s Story End?

• Wang Yang: Wang Yang's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Kan Xin (Yinxin): Kan Xin's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Zheng Yunlong (Gong Yushan): Zheng Yunlong's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

Is The Chanting Willows Based on a True Story?

Yes — The Chanting Willows draws from real events. The ending reflects documented outcomes, though Dai Wei has taken creative liberties in dramatizing specific scenes for cinematic impact.

What Does the Ending of The Chanting Willows Mean?

The ending of The Chanting Willows brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Wang Yang's story may not satisfy all audiences.