 According to tradition, the members, Liu Ling (221–300), Ruan Ji (210–263), Ruan Xian (fl.3rd century), Xiang Xiu, Wang Rong (234–305) and Shan Tao (205–283) gathered in a bamboo grove near the house of Xi Kang (aka Ji Kang) (223–262), in Shanyang (now in Henan province) where they enjoyed, and praised in their works, the simple, rustic life.Modern criticism suggests that these gatherings may have been to some extent virtual.