Career
He was one of three brothers, and part of the Song clan which had served in government offices for six generations. Song Di was part of the social milieu of a major artistic period of the Song dynasty, and is largely known through his interactions with famous figures of the period, such as Su Shi and Sima Guang. He is especially acknowledged as the original creator of the Eight Views of Xiaoxiang.
During Emperor Renzong of Song"s final regnal era (Jiayou, 1056-1063) Song Di held the posts of assistant for transport commission and vice director of administration in Changsha, an important commercial and administrative city located on along the lower reaches of the Xiang River.
In 1062, Song Di was in the city now known as Kaifeng, with the Imperial examinations. Song Di"s career came to an abrupt end after he was blamed for a fire in a government building.
Song Di"s major influence was in creating the original set of Eight Views of Xiaoxiang.
