Bashō was highly influenced by all the classic Tang poetry and was constantly making allusions to various Chinese poems. Chia Tao (賈島) was a big influence, as was Li Po (李白), and Tu Fu (杜甫). It is said his favorite poet was Li Po. One of Bashō's first pen names, in fact, was Tōsei (桃青), a clear reference to Li Po.

It is safe to say that haiku was greatly influenced by those old Chinese poets.