On Seeing the Snow-peak of Zhongnan
- Poetry of Zu Yong

《终南望馀雪》
On Seeing the Snow-peak of Zhongnan by Zu Yong
中文原文( Chinese )

终南阴岭秀，积雪浮云端。

林表明霁色，城中增暮寒。

English Translation

See how Zhongnan Mountain soars

With its white top over floating clouds --

And a warm sky opening at the snow-line

While the town in the valley grows colder and colder.

Five-character-quatrain

Recorded in the twentieth volume of the Chinese Poetry Chronicle, the poem was written by the poet during his examination in Chang An. It is said that the poem was written whilst viewing the snowy scenery, when the poet suddenly felt a surge of cold during that evening, despite how great the scenery is, who is to know just how many poor scholars are suffering in the cold. The poem is just a creative expression of this, it’s meaning refreshingly clear and beautifully simple.

- Last updated: 2024-06-24 13:00:06
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Why Chinese poems is so special?
The most distinctive features of Chinese poetry are: concision- many poems are only four lines, and few are much longer than eight; ambiguity- number, tense and parts of speech are often undetermined, creating particularly rich interpretative possibilities; and structure- most poems follow quite strict formal patterns which have beauty in themselves as well as highlighting meaningful contrasts.
How to read a Chinese poem?
Like an English poem, but more so. Everything is there for a reason, so try to find that reason. Think about all the possible connotations, and be aware of the different possibilities of number and tense. Look for contrasts: within lines, between the lines of each couplet and between successive couplets. Above all, don't worry about what the poet meant- find your meaning.

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