Viewed from the Seaside Tower morning clouds look bright;
Along the riverbank I tread on fine sand white.
The General's Temple hears roaring nocturnal tide;
Spring dwells in the Beauty's Bower green willow hide.
The red sleeves weave brocade broidered with flowers fine;
Blue streamers show amid pear blossoms a shop of wine.
Who opens a southwest lane to the temple scene?
It slants like a silk girdle around a skirt green.
Original Poem:
「杭州春望」
白居易
望海楼明照曙霞，护江堤白踏晴沙。
涛声夜入伍员庙，柳色春藏苏小家。
红袖织绫夸柿蒂，青旗沽酒趁梨花。
谁开湖寺西南路，草绿裙腰一道斜。
Interpretation:
This poem depicts the beautiful spring scenery of Hangzhou, blending the natural landscape of West Lake, local customs, and historical sites into a vibrant and poetic picture of Jiangnan in spring. The poet uses the word "gaze" throughout the poem, emphasizing the broad perspective of looking far and wide from a high vantage point, while also expressing deep admiration for Hangzhou. This is not only a tribute to its beauty but also a reflection of the poet’s joy in witnessing the prosperity of a flourishing era.
First Couplet: "望海楼明照曙霞，护江堤白踏晴沙。"
The Wanghai Tower, located east of Hangzhou, shines brilliantly in the morning glow, while the white sands of the Hujing Dike reflect the bright sunlight, appearing exceptionally pure and clear.
The poet begins by depicting two iconic landmarks—Wanghai Tower and Hujing Dike. The towering structure and the stretching embankment create a magnificent panorama of Hangzhou. The contrast between the golden dawn shining upon the tower and the glistening sands establishes a luminous and uplifting tone for the poem.
Second Couplet: "涛声夜入伍员庙，柳色春藏苏小家。"
At night, the surging tide of the Qiantang River roars, its echoes reaching Wuyuan Temple on Wu Hill, while verdant willows sway, veiling the former residence of the courtesan Su Xiaoxiao in their lush greenery.
This couplet transitions from natural scenery to historical landmarks, highlighting Hangzhou’s rich cultural heritage. The tidal waves resounding through the temple seem to whisper the tragic tale of Wu Zixu, while the soft willows enveloping Su Xiaoxiao’s former dwelling evoke an air of gentleness. The verbs "echoing" and "hiding" imbue the scene with life, adding layers of history and emotion to the landscape.
Third Couplet: "红袖织绫夸柿蒂，青旗沽酒趁梨花。"
Women in flowing red sleeves skillfully weave silk, proudly showcasing their exquisite persimmon-patterned brocade, while green banners flutter in the breeze, inviting people to drink newly brewed wine during the pear blossom season.
This couplet paints a lively scene of Hangzhou’s folk customs. The poet not only portrays the city’s thriving silk industry but also captures the joyous tradition of wine-drinking in spring. The intricate patterns of the brocade and the dexterous hands of the women highlight the refinement of Jiangnan’s craftsmanship, while the pear blossom season’s festive wine-drinking culture adds to the poem’s vibrant and bustling atmosphere.
Fourth Couplet: "谁开湖寺西南路，草绿裙腰一道斜。"
Who carved this meandering path leading to the Lakeside Temple on Solitary Hill? Covered in fresh green grass, it elegantly curves, resembling the delicate waist of a young maiden.
With a rhetorical question, the poet invites the reader’s contemplation while using the metaphor of a maiden’s waist to liken the path’s graceful curve to a young girl’s elegance. This personification of West Lake enhances its charm, making the scene appear even more lively and poetic. This elegant imagery provides a fitting and artistic conclusion to the poem.
Writing Features:
This poem is structured around the theme of gazing, seamlessly connecting Hangzhou’s scenery, history, culture, and local traditions into a vivid tapestry. The poet employs contrast (e.g., "the roaring tide at Wuyuan Temple" vs. "the hidden spring at Su Xiaoxiao’s home"), color imagery (e.g., "red sleeves" vs. "green banners"), and dynamic-still juxtapositions (e.g., "the roaring tide" vs. "the silent willows") to create a layered and emotionally rich composition. Additionally, the infusion of historical references enhances the depth and meaning of the poem.
Overall Appreciation:
This poem is not just a depiction of Hangzhou’s spring beauty but also a celebration of the prosperity and charm of Jiangnan. From the towering morning-lit pavilion to the roaring nighttime tide, from the lush willow trees to the skilled silk weavers, and from the lively wine-drinking festivities to the gracefully winding lakeside path, the poet employs meticulous descriptions and balanced couplets to interweave Hangzhou’s natural elegance and humanistic splendor. The poem is visually captivating and filled with poetic fluidity, conveying the poet’s deep affection for Hangzhou.
Insights:
The spring landscape of Hangzhou portrayed in this poem is not merely a tribute to natural beauty but also a reflection of a flourishing and vibrant way of life. It reminds us to cherish the beauty before us, to embrace the warmth of human connections, and to find poetry and joy in everyday life. Whether it is the dawn-lit tower, the rolling tides, the skilled hands of artisans, or the cheerful revelers beneath pear blossoms, each moment embodies the rhythm of life and the gift of the changing seasons. True beauty lies in our ability to perceive and appreciate it.
Poem translator:
Xu Yuan-chong (许渊冲)
About the poet:
Bai Juyi (白居易), 772-846 AD, was originally from Taiyuan, then moved to Weinan in Shaanxi. Bai Juyi was the most prolific poet of the Tang Dynasty, with poems in the categories of satirical oracles, idleness, sentimentality, and miscellaneous rhythms, and the most influential poet after Li Bai Du Fu.
