A place of scenic beauty in the southeast The metropolis in the region of the Three Wu's, Qiantang has flourished since ancient times. Clouded willow trees and bright painted bridges, Windbreak window drapes and kingfisher-feathered curtains, A hundred thousand houses clustered high and low. Towering trees line the sandy bank, The raging tide rolls upward like frost and snow, The heavenly moat stretches to the horizon. The market filled with tiers of pearls and gems; Households overflowing with silks and satins, Contend in wealth and luxury. The clear twin lakes and green hills offer pictureaque views; The fragrance of sweet osmanthus lingers on the autumn air, Lotus flowers bloom far and wide in summer. The sound of flutes soars up to the sunny skies, The singing of folk songs breaks the silence of night, Happy are the old anglers and girls collecting water chestnuts. With a flag surrounded by a mounted retinue a thousand strong, To enjoy music while in my cups, To chant verses while admiring the mist and clouds at twilight. When, one day, you win promotion with glory, You will praise this place at Phoenix Pool profusely.
Yu Lin Ling
Mournfully chirr the ciadas, As the shower of rain stops And we face the roadside pavilion at dusk. We drink without cheer in the tent outside the city gate; It is the moment when we are loath to part But the magnolia-wood boat beckons me on. Hands clasped together we see our tears, So overcome, unable to utter a single word. Ahead lies a journey a thousand li of misty waves And the vast sky of Chu hangs with heavy evening haze. Since time immemorial, loves have grieved at parting Made more poignant in the fallow season of autumn. What is this place where I have sobered from my drunken stupor? The riverside is strewn with willow trees, The morning breeze wafts in with a waning moon. Our parting will last for years, Fine hours and scenes of beauty have no appeal Even though my heart is filled with tender feelings, But, with whom can I share them?