A Spring Stroll by Qiantang Lake - Bai Juyi
/钱塘湖春行 - 白居易/
A Serene Glimpse of West Lake’s Early Spring Splendor
孤山寺北贾亭西
North of Gushan Temple, west of Jia Pavilion
水面初平云脚低
The water’s surface lies level, clouds hang low at their edges
几处早莺争暖树
In several places, early orioles vie for the warmest branches
谁家新燕啄春泥
Whose fresh young swallows peck at spring’s soft mud?
乱花渐欲迷人眼
Wildflowers, in their growing profusion, begin to dazzle the eyes
浅草才能没马蹄
Shallow new grass just starts to conceal the horses’ hooves
最爱湖东行不足
I love most to wander along the eastern shore, never sated by its beauty
绿杨阴里白沙堤
Where green willows cast cool shade on the White Sand Dike
In this poem, Bai Juyi offers a gentle yet vivid portrayal of early spring by Qiantang Lake—now known widely as West Lake in Hangzhou. With each line, he uses natural details to guide the reader through a tranquil landscape awakening from winter’s hold. Early orioles vie for sun-warmed branches, while young swallows scoop up mud to build their nests; these everyday sights highlight the quietly joyful renewal spring brings to both bird and earth.
The poem’s middle lines celebrate the riot of wildflowers and the delicate grass growing thick enough to hide horses’ hooves. This juxtaposition of colorful blossoms and tender shoots fosters a sense of both exuberance and gentleness. As the poem nears its close, Bai Juyi singles out his favorite place: the lake’s eastern bank. Its willows cast refreshing shadows, and the White Sand Dike completes the idyllic setting, symbolizing balance between the natural and the man-made.
The poet’s choice of details—clouds hanging low, fresh mud for building nests, and green willows shading a lakeside path—conveys not just a scenic moment but also the promise of renewed life. Bai Juyi’s understated language quietly underscores how spring’s modest transformations can inspire reflection and gratitude. Although concise, the poem brims with understated optimism, reminding us that in noticing nature’s small miracles—bright birds, tender grasses, and drifting clouds—we may find solace and delight. Through this serene stroll, Bai Juyi invites us to pause, observe, and welcome the season’s gentle stirrings into our own hearts and senses.
Key points
1. Spring’s renewal is depicted through birdsong, budding plants, and tranquil waters.
2. Bai Juyi uses quiet, vivid details to celebrate how nature flourishes, urging us to notice life’s delicate transitions.
3. The poem highlights how a simple lakeside walk can evoke reflection, delight, and deeper attunement to the changing world.