[Poem] REMEMBRANCE OF JIANGNAN (NO. 1) - A Nostalgic Reflection on Jiangnan’s Verdant Splendor

“Remembrance of Jiangnan (No. 1)” is one of Bai Juyi’s best-known short lyric poems (词) in the Chinese tradition. Written in the Ci form, it celebrates the region south of the Yangtze River—referred to as Jiangnan—for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant seasonal changes. Bai Juyi’s lines highlight the radiant hues of blooming flowers and the rich green of the river in spring, painting Jiangnan as a place of abundant life and warmth.

The poem’s core theme is longing—specifically, a wistful desire to revisit scenes once cherished. Bai Juyi uses simple, direct language to portray the rising sun’s brilliance on red blossoms and the enchanting transformation of the river’s color. This vivid imagery underscores Jiangnan’s power to captivate the heart and remain unforgettable. As the final line asks, “How could one not yearn for Jiangnan?”, it invites readers to share in the poet’s affection for a region whose beauty endures across time and memory.

Bai Juyi’s accessible style ensures that the poem’s emotional resonance is immediate: even without personal experience of Jiangnan, one can sense the warmth and richness he evokes. In just a few lines, he conveys not only a place’s appeal but also the universal human yearning to return to sites of happiness and familiarity. “Remembrance of Jiangnan” remains beloved for its elegant compression of nostalgia and natural splendor, reflecting Bai Juyi’s mastery in blending personal sentiment with breathtaking landscapes.