“Spirit of Xiao and Xiang” (潇湘神) by Liu Yuxi draws on centuries-old lore surrounding the Xiao and Xiang Rivers, which flow through Hunan Province. Local tradition reco⋯ Read the full article

“A Glimpse of Lake Dongting” (望洞庭) by Liu Yuxi is a short yet evocative poem that captures the tranquil beauty of Dongting Lake, located in present-day Hunan Province.⋯ Read the full article

In “Tai Cheng,” Liu Yuxi draws the reader’s gaze toward a once-flourishing capital, now hushed by time. The poem references the ‘six dynasties’ that once made their seat ⋯ Read the full article

Often referred to simply as “No Title,” this quatrain by Liu Yuxi paints an image of regal stillness and untold sorrow. The poem begins with an evocative scene of the pal⋯ Read the full article

In “Second Visit to the Xuandu Temple,” Liu Yuxi contrasts memories of a lush, flower-filled garden with its later transformation. When he first visited, peach blossoms a⋯ Read the full article

In “Remembering Mount Xisai,” Liu Yuxi connects a specific location—Xisai Mountain (西塞山)—with a pivotal moment in ancient Chinese history. The poem focuses on Wang Jun⋯ Read the full article

This poem, “A Reply to Bai Juyi at a Banquet in Yangzhou,” was Liu Yuxi’s response to his longtime friend Bai Juyi—also known by his courtesy name, Letian—upon meeting in⋯ Read the full article

In “Willow Branch Song (No. 1),” Liu Yuxi presents a scene at the former palace of Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty, situated by the Bian River. Through the image of a few⋯ Read the full article

In “Autumn Words (No. 1),” Liu Yuxi counters the longstanding notion that autumn must be synonymous with melancholy. Traditionally, poets of earlier eras often lamented f⋯ Read the full article

“Wave-Washing Sands (No. 8)” is part of Liu Yuxi’s series of poems collectively titled “Lang Tao Sha.” In this particular piece, the poet addresses the impact of slander ⋯ Read the full article

“Bamboo Branch Song (No. 1)” is a short yet evocative poem by Liu Yuxi, a prominent poet of the Tang Dynasty. Each line paints a vivid picture, weaving natural images wit⋯ Read the full article

“Wuyi Lane” (《乌衣巷》) is a famous poem by Liu Yuxi (772–842), a Tang dynasty scholar-official and literary master known for weaving social observation and personal sen⋯ Read the full article

“Inscription on a Humble Abode” (《陋室铭》) by Liu Yuxi is a celebrated short prose-poem from the Tang Dynasty. Composed as a ‘铭’ (ming)—an inscription that extols virt⋯ Read the full article

Although “沙路曲” (Ballad of the Sandy Road) is often anthologized among Li He’s poems dealing with travel and the frontier, its brevity belies its emotional depth. In fo⋯ Read the full article

This poem is the first in a set of five collectively titled “感讽五首” (often rendered as “Satirical Reflections” or “Laments and Admonitions”). True to Li He’s trademark⋯ Read the full article