This short yet evocative poem by Li He captures a sense of gentle melancholy surrounding the figure of Su Xiaoxiao—a renowned courtesan of the Southern Qi era (5th–6th ce⋯ Read the full article

Li He’s “Yanmen Taishou Xing,” often translated as “Song of the Yanmen Prefect,” is an iconic piece of Tang Dynasty poetry. With its vivid images of looming black clouds,⋯ Read the full article

“Li Ping’s Konghou Ballad” (《李凭箜篌引》) by Li He is renowned for its intense, richly imaginative language. The poem centers on Li Ping’s performance of the konghou, a⋯ Read the full article

In this poem, traditionally attributed to Han Yu, the poet reflects on his reappointment to an official post and his subsequent journey northward to the imperial capital.⋯ Read the full article

In this eight-line poem attributed to Han Yu, the poet addresses his friend Qu Hong, who is departing for the south. The poem opens with the shared bond formed ‘in the so⋯ Read the full article

Han Yu’s “Stone Drum Song” (《石鼓歌》) is an ode to the so-called Stone Drums—ancient relics dating back to the time of King Xuan of the Zhou Dynasty. These drums, engra⋯ Read the full article

Though widely known for his essays and moral remonstrations, Han Yu also composed poems reflecting on nature, life’s transience, and the scholar-official’s perpetual jour⋯ Read the full article

In this poem, Han Yu captures both the physical and emotional distances that define a scholar-official’s life in the Tang dynasty. Having received a new appointment, he t⋯ Read the full article

Han Yu’s “Farewell to Meng Dongye: A Prose Preface” (《送孟东野序》) is both a tribute to his friend Meng Jiao (styled as Meng Dongye) and a concise statement on the natu⋯ Read the full article

In this historic essay (often referred to as a ‘memorial’) by the Tang dynasty scholar-official Han Yu, the author warns the Emperor against embracing the relic of the Bu⋯ Read the full article

“琴操十首(其一)” by Han Yu is the first poem in a series that honors the qin (a traditional Chinese zither) and the refined cultural significance of its music. In ancient⋯ Read the full article

Although “原毁” (On Criticism or On Slander) is an essay rather than a traditional poem, Han Yu’s eloquent, concise style carries a distinctly poetic power. In this piece⋯ Read the full article

Although known as an essay rather than a traditional poem, Han Yu’s “进学解” (On Advancing in Learning) offers poetic wisdom on the spirit of scholarly dedication. In thi⋯ Read the full article

In “Late Spring,” Han Yu portrays a moment when spring’s colorful grandeur is on the brink of yielding to the warmth and changes of early summer. The poem begins with an ⋯ Read the full article

Although most of Han Yu’s “杂说” (Miscellaneous Essays) are written in prose form rather than verse, they share a poetic sensibility and reveal deep philosophical insight⋯ Read the full article