English Rendering
They ask me why I live in the green mountains.
I smile and don't reply; my heart's at ease.
Peach blossoms flow downstream, leaving no trace -
And there are other earths and skies than these.
Question and Answer in the Mountains
- Poetry of Li Bai (Li Po)
《山中问答》#Mountains #Conflict #Charm
Original Text (中文原文)
问余何意栖碧山，笑而不答心自闲。
桃花流水窅然去，别有天地非人间。
Analysis & Context
This poem written by the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai during his seclusion in the verdant mountains. At the time, the 30-year-old Li Bai was living in seclusion on Baizhao Mountain in Anlu and had deeply fallen in love with the tranquil natural surroundings. Through this poem, he expresses his passion for the reclusive life and his detachment from worldly affairs.
Reader's Companion
The Essence of the Verse
Classical Chinese poetry thrives on Concision and Ambiguity. Without tense or number, the words create a timeless space where the reader becomes the co-creator of the poem's meaning.
Reading Between the Lines
Look for Contrasts: light and shadow, movement and stillness. Don't just translate the words; feel the Yijing (artistic conception) that lingers long after the last character.
- The Song of a Southern Maid V
- Observing the Moon
- Su Wu
- Ancient Air: A Northern Belle
- Awaiting the Wine That Doesn’t Come
- Consoling Myself
- The Summit Temple
- <Prelude to Water Melody> Sent to Ziyou on Mid-autumn Festival
- Invitation to Wine
- Question and Answer in the Mountains
- Cold sheet
- Coming Home ( Returning Home )
The Masters' Directory
Journey through the dynasties. Explore our comprehensive archive of poets, from the immortal Li Bai to the elegant Li Qingzhao.
View All Poets →