Touring Shanxi Village
- Poetry of Lu You

《游山西村》

English Rendering

Laugh not that the wine, placed on the altar by farming families at the end of Lunar New Year, is cloudy.

There are plenty of chickens and suckling pigs for the guests at the end of an abundant year.

Over numerous mountains and streams, I had my doubts that I could find the road.

Then out of the shade of the willows, came bright flowers and another village.

The sound of flutes and drums grow stronger as I approach the springtime commune.

Their clothing is plain, preserving an ancient quality.

And now, I am able to relax in all of this moonlight,

I will walk with my cane, and knock on every door throughout the night.

Touring Shanxi Village by Lu You
Touring Shanxi Village by Lu You

Original Text (中文原文)

莫笑农家腊酒浑,丰年留客足鸡豚。

山重水复疑无路,柳暗花明又一村。

箫鼓追随春社近,衣冠简朴古风存。

从今若许闲乘月,拄杖无时夜叩门。

Analysis & Context

By LU YOU

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.

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