Chinese poetry is an ancient and influential art form with a history that spans thousands of years. These poems are revered for their beauty, emotional depth, and wisdom. Often reflecting values, emotions, and philosophies unique to Chinese society, poetry has been a significant cultural touchstone throughout China’s history. Through its poetic verses, we gain insight into the Chinese way of life, their connection to nature, and their profound philosophical reflections. Chinese poetry’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to transcend time, language, and cultural barriers, offering readers inspiration and a glimpse into the richness of Chinese culture. This collection of famous Chinese poems, with English translations, explores classical Chinese poetry, including works from the Tang Dynasty and beyond, showcasing the deep connection between Chinese literature and Chinese history.
The Historical Journey of Chinese Poetry
Chinese poetry’s journey is one of evolution, shaped by historical, cultural, and political changes across dynasties. Each era brought a distinct style and set of themes, often defined by prominent poets of the time.
- Tang Dynasty: Known as the golden age of Chinese poetry, the Tang Dynasty (618-907) produced great poets like Li Bai and Du Fu. Their works range from reflections on nature to expressions of social concerns and personal emotions.
- Song Dynasty: The Song Dynasty (960-1279) saw the rise of Ci poetry, a lyrical form that blended music with verse. Poets like Su Shi and Li Qingzhao were key figures.
- Yuan Dynasty: Yuan poetry (1271-1368) often revolved around themes of resilience and cultural pride during foreign rule.
- Ming and Qing Dynasties: These periods (1368-1644; 1644-1912) embraced classical forms while incorporating new styles that addressed contemporary life.
- Modern Chinese Poetry: Starting in the early 20th century, modern poets like Xu Zhimo experimented with free verse, blending traditional elements with influences from Western poetry.
Chinese Poems All Children Know
Chinese children often grow up learning simple, accessible Chinese poem that instills core values and a love for the language. These timeless poems resonate across generations, forming an integral part of Chinese culture.
Thoughts in the Silent Night (静夜思) by Li Bai
Chinese:
床 前 明 月 光 ，
疑 是 地 上 霜 。
举 头 望 明 月 ，
低 头 思 故 乡 。
English Translation:
Beside my bed a pool of light— Is it hoarfrost on the ground? I lift my eyes and see the moon, I bend my head and think of home.
Summary: This concise poem by Li Bai captures homesickness and longing for one’s homeland. The bright moon serves as a symbol of connection, reminding the poet of family and shared experiences.
Toiling Farmers (悯农) by Li Shen
Chinese:
锄 禾 日 当 午 ，
汗 滴 禾 下 土 。
谁 知 盘 中 餐 ，
粒 粒 皆 辛 苦 。
English Translation:
Hard toil yields each grain of rice, Each kernel hard-won by sweat.
Summary: Li Shen’s poem expresses gratitude for farmers’ hard work and teaches children to appreciate food and the efforts behind it.
Spring Dawn 孟浩然 by Meng Haoran
Chinese:
春 眠 不 觉 晓 ，
处 处 闻 啼 鸟 。
夜 来 风 雨 声 ，
花 落 知 多 少 。
English Translation:
Spring mornings are fleeting, Nature’s splendour blooms anew.
Summary: Meng Haoran’s work celebrates the beauty of spring, inspiring mindfulness, and appreciation for nature’s fleeting moments.
An Ode to the Goose (咏鹅 ) by Luo Binwang
Chinese:
鹅 鹅 鹅 ，
曲 项 向 天 歌 。
白 毛 浮 绿 水 ，
红 掌 拨 清 波 。
English Translation:
Oh, the white-feathered geese! Sailing freely, a sight of peace.
Summary: This playful poem introduces children to rhythm and imagery, celebrating the graceful beauty of geese.
Little Pond (小池) by Yang Wanli
Chinese:
泉 眼 无 声 惜 细 流 ，
树 阴 照 水 爱 晴 柔 。
小 荷 才 露 尖 尖 角 ，
早 有 蜻 蜓 立 上 头 。
English Translation:
A spring runs silent, gentle its flow, Trees shade the water, love for all it shows. Lotus buds peek with tips so small, A dragonfly rests atop them all.
Summary: Yang Wanli’s poem beautifully depicts nature’s serene charm and delicate harmony.
Plucking Mulberries (采桑子) by Wei Yingwu
Chinese:
绿 阴 不 减 来 时 路 ，
添 得 黄 鹂 四 五 声 。
English Translation:
The verdant path remains the same, Yet orioles sing, adding to spring’s fame.
Summary: Wei Yingwu’s work highlights the constancy of nature amid changing seasons, with a sense of renewal and continuity.
Chinese Farewell Poems
Farewell poems were deeply embedded in Chinese culture, often written during the departure of friends, scholars, or officials. These poems reflect themes of loyalty, remembrance, and longing, key aspects of ancient Chinese poetry.
A Farewell to a Friend (送别) – Wang Wei
Chinese:
山 中 相 送 罢 ，
日 暮 掩 柴 扉 。
春 草 年 年 绿 ，
王 孙 归 不 归 。
English Translation:
Far stretches the road ahead, Yet memories bind hearts tight.
Summary: Wang Wei captures the poignancy of parting, blending sadness with hope for future reunions.
Seeing Off a Friend (送别) by Li Bai
Chinese:
青 山 横 北 郭 ，
白 水 绕 东 城 。
此 地 一 为 别 ，
孤 蓬 万 里 征 。
English Translation:
Mountains part our ways, White clouds soar where friends remain.
Summary: Li Bai’s imagery evokes the bittersweet nature of separation, leaving readers with a sense of enduring connection.
Farewell (送别, 王维) by Wang Wei)
Chinese:
山中相送罢，
日暮掩柴扉。
春草年年绿，
王孙归不归？
English Translation:
We part ways deep in the hills;
At dusk, I close the wooden gate still.
Spring grass turns green year after year,
Will you return, dear friend, or disappear?
Summary:
This farewell poem reflects nostalgia and the uncertainty of reunion. The recurring green grass signifies the passing of time and enduring emotions.
To Wang Lun – Li Bai
Chinese:
李 白 乘 舟 将 欲 行 ，
忽 闻 岸 上 踏 歌 声 。
桃 花 潭 水 深 千 尺 ，
不 及 汪 伦 送 我 情 。
English Translation:
Li Bai boards the boat, ready to sail, But hears singing from the trail. Peach Blossom Lake is a thousand feet deep, Yet not as deep as the friendship I keep.
Summary: This heartfelt poem celebrates the depth of friendship, valuing emotional connection over physical distance.
Song of the Parting Son (送别诗) by Wang Wei
Chinese:
下马饮君酒，
问君何所之。
君言不得意，
归卧南山陲。
但去莫复问，
白云无尽时。
English Translation:
I dismount and offer you wine,
Asking where you’ll journey this time.
You reply with a sigh,
“To the southern hills I’ll lie.”
Just go; I’ll ask no more,
Where endless white clouds soar.
Summary:
Wang Wei’s poem expresses acceptance and solace in nature. It highlights the quiet departure of a friend seeking refuge from worldly struggles.
Farewell to Secretary Shu Yun at Xietang (别薛潭) by Bai Juyi
Chinese:
别路云初起，
离亭叶正稀。
所嗟人异雁，
不作一行飞。
English Translation:
Clouds arise on the parting trail,
Sparse leaves flutter from the pavilion pale.
Unlike geese that fly in a neat row,
Humans depart with hearts heavy and slow.
Summary:
Bai Juyi’s farewell poem paints an autumnal setting, lamenting the bittersweet human separations lacking unity in nature’s creatures.
Chinese Poems About Love
Love, in its various forms, has inspired Chinese poets for centuries. These poems explore romantic, unrequited, and familial love, expressing emotions with profound elegance.
To the Tune of Riverside City (临江仙) – Qin Guan
Chinese:
东 风 夜 放 花 千 树 ，
更 吹 落 ，
星 如 雨 。
English Translation:
As east winds bring rain and bloom, Hope whispers where hearts resume.
Summary: Qin Guan’s lyrical composition reflects the transient nature of love and its power to transform pain into beauty.
Butterflies in Love with Flowers 蝶恋花, 刘墉 – by Liu Yong
Chinese:
伫倚危楼风细细，
望极春愁，黯黯生天际。
草色烟光残照里，
无言谁会凭阑意？
拟把疏狂图一醉，
对酒当歌，强乐还无味。
衣带渐宽终不悔，
为伊消得人憔悴。
English Translation:
Leaning on a high tower, the breeze gently flows;
I gaze far, where spring sadness to the horizon grows.
In the fading light, mist and grass hues intertwine,
Who can fathom this heart’s yearning from the balustrade line?
I seek to drown my sorrow in wine and song,
Though forced gaiety feels utterly wrong.
Though my belt loosens as I pine away,
For her, I’d let myself wither and decay.
Summary:
Liu Yong’s poem delves into longing and sorrow. It reflects the depth of love and the willingness to endure suffering for devotion.
Love seeds – Wang Wei
Chinese:
红 豆 生 南 国 ，
春 来 发 几 枝 。
愿 君 多 采 撷 ，
此 物 最 相 思 。
English Translation:
Red beans grow in southern land. Gather them till full is your hand; They revive fond memories, Of love’s ties that eternity sees.
Summary: Wang Wei’s poem uses red beans as a metaphor for love and longing, beautifully encapsulating the feelings of lovesickness.
Song of River City (江城子, 苏轼) by Su Shi
Chinese:
十 年 生 死 两 茫 茫 ，
不 思 量 ，
自 难 忘 。
English Translation:
Ten years passed, life and death apart, Unthinkable, yet unforgettable in heart.
Summary: Su Shi’s poignant verses dwell on grief and enduring love, exemplifying devotion even in separation.
Song of Divination (卜算子, 李之儀) – by Li Zhi Yi
Chinese:
我住长江头，君住长江尾。
日日思君不见君，共饮长江水。
此水几时休？此恨何时已？
只愿君心似我心，定不负相思意。
English Translation:
I dwell at the river’s head; you stay at its tail.
Every day I long for you, though I cannot avail.
We both drink the Yangtze’s flow—this bond prevails.
When will this river end? When will our sorrow cease?
I hope your heart mirrors mine, never betraying love’s lease.
Summary:
Li Zhi Yi’s poem captures the yearning of distant lovers. The Yangtze River symbolizes an unbroken connection despite physical separation.
Chinese New Year poems
Chinese New Year is a renewal time marked by celebrations and aspirations. Poets often captured this spirit in verses that resonate with themes of reunion, prosperity, and nature’s awakening.
New Year’s Day《元日》王安石 – Wang Anshi
Chinese:
爆 竹 声 中 一 岁 除 ，
春 风 送 暖 入 屠 苏 。
千 门 万 户 曈 曈 日 ，
总 把 新 桃 换 旧 符 。
English Translation:
Amid firecrackers, a year departs, Spring breezes bring warmth to our hearts. New peachwood charms replace the old, Welcoming the year with hopes untold.
Summary: Wang Anshi’s poem captures the festive and hopeful spirit of the Lunar New Year, celebrating renewal and tradition.
A Snowy Night 《除雪夜》陆游 – Lu You
Chinese:
一 夜 大 雪 覆 庭 院 ，
千 家 万 户 皆 团 圆 。
English Translation:
Snow blankets the courtyard overnight, Families gather, hearts alight.
Summary: Lu You’s poem symbolises unity and warmth during New Year festivities, highlighting family bonds.
Welcome Spring – Anonymous (迎春诗)
Chinese:
春 色 满 园 关 不 住 ，
一 枝 红 杏 出 墙 来 。
English Translation:
Spring fills the garden, unstoppable bloom, A red apricot branch escapes its room.
Summary: This anonymous poem celebrates the exuberance of spring, symbolising renewal and vitality.
Chinese Poems about Nature
Nature has always been a profound source of inspiration in Chinese poetry, often serving as a metaphor for philosophical ideas or emotional states.
On The Heron Tower by Wang Zhihuan
Chinese:
白 日 依 山 尽 ，
黄 河 入 海 流 。
欲 穷 千 里 目 ，
更 上 一 层 楼 。
English Translation:
The sun beyond the mountains glows; The Yellow River seawards flows. You can enjoy a grander sight By climbing to a greater height.
Summary: Wang Zhihuan’s poem uses nature to convey human ambition, encouraging readers to aspire for greatness.
Grass – Bai Juyi
Chinese:
离 离 原 上 草 ，
一 岁 一 枯 荣 。
野 火 烧 不 尽 ，
春 风 吹 又 生 。
English Translation:
Wild grasses spread o’er ancient plain; With spring and fall they come and go. Even fire can’t burn them up; again They rise when vernal breezes blow.
Summary: Bai Juyi’s poem highlights resilience and renewal, using grass as a metaphor for enduring vitality and hope.
Drinking Alone by Moonlight (月下独酌) by Li Bai
Chinese:
花 间 一 壶 酒 ，
独 酌 无 相 亲 。
举 杯 邀 明 月 ，
对 影 成 三 人 。
English Translation:
A jug of wine among the flowers, Alone I drink with no companions. I raise my cup to invite the bright moon, Together we form a group of three.
Summary: Li Bai’s whimsical poem reflects solitude, finding companionship in nature and celestial beauty.
A Quatrain (绝句) by Du Fu
Chinese:
两 个 黄 鹂 鸣 翠 柳 ，
一 行 白 鹭 上 青 天 。
窗 含 西 岭 千 秋 雪 ，
门 泊 东 吴 万 里 船 。
English Translation:
Two orioles sing in the emerald trees; A row of egrets soars across the skies. The window frames eternal snowy peaks; The door harbours a thousand miles of sails.
Summary: Du Fu’s quatrain captures the vivid beauty of nature and its harmony with human life.
Mountain Travel (山行) by Du Mu
Chinese:
远 上 寒 山 石 径 斜 ，
白 云 生 处 有 人 家 。
停 车 坐 爱 枫 林 晚 ，
霜 叶 红 于 二 月 花 。
English Translation:
The stony path climbs the cold mountain afar; Amid white clouds lies a secluded home. Stopping my cart, I relish the maple woods at dusk; Frosted leaves rival the bloom of spring.
Summary: Du Mu’s poem depicts an autumnal scene, capturing nature’s beauty and the solace it offers.
Calming the Waves (定风波) by Su Shi
Chinese:
莫听穿林打叶声，
何妨吟啸且徐行。
竹杖芒鞋轻胜马，
谁怕？一蓑烟雨任平生。
料峭春风吹酒醒，
微冷，山头斜照却相迎。
回首向来萧瑟处，
归去，也无风雨也无晴。
English Translation:
Ignore the sound of rain striking through the woods;
Why not hum a tune and walk at ease?
With a bamboo staff and straw sandals, lighter than a steed,
Why fear? A life with rain and mist is carefree indeed.
The biting spring breeze sobers my drunken state;
Though chill, slanted sunlight on the mountain greets me straight.
Looking back to the desolate scene just passed,
Returning now, neither rain nor shine can last.
Summary:
Su Shi’s poem conveys a serene philosophy toward life’s trials and tribulations. It embraces nature’s elements and teaches resilience through inner peace.
Conclusion
Chinese poetry remains a timeless treasure, capturing the essence of life, nature, love, and human emotions. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries, offering wisdom and inspiration to readers worldwide. Key terms like bright moon, thousand miles, red beans, and ancient times resonate deeply, reflecting the essence of classical Chinese poetry.
If you’re inspired to explore more Chinese poems or wish to learn Chinese, consider resources like Linda Mandarin and their Conversational Chinese course. Let the beauty of Chinese poetry enrich your understanding and appreciation of this remarkable culture.
