Synopsis
A famous seven-character quatrain by Li Bai describing the spectacular Lushan Mountain waterfall, one of the most celebrated nature poems in Chinese literature.
Overview
Viewing the Lushan Waterfall (望庐山瀑布) is a seven-character quatrain poem by the great Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai. It describes the spectacular waterfall of Mount Lu (Lushan) in Jiangxi Province and is one of the most famous nature poems in Chinese literature.
Original Text
日照香炉生紫烟，遥看瀑布挂前川。
飞流直下三千尺，疑是银河落九天。
Translation
| Line | Translation |
|---|---|
| 日照香炉生紫烟 | Sunlight shines on Incense Burner Peak, purple mist rises |
| 遥看瀑布挂前川 | From afar the waterfall hangs like a silk ribbon before the mountains |
| 飞流直下三千尺 | The flying cascade plunges three thousand feet straight down |
| 疑是银河落九天 | One might think the Milky Way has fallen from the highest heaven |
Background
Li Bai composed this poem around 725 AD while visiting Mount Lu in Jiangxi Province. Mount Lu is one of China's most famous mountains. Incense Burner Peak gets its name from its shape resembling an incense burner.
Artistic Features
The poem is renowned for its romantic exaggeration. The final couplet comparing the waterfall to the Milky Way falling from heaven is one of the most quoted lines in Chinese poetry. Li Bai's wild imagination and magnificent vision make this poem a masterpiece of romantic nature writing.
References
- Complete Tang Poems, Volume 181
- Li Bai biography: https://baike.baidu.com/item/李白
- Mount Lu introduction: https://baike.baidu.com/item/庐山
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