–Mao Zedong, May 1965
Long have I cherished ambitions soaring high;
Now I climb Jinggang Mountain once again, nigh.
A thousand miles to seek the old haunt, I hie;
Its old face changed, with fresh charms it’s graced by.
Warblers sing, swallows dance, beneath the sky;
And streams gurgle on, flowing gently by;
A high road winds up to the clouds on high.
Past Huangyangjie, where perils once did lie;
No more steep dangers need we eye.
Storms and thunders roll, banners spread and fly;
Such is the mortal world, where hopes and struggles vie.
Thirty-eight years have passed, swift as a blink of an eye;
A moment’s flick, and time has passed by.
We can reach up to the Ninth Heaven to pluck the moon on high;
We can dive down to the Five Oceans to catch turtles, defy
All depths and dangers – then in laughter, triumphantly we fly.
Nothing in the world is hard to attain, no matter how high;
If only you dare to climb, to strive, and never to deny
Your own bold will to reach the sky!
Note
Mao Zedong returned to Jinggang Mountain (the cradle of the Chinese Communist revolution) after 38 years (since 1927, when he led the Autumn Harvest Uprising forces to establish the first rural revolutionary base). He composed this poem to express:
- Nostalgia for revolutionary struggles
- Praise for Jinggang’s modern transformation
- Revolutionary optimism and confidence in China’s future
- A call for perseverance and bold endeavor
Shui Diao Ge Tou (Prelude to Water Melody):
- A classic ci (song lyric) form originating in the Tang Dynasty
- Fixed tonal pattern, flexible line lengths, suitable for heroic, reflective themes
Jinggang Mountain:
The cradle of the Chinese revolution (1927–1930); Site of the first rural revolutionary base, where Mao developed the theory of “encircling cities from the countryside”
Huangyangjie:
- A strategic mountain pass on Jinggang; site of the famous Battle of Huangyangjie (1928)
- A symbol of revolutionary heroism and overcoming steep odds
“Ninth Heaven”:
- From classical Chinese cosmology: the highest celestial realm
- Alludes to Sun Tzu’s Art of War: “The best attackers move as if from the Ninth Heaven”
- Symbolizes grand ambitions, space exploration, supreme achievement
“Five Oceans”:
Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, Antarctic Oceans – symbolizes global reach, maritime power
“Pluck the moon / Catch turtles”:
- Metaphors for accomplishing seemingly impossible feats
- “Pluck the moon” adapts Li Bai‘s verse: “I long to climb the blue sky and embrace the bright moon”
- “Catch turtles” derives from Yuan drama: “Catch a turtle in a jar – easy victory”
“Long have I cherished soaring ambitions”:
Expresses Mao’s lifelong revolutionary ideals and high aspirations.
“Old face changed to new”:
Contrasts revolutionary poverty with 1960s modernization (roads, hydropower, prosperity).
“Warblers sing, swallows dance”:
Traditional imagery for peace, prosperity, vibrant life.
“High road enters clouds”:
Literal: modern highway on Jinggang; metaphor: China’s upward progress.
“Thirty-eight years – swift as a finger snap”:
From 1927 (first ascent) to 1965 (return); emphasizes time’s speed and lasting spirit.
“Nothing is hard – if you dare to climb”:
The poem’s climax – a universal motto for perseverance, courage, and determination.
Ideological & Political Meaning
- Revolutionary Legacy: Honors Jinggang’s role as the revolution’s birthplace.
- Progress & Optimism: Celebrates socialist construction and national revival.
- Call to Action: Encourages boldness, resilience, and striving for great goals.
《水调歌头-重上井冈山》
久有凌云志，
重上井冈山。
千里来寻故地，
旧貌变新颜。
到处莺歌燕舞，
更有潺潺流水，
高路入云端。
过了黄洋界，
险处不须看。
风雷动，
旌旗奋，
是人寰。
三十八年过去，
弹指一挥间。
可上九天揽月，
可下五洋捉鳖，
谈笑凯歌还。
世上无难事，
只要肯登攀。
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