— Bai Juyi
Viewed from the Seaside Tower morning clouds look bright;
Along the riverbank I tread on fine sand white.
The General’s Temple hears roaring nocturnal tide;
Spring dwells in the Beauty’s Bower green willow hide.
The red sleeves weave brocade broidered with flowers fine;
Blue streamers show amid pear blossoms a shop of wine.
Who opens a southwest lane to the temple scene?
It slants like a silk girdle around a skirt green.
Note
Bai Juyi (772–846 CE) was one of the most influential and widely read poets of Tang Dynasty in ancient China. Renowned for his clear, accessible language and deep humanism, he believed poetry should communicate meaning directly – even to ordinary people. As a government official who served as governor of Hangzhou from 822 to 824 CE, Bai developed a profound affection for the city, especially its natural beauty, which inspired some of his most lyrical works.
One such poem is “Spring Gaze from Hangzhou” (Spring View in Hangzhou or Hang Zhou Chun Wang). In this vivid piece, Bai paints a panoramic view of Hangzhou in spring: mist rising over West Lake, willows swaying along riverbanks, peach and plum blossoms brightening temple courtyards, and sails drifting on the Qiantang River. He also weaves in urban life – markets bustling, temples echoing with bells, and citizens enjoying the season. Unlike purely romantic nature poems, this work blends landscape, cityscape, and civic pride, reflecting Bai’s role not just as a poet but as a caring administrator who improved local infrastructure, including the famous Bai Causeway on West Lake.
The general mentioned in the poem refers to Wu Zixu. Wu Yun, courtesy name Zixu, was a native of the State of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period. His father and elder brother were both killed by King Ping of Chu. Wu Zixu fled to the State of Wu, where he helped King Helü of Wu defeat Chu and later assisted King Fuchai of Wu in conquering the State of Yue. However, King Fuchai later believed slanderous rumors and had Wu Zixu killed. Out of sympathy for the loyal minister’s tragic fate, people built a shrine in his memory—the Wu Zixu Temple, located on Wushan Mountain (also known as Xushan) in Hangzhou.
The beautiful woman in the poem refers to Su Xiaoxiao, a renowned courtesan of the Southern Dynasties period in Qiantang (present-day Hangzhou). Her tomb stands by the side of Xiling Bridge on West Lake.
“Spring Gaze from Hangzhou” captures both the aesthetic grace and tranquil prosperity of the city, embodying Bai Juyi’s ideal of harmonious coexistence between nature, society, and governance.
杭州春望
— 白居易
望海楼明照曙霞，
护江堤白踏晴沙。
涛声夜入伍员庙，
柳色春藏苏小家。
红袖织绫夸柿蒂，
青旗沽酒趁梨花。
谁开湖寺西南路，
草绿裙腰一道斜。
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