Su Dongpo

  • West Lake Water Shield Soup

    In the culinary landscape of Hangzhou – a city celebrated for its misty hills, ancient temples, and the shimmering waters of West Lake – few dishes carry as much cultural weight as West Lake Water Shield Soup (西湖莼菜汤). Known locally as “Chicken and Ham Water Shield Soup” (鸡火莼菜汤), this humble yet elegant dish is…

  • Dongpo Pork

    In the city of Hangzhou, where misty hills meet ancient temples and the shimmering waters of West Lake have inspired poets for centuries, one dish stands above all others as a testament to culinary artistry and historical romance: Dongpo pork (东坡肉). Named after the legendary Song dynasty poet, statesman, and gastronome Su Dongpo (1037–1101),…

  • Longjing Shrimp

    In the picturesque city of Hangzhou, where green hills meet misty waters and the aroma of tea lingers in the air, one dish stands as a testament to the elegance of Zhejiang cuisine: Longjing shrimp (龙井虾仁) – also known as Dragon Well shrimp. A masterpiece of subtlety, this dish pairs the freshest river shrimp…

  • West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce

    In the city of Hangzhou, where ancient temples meet shimmering waters and the legacy of poets lingers in every breeze, one dish stands above all others as the soul of the local table: West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce (西湖醋鱼). Known to locals as “Brother and Sister-in-Law Pass Along a Delicacy” (叔嫂传珍), this iconic…

  • Su Shi

    Su Shi (1037–1101) was a preeminent literatus, poet, calligrapher, and painter of the Northern Song dynasty. His courtesy name was Zizhan, and he adopted the literary sobriquet “Dongpo Jushi” (Householder of the Eastern Slope). Born in Meishan, Meizhou (in present-day Sichuan Province), he is collectively known with his father Su Xun and younger brother…

  • Ode on the Red Cliff (Former)

    By Su Shi (Song Dynasty) In the autumn of the Renxu year, on the sixteenth day of the seventh month, I sailed with my guests beneath the Red Cliff. A gentle breeze blew softly; the river lay calm without a ripple. Raising my cup to toast my companions, I recited poems of the bright…

  • Record of a Walnut Boat

    -by Wei Xueyi (Ming Dynasty) In the Ming dynasty, there was a remarkably skilled craftsman named Wang Shuyuan, who could carve palaces, vessels, human figures, birds, beasts, trees, and rocks – all from a piece of wood no larger than an inch in diameter. He shaped each object according to the natural form of…

  • The Cold Food Poem Scroll [Chinese calligraphy]

    Su Shi (1037–1101 CE), also known by his courtesy name Su Dongpo, was a towering literary figure, statesman, painter, and calligrapher of the Northern Song Dynasty, and one of the “Four Masters of the Song.” His calligraphy is celebrated for its naturalness, emotional depth, and bold individuality.

  • One puff of wind vs. Eight

    Chan Master Foyin (1032–1098 CE) was a renowned Chinese Chan (Zen) master of the Song Dynasty, known for his wisdom, humor, and deep spiritual insight.