乐游原
The Leyou Plain
Original
向晚意不适，
驱车登古原。
夕阳无限好，
只是近黄昏。
Translation
As evening falls, I feel unwell at heart,
I drive my carriage to climb the ancient plain.
The setting sun is infinitely splendid,
Yet twilight is fast drawing near.
Line by Line Analysis
About This Poem
This concise yet profound lyrical poem by Li Shangyin captures a moment of introspection in the late Tang Dynasty. Feeling disheartened as dusk approaches, the poet drives to the Leyou Plain, a historic scenic spot in Chang’an, seeking solace. The verses paint a vivid picture: the setting sun bathes the ancient plain in warm, radiant light, a sight of incomparable beauty, yet it is quickly fading into twilight. Beyond the natural scenery, the poem reflects the poet’s lament over the transience of life, the decline of the once-glorious Tang Dynasty, and the quiet sorrow of facing the end of an era. Its universal theme of ephemeral beauty resonates deeply with readers, making it one of the most beloved poems in classical Chinese literature.
About the Poet
李商隐
Lǐ Shāngyǐn
Li Shangyin (813?–858) was one of the most distinguished poets of the late Tang Dynasty in China. Renowned for his intricate, allusive poetry, he explored profound themes such as love, longing, the transience of life, and the melancholy of unfulfilled ambitions. His works blend romanticism with philosophical depth, characterized by rich imagery and subtle emotional undertones, leaving an indelible mark on classical Chinese literary heritage.
Cultural & Historical Context
Historically, the Leyou Plain was an elevated scenic retreat in Chang’an, the capital of the Tang Dynasty, a favored destination for literati and nobles to appreciate landscapes and express their emotions through poetry. Culturally, the setting sun is a deeply symbolic motif in Chinese literature, representing the transience of life, the decline of power, and the end of an era, rooted in Taoist philosophies that emphasize the cyclical nature of existence. Socially, the late Tang Dynasty was marked by political factionalism, economic decline, and social unrest, as the empire’s golden age waned, mirroring the twilight imagery in the poem. Personally, Li Shangyin faced constant political setbacks and unfulfilled ambitions, trapped in court conflicts, which fueled his contemplation on impermanence. The poem’s artistic charm lies in its concise structure, vivid natural imagery, and the poignant contrast between the splendor of the sunset and the inevitability of dusk, encapsulating complex philosophical and emotional layers in just four lines, aiming to evoke a universal sense of melancholy and appreciation for fleeting beauty.