送元二使安西
Seeing Off Yuan Er on His Mission to Anxi
Original
渭城朝雨浥轻尘，
客舍青青柳色新。
劝君更尽一杯酒，
西出阳关无故人。
Translation
Morning rain in Weicheng dampens the light dust,
The roadside inn’s green willows look fresh and bright.
I urge you to finish one more cup of wine,
Beyond Yangguan Pass, no old friends will you find.
Line by Line Analysis
About This Poem
This timeless Tang farewell poem encapsulates the quiet sorrow of parting through vivid, intimate imagery. Set on a misty morning in Weicheng, the poem opens with light rain dampening the dusty roads and fresh green willows lining the roadside inn—willows are a traditional Chinese symbol of farewell, as their name homophones the word for "stay". Wang Wei bids farewell to his friend Yuan Er, who is departing on an official mission to the remote Anxi Protectorate (modern-day Kuche, Xinjiang). His plea for one last cup of wine conveys deep concern for Yuan’s lonely journey ahead, where he will face unfamiliar lands and no familiar companions, amplifying the tender, heartfelt bond between the two men.
About the Poet
王维
Wáng Wéi
Wang Wei (701–761) was a celebrated poet and painter of the Tang Dynasty, a leading figure in the pastoral and landscape poetry school, often paired with Meng Haoran as "Wang and Meng". Praised by Su Shi for having "painting in poetry and poetry in painting", he skillfully wove vivid natural imagery with serene profundity. His works span tranquil pastoral verses and bold frontier poems, marked by understated, natural language and immersive, meditative moods reflecting his dual identity as an official and Buddhist follower.
Cultural & Historical Context
1. Historical Background: The Anxi Protectorate was a critical Tang Dynasty administrative and military outpost overseeing the Western Regions, ensuring the safety of the Silk Road trade routes. Yuan Er’s mission reflected the court’s efforts to consolidate control over frontier territories. 2. Cultural Background: Willow branches were a staple in ancient Chinese farewell rituals; the word "willow" (liu) sounds identical to "to retain" (liu), expressing the host’s desire to keep the departing friend. 3. Social Background: Farewell poetry thrived in the Tang Dynasty, as officials, scholars, and merchants frequently traveled for duties, exams, or trade, making parting a universal emotional experience. 4. Personal Experience: At the time of writing, Wang Wei held an official position in the region and shared a close friendship with Yuan Er. Though he later embraced a semi-reclusive pastoral life, he was still actively engaged in official service then. 5. Purpose & Artistic Features: The poem aims to express sincere friendship and reluctant parting. It employs "scenery to evoke emotion", using simple, concise language to create a profound, immersive mood. Its iconic closing lines were later adapted into the famous folk melody "Yangguan San Die" (Three Variations on Yangguan), cementing its status as a masterpiece of Chinese farewell literature.