Classical Prose · LT504

Travel Writing

Reflective travelogues capturing natural geography, temples, and peaks.

15works

5dynasties

12authors

Jin

265–4201 works
  1. The Peach Blossom SpringTao YuanmingSuddenly he came upon a peach blossom grove, hundreds of paces on both banks; fragrant grasses fresh and lush, blossoms drifting in profusion.

Tang

618–9073 works
  1. Record of the Small Stone PoolLiu ZongyuanIn the pool were a hundred or so fish, all seeming to swim through empty void with nothing supporting them. Sunlight penetrates straight down casting shadows on stone, motionless one instant, then darting afar in a flash.
  2. First Excursion to the Western MountainLiu ZongyuanMy mind coagulated and physical frame dissolved, communing silently in oneness with myriad cosmic transformations. Only then did I realize I had never truly journeyed before—my true journey began with this mountain.
  3. Preface to Poems of the Foolish StreamLiu ZongyuanWater is what wise men delight in. Why then is this stream alone named 'Foolish'? Because its currents lie low and cannot irrigate fields; yet secluded, pure and fragrant, it resembles the inner contentment of the foolish.

Song

960–12796 works
  1. Memorial on Yueyang TowerFan ZhongyanBe the first to bear hardships for the world, and the last to partake in its joy.
  2. Record of the Old Drunkard PavilionOuyang XiuThe Old Drunkard's delight lies not in wine, but in the mountains and waters. The joy of mountain and stream is found in the heart and entrusted to wine. People know the joy of following their governor on excursions, yet know not that the governor finds his highest joy in their joy!
  3. Record of Visiting Mount BaochanWang AnshiThe most marvelous, magnificent, and extraordinary sights under heaven usually lie in dangerous, distant places where few tread; therefore none but those with resolute willpower can reach them. If one exhausts one's utmost resolve yet fails to arrive, one may have no regrets—who then could mock him?
  4. Record of Stone Bell MountainSu ShiCan one draw arbitrary conclusions on whether a thing exists without personal sight and hearing? Li Daoyuan's observation was likely the same as mine, yet lacked detail; gentlemen refuse to moor a small boat under sheer cliffs at night, so they never learned; while fishermen and boatmen know, yet lack the words to write.
  5. Record of the Pavilion of Supreme Delight in HuangzhouSu ZheWhen a scholar lives in this world, if he lacks inner peace, wherever he goes will bring distress; but if his heart is tranquil and free from external harm, wherever he turns will bring supreme joy.
  6. Record of the Ink PoolZeng GongWang Xizhi's calligraphy only reached perfection in his late years; his supreme mastery was achieved through dedicated perseverance, not bestowed by Heaven. If later generations cannot match him because they seek shortcuts without diligence, how negligent they are!

Ming

1368–16444 works
  1. Record of a Tour to ManjingYuan HongdaoOnly then did I realize that outside the suburbs spring had never been absent, though city dwellers were unaware of it. To not neglect duty through excursions, while wandering carefree among mountains, rocks, and trees—such is the joy of this humble official.
  2. Record of an Evening Tour on Six Bridges Awaiting the MoonYuan HongdaoWest Lake is at its most splendid in spring and under the moon; in a single day, at morning mist and evening mountain haze. This year spring snow was heavy and plum blossoms were held back by cold, blooming together with apricot and peach in an extraordinary spectacle.
  3. Record of a Tour to the Peach Blossom SpringYuan ZhongdaoThe mountain landscape was extraordinary and sublime, with winding streams and dense groves. Stepping into the cavern, it suddenly opened into bright expanse, as if Master Tao's idyllic haven still dwelt in the mortal world.
  4. Record of Wushigang RidgeTan YuanchunThe stones were jet black, ancient, rugged, and precipitous. Climbing to the summit and overlooking the great river, sails and masts appeared and vanished amid misty hazes as if wandering inside a painted scroll.

Qing

1636–19121 works
  1. Record of Ascending Mount TaiYao NaiGradually, at the furthest eastern horizon amid clouds, a singular line of wondrous color emerged, turning in moments into five brilliant hues. As the sun rose, glowing scarlet like pure cinnabar, a billowing crimson light supported it from below—which some say is the Eastern Sea.