Introduction
"To Mr. Li Guinian, on the Occasion of our Meeting in the South" by Du Fu, one of China’s greatest poets, is a touching poem about unexpectedly meeting an old friend, Li Guinian, in the beautiful region of Jiangnan after both men had lost their former glory due to war and change. The poem uses the image of falling spring flowers to express feelings of nostalgia, the passage of time, and the bittersweet joy of reunion. By reading this poem, students can connect with universal emotions like friendship, loss, and hope, while also learning about Chinese history and culture. In this lesson, students will also learn an expert English translation of the poem, discovering how careful translation helps bring the beauty and meaning of Chinese poetry to readers around the world. This lesson is a wonderful introduction to the rich and beautiful world of Chinese poetry, showing how a few lines can capture deep feelings and timeless stories.
Knowledge Builder
Content
In this video, we will explore the history and story behind the poem, and take a closer look at the meaning of its first two lines.
1.1: Video: Background and Analysis Part 1
1.2: Quiz: Part 1
1.3: Video: Background and Analysis Part 2
1.4: Quiz Part 2
1.5: "To Mr. Li Guinian, on the Occasion of our Meeting in the South" (Jiāngnán féng Lǐ Guīnián) : English Read Along
1.6: “To Mr. Li Guinian, on the Occasion of our Meeting in the South"(Jiāngnán féng Lǐ Guīnián): English Sequence Arrangement
1.7: "To Mr. Li Guinian, on the Occasion of our Meeting in the South" (Jiāngnán féng Lǐ Guīnián) : Chinese Read Along
1.8: “To Mr. Li Guinian, on the Occasion of our Meeting in the South" (Jiāngnán féng Lǐ Guīnián): Chinese Sequence Arrangement
Instructor
Philip Hand, MA
Philip Hand is a commercial and literary translator based in Xiamen, Fujian, China.
He studied Chinese and linguistics at Cambridge University and holds an MA in Translational Studies.
Philip’s dream is to translate with such skill that the Chinese sense of humor and irony can be shared with the world—because, as he believes, you never truly know someone until you laugh with them.
On Ming Aretê, you can appreciate his insightful translations of Chinese classical poetry as well as his emotionally rich recitations, which breathe expressive life into the texts.
For more wonderful translations and analysis of Tang Poetry by Philip Hand, please visit Tang Poetry on Substack.