1. Four of Seven Songs on the Military March
Tang Dynasty: Wang Changling
The long clouds in Qinghai darken the snow-capped mountains, and the lonely city looks at Yumen Pass in the distance.
The yellow sand will wear golden armor in a hundred battles, and Loulan will never be returned until it is broken.
Translation: The Qinghai Lake is covered with dark clouds, and the continuous snow-capped mountains are dim. The ancient border city and Yumen Pass are thousands of miles apart, facing each other from afar.
The soldiers guarding the border have experienced hundreds of battles, their armor has been worn out, and their ambition is unquenchable. They vow not to return home until they defeat the invading enemy.
2. Encouragement to study
Tang Dynasty: Yan Zhenqing
It is the time for men to study when the lights are on at three and the chickens are on at five.
Black-haired people don’t know how to study early, and white-haired people regret studying late.
Translation: The best time for boys to study is between midnight and the time when the rooster crows.
When I was young, I only knew how to play and didn’t know how to study hard. When I get older, I regret why I didn’t know how to study hard when I was young.
3. Wind
Tang Dynasty: Li Qiao
Three autumn leaves fall, and February flowers bloom.
Thousands of feet of waves cross the river, and thousands of bamboo poles slant into it.
Translation: It can blow down the golden leaves in autumn and open the beautiful flowers in spring.
Blowing across the river can set off huge waves thousands of feet, and blowing into the bamboo forest can make thousands of poles tilt.
4. Yuan Day
Song Dynasty: Wang Anshi
The sound of firecrackers marks the end of the year, and the spring breeze brings warmth to Tusu.
Thousands of households always exchange old talismans for new peaches.
Translation: Amidst the roaring sound of firecrackers, the old year has passed; the warm spring breeze brings the new year, and people happily drink the newly brewed Tusu wine.
The rising sun shines on thousands of households, and they are all busy taking down the old peach charms and replacing them with new ones.
5. Climbing the Stork Tower
Tang Dynasty: Wang Zhihuan
The sun sets over the mountains and the Yellow River flows into the sea.
If you want to see a thousand miles away, take it to the next level.
Translation: The setting sun slowly sinks against the Western Mountains, and the mighty Yellow River rushes towards the East China Sea.
If you want to see enough of the thousands of miles of scenery, you have to climb to a higher tower.