The Background and Translation of Cui Hao's Yellow Crane Tower

The specific creation time of this poem cannot be verified. The Yellow Crane Tower is named after its Yellow Crane Mountain (also known as Snake Mountain) in Wuchang. It is said that the ancient fairy Zi An came here on a yellow crane (see Qi Xie). It is also said that Feiyi rides a crane here (see Taiping Universe), and this poem was written in the origin of the building name. The poet boarded the Yellow Crane Tower, saw the scenery in front of him and wrote this poem.

The whole poem is as follows:

The fairy of the past has flown away by the yellow crane, leaving only an empty Yellow Crane Tower.

The yellow crane never revisited earth, there have been no long white clouds for thousands of years.

Every tree in Hanyang has become clear due to sunlight, and Nautilus Island is covered with sweet grass.

But I looked home, and the twilight was getting thicker. The river is shrouded in mist, which brings people deep melancholy.

The translation is as follows:

The immortal of the past has flown away with the Yellow Crane, leaving only an empty Yellow Crane Tower here.

The yellow crane never came back. For thousands of years, it only saw long white clouds.

Hanyang trees are clearly visible in the sun, and Parrot Island is covered with a piece of green grass.

It is getting late. Looking into the distance, where is my hometown? In front of me, I saw a mist hanging over the river, which brought people deep sorrow.

Extended data:

This poem is a masterpiece of nostalgia. The poet boarded the historical site Yellow Crane Tower and got a panoramic view of the scenery before him. His poems are full of emotion, blurted out and beyond words. It is both natural and magnificent, full of personality. Poetry is not harmonious, but the syllables are clear and not awkward. It's really one step at a time, and it has become a treasure admired by all previous dynasties.

Legend has it that Li Bai boarded this building and witnessed this poem, which impressed him deeply. He said: "There is a scene in front of me, with Cui Hao's poems on it."

This poem is written with an open artistic conception, great verve, picturesque scenery and sincere feelings. And simple and vivid, just like spoken English, can't help but be amazing. This poem is not only Cui Hao's masterpiece and handed down from generation to generation, but also laid the foundation for his poetic title.

With rich imagination, readers will be introduced into ancient times and returned to reality. All kinds of feelings and natural scenery blend together, and no one can but feel its sadness and desolation. This poem has always been highly praised by people and is listed as the first of the seven laws in the Tang Dynasty.

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