
Love and Ambition: Poems of Nalan Xingde and Gong Zizhen
I have looked for her hundreds and thousands of times in the crowd. Suddenly I turn my head, And there she stands, Where the lantern light fades low.
This is hailed as the finest mourning ci poem of all time, written by Su Shi in memory of his late wife Wang Fu. Ten years after her passing, he dreamed of her late one night in Mizhou. Upon waking, he composed this work. Three layers of sorrow interweave throughout the poem: the separation between life and death, years of wandering in exile, and their fleeting reunion only in dreams. Every line brims with profound affection.
Classical Chinese Poetry: Unlock the Art of Poetic Expression
Want to make your Chinese more heartfelt and elegant, instead of plain and simple? This course is designed specifically for international learners. It will take you to discover the beauty of poetry hidden in daily life and turn these ancient words into a powerful tool for expressing your emotions.
Why Learn This?
More Precise and Concise Expression: Use just a few lines of poetry to convey complex feelings. For example, when encouraging a friend who’s stuck, you can say “柳暗花明又一村” (When the willows darken and flowers bloom, another village appears); when describing a sudden moment of inspiration, “蓦然回首” (Turning back suddenly) works perfectly—both are more concise and powerful than plain language.
Warmer and More Cultural Communication: Using poetry in the right scenarios shows your thoughtfulness and sincerity. When someone has a birthday, saying “但愿人长久,千里共婵娟” (May we all be blessed with longevity, sharing the beautiful moon even miles apart) is more heartfelt than just “Happy Birthday”; when talking about regrets, mentioning “人生若只如初见” (If life could stay as it was when we first met) instantly brings you closer to others and adds depth to your conversations.
What Will You Learn?
We’ve selected 20 classic poems spanning 3,000 years, covering high-frequency themes like friendship, love, growth, and inspiration. Each poem comes with real-life scenario explanations, so you won’t just understand the lines—you’ll also learn how to naturally use them in daily chats, social posts, and even work communications.
What Will You Gain?Say goodbye to awkward “lost-for-words” moments and master the “subtle expression” style of Chinese people. Your Chinese will have both “daily charm” and “literary grace”. Whether you’re chatting, writing, or sharing life updates, you’ll be able to use poetry effortlessly—making others go “Wow!” and helping them feel the unique beauty of Chinese.