Analysis of "蟾宫曲·咏西湖" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "蟾宫曲·咏西湖" (Chángōng Qǔ·Yǒng Xīhú), also known as "折桂令·咏西湖" (Zhégùi Lìng·Yǒng Xīhú), was written by Alessi (阿鲁威), a Yuan Dynasty poet of Mongolian descent. This sanqu (散曲) poem is a lyrical masterpiece that captures the breathtaking beauty of West Lake (西湖, Xīhú) in Hangzhou, one of China’s most celebrated scenic spots.

During the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), sanqu poetry flourished as a popular form of musical verse, blending refined literary language with folk influences. Alessi’s work stands out for its vivid imagery and emotional depth, making it a timeless tribute to nature’s splendor.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

西湖烟水茫茫
Xīhú yān shuǐ mángmáng
West Lake’s misty waters stretch vast and boundless,

百顷风潭，十里荷香
Bǎi qǐng fēng tán, shí lǐ hé xiāng
A hundred acres of wind-swept pools, ten miles of lotus fragrance.

宜雨宜晴，西施淡抹浓妆
Yí yǔ yí qíng, Xīshī dàn mǒ nóng zhuāng
Lovely in rain or shine, like Xishi lightly adorned or richly dressed.

青黛浮空，画舫游船
Qīng dài fú kōng, huà fǎng yóu chuán
Azure hues float in the sky, painted boats drift leisurely,

人在镜中行
Rén zài jìng zhōng xíng
As if people walk within a mirror.

楼台远近，云树高低
Lóutái yuǎn jìn, yún shù gāo dī
Towers near and far, cloud-kissed trees high and low,

一片笙歌醉里归
Yī piàn shēng gē zuì lǐ guī
Amidst flutes and songs, drunk with joy, we return.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "西湖烟水茫茫" – The opening line sets a dreamy, expansive scene, with mist obscuring the lake’s surface, evoking mystery and tranquility.
2. "百顷风潭，十里荷香" – The poet emphasizes the lake’s vastness and the intoxicating scent of lotus blossoms, appealing to both sight and smell.
3. "宜雨宜晴，西施淡抹浓妆" – West Lake is compared to Xishi, one of China’s legendary Four Beauties, suggesting its allure is natural yet adaptable—beautiful whether under rainy gloom or sunny brilliance.
4. "青黛浮空，画舫游船" – The azure sky mirrors the lake’s color, while ornate boats glide gracefully, enhancing the picturesque quality.
5. "人在镜中行" – The lake is so clear and still that people appear to walk on a mirrored surface, blending reality and reflection.
6. "楼台远近，云树高低" – The landscape is dotted with pavilions and trees, some shrouded in clouds, creating depth and perspective.
7. "一片笙歌醉里归" – The poem concludes with music and revelry, as visitors, enchanted by the scenery, return home in a blissful daze.

Themes and Symbolism

Nature’s Beauty and Harmony

The poem celebrates West Lake as a paradise where water, sky, and land exist in perfect harmony. The lotus symbolizes purity, while the mist and reflections evoke a sense of transcendence.

Feminine Allure (Xishi Metaphor)

By comparing the lake to Xishi, the poet elevates its beauty to a divine level, suggesting that nature, like a great beauty, needs no embellishment to captivate.

Joy in Leisure

The imagery of boats, music, and drunken happiness reflects the Yuan Dynasty’s cultural ideal of "闲适" (xiánshì)—leisurely enjoyment of life’s pleasures.

Cultural Context

West Lake has been a cultural icon for centuries, inspiring countless poets and artists. During the Yuan Dynasty, Hangzhou (the lake’s location) was a thriving hub of commerce and culture, blending Han Chinese traditions with Mongol influences.

Alessi’s poem embodies the Daoist appreciation for nature’s effortless beauty (ziran 自然) and the Confucian ideal of harmony between humanity and the environment. The sanqu form, with its musicality and accessibility, made such themes relatable to both scholars and commoners.

Conclusion

"蟾宫曲·咏西湖" is more than a scenic description—it’s a meditation on beauty, joy, and the fleeting moments of serenity we find in nature. Its imagery remains vivid today, inviting readers to envision West Lake’s timeless charm.

For modern audiences, the poem is a reminder of the deep connection between Chinese culture and the natural world, where even a single landscape can embody history, philosophy, and emotion. Whether you’ve visited West Lake or only dream of it, Alessi’s words offer a portal to its magic.

"Amidst flutes and songs, drunk with joy, we return." — A fitting end to an ode to life’s simple, profound pleasures.