15+ Famous Chinese Poems (Shi) With Translations, Notes

Chinese poems, or “shi” in Chinese, have long been regarded as among the most beautiful and deep literary works in the world. These timeless classics, written by master poets over China’s imperial centuries, provide a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural tapestry, touching on themes such as love, nature, philosophy, and the human condition. Whether you’re a poetry aficionado, a Chinese language student, or simply curious about the Middle Kingdom’s artistic talent, this complete guide to 15+ renowned Chinese poems will captivate and enlighten you.

Part 1. Famous Chinese Poems All Children Know

Classical Chinese poetry is a treasure of Chinese culture, and these poems frequently express complex meanings in simple and euphemistic language. They not only reflect the Chinese people’s distinct way of thinking and aesthetic preferences, but they also include a wealth of philosophical wisdom and life insight. These [china poems] are sometimes referred to as “women’s and children’s favorites” because they have been firmly ingrained in people’s hearts since ancient times and have formed a common cultural memory among the Chinese people.

Learning and enjoying these “shi in chinese” poetry can help individuals not only gain information and admiration for traditional Chinese culture, but also motivate and improve their humanistic values. Let’s read five popular Tang poems.

Here are 5 famous Chinese poems that are well-known to children in China:

《静夜思》 李白 (“Thoughts in the Silent Night“, by LiBai)

床前明月光，疑是地上霜。
举头望明月，低头思故乡。

Pinyin	Chuáng qián míng yuè guāng, Yí shì dì shàng shuāng. Jǔ tóu wàng míng yuè, Dī tóu sī gù xiāng.
English Translation	The bright moon shines before my bed, I wonder if it is frost on the ground. I lift my head and look at the bright moon, I lower my head and think of my homeland.
Notes	This classic poem by famed Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai portrays the speaker’s wistful longing for their hometown, as they gaze at the moonlight and are reminded of their faraway home. The poem’s simple yet evocative imagery, as well as its universal theme of homesickness, have made it a treasured classic among Chinese children.
Key Terms	明月光 (míng yuè guāng): bright moonlight 思故乡 (sī gù xiāng): dream of home

《春晓》孟浩然 (“Spring Dawn“, by Meng Haoran)

春眠不觉晓，处处闻啼鸟。
夜来风雨声，花落知多少。

Pinyin	chūn mián bù jué xiǎo, chù chù wén tí niǎo. yè lái fēng yǔ shēng, huā luò zhī duō shǎo.
English Translation	In spring I sleep without noticing the dawn, Everywhere I hear the cries of birds. The sound of wind and rain from last night, How many flowers have fallen?
Notes	This poem reflects the calm and serenity of a spring morning, with the poet quietly watching the natural world around him. The poem conveys a sense of melancholy as the poet contemplates the ephemeral nature of life and the changing seasons.
Key Terms	春眠 (chūn mián): Spring sleep 啼鸟 (tí niǎo): Crying birds 花落 (huā luò): Fallen flowers

《悯农》李绅 (“Sympathy for the Farmers” by Li Shen)

锄禾日当午，汗滴禾下土。
谁知盘中餐，粒粒皆辛苦。

Pinyin	chú hé rì dāng wǔ, hàn dī hé xià tǔ. shuí zhī pán zhōng cān, lì lì jiē xīn kǔ.
English Translation	Hoeing the crops under the noonday sun, Sweat drips down onto the soil below. Who knows the toil behind each grain on the plate, Every single grain is the fruit of bitter labor.
Notes	This poem reflects the poet’s sympathy and understanding for farmers’ challenges. The vivid imagery of the farmer’s toil beneath the blazing sun, as well as the recognition of the “bitter labor” behind each grain of food, demonstrate the poet’s regard and gratitude for the agricultural laborers who feed the nation.
Key Terms	锄禾 (chú hé): Hoeing the crops 汗滴 (hàn dī): Sweat drips 盘中餐 (pán zhōng cān): Meal on the plate 辛苦 (xīn kǔ): Bitter labor

《望庐山瀑布》李白 (“Gazing at the Lushan Waterfall” by Li Bai)

日照香炉生紫烟，遥看瀑布挂前川。
飞流直下三千尺，疑是银河落九天。

Pinyin	rì zhào xiāng lú shēng zǐ yān, yáo kàn pù bù guà qián chuān. fēi liú zhí xià sān qiān chǐ, yí shì yín hé luò jiǔ tiān.
English Translation	The sun shines on the incense burner, releasing purple mist, From afar I gaze upon the waterfall that hangs before the ravine. It plunges straight down three thousand feet, Appearing as if the Milky Way has fallen from nine heavens.
Notes	This poem expresses the magnificence and strength of the Lushan Waterfall. The poet used strong images to portray the amazement and astonishment he experiences in the face of this natural magnificence.
Key Terms	香炉 (xiāng lú): Incense burner 瀑布 (pù bù): Waterfall 银河 (yín hé): Milky Way

《登鹳雀楼》王之涣 (“Ascending the Pavilion” by Wang Zhihuan)

白日依山尽，黄河入海流。
欲穷千里目，更上一层楼。

Pinyin	bái rì yī shān jìn, huáng hé rù hǎi liú. yù qióng qiān lǐ mù, gēng shàng yī céng lóu.
English Translation	The white sun sinks behind the mountains, The Yellow River flows into the sea. Wishing to gaze upon a thousand miles, I shall ascend one more level of the pavilion.
Notes	This poem conveys the poet’s desire to broaden his perspective and get a more comprehensive grasp of the universe. The combination of the setting sun and the flowing river conveys a feeling of time and the expanse of the natural world.
Key Terms	香炉 (xiāng lú): Incense burner 瀑布 (pù bù): Waterfall 银河 (yín hé): Milky Way

《踏莎行·春景》柳永 (Stepping on the Grassy Path, Liu Yong)

碧玉妆成一树高，万条垂下绿丝绦。
不知细叶谁裁出，二月春风似剪刀。

Pinyin	bì yù zhuāng chéng yī shù gāo, wàn tiáo chuí xià lǜ sī tāo. bù zhī xì yè shuí cái chū, èr yuè chūn fēng sì jiǎn dāo.
English Translation	The jade-green tree is fully adorned, With a thousand strands of green silk tassels hanging down. Who knows who cut these delicate leaves, As the February spring wind is like a pair of scissors.
Notes	This poem captures the image of green trees in spring, vividly capturing the movement of swinging leaves in the spring breeze. The poet expertly employs poetic terms like “jasper” and “green silk ribbon” to convey a fresh and exquisite tone. The final line, “February spring breeze is like scissors,” brilliantly connects the liveliness of the spring breeze with the action of cutting, adding to the overall artistic appeal of the composition.
Key Terms	碧玉 (bì yù): Jade-green 丝绦 (sī tāo): Silk tassels 剪刀 (jiǎn dāo): Scissors

《山行》王维 (“Seeing Meng Haoran Off to Guangling” by Wang Wei)

远上寒山石径斜，白云深处有人家。
停车坐爱枫林晚，霜叶红于二月花。

Pinyin	Yuǎn shàng hán shān shí jìng xiē, Bái yún shēn chù yǒu rén jiā. Tíng chē zuò ài fēng lín wǎn, Shuāng yè hóng yú èr yuè huā.
English Translation	The steep stone path climbs far up the cold mountain, Deep in the white clouds, there is a home. I stop the carriage and love to linger in the maple forest at dusk, The frost-bitten leaves are redder than the flowers of February.
Notes	This poem by Tang Dynasty poet Wang Wei is an excellent example of the Chinese moon poem tradition. The poem conveys seclusion, tranquillity, and the eternal cycle of the seasons through detailed descriptions of the natural surroundings and the speaker’s meditative mindset. The sight of frost-bitten leaves that are redder than the February blossoms is an especially stunning metaphor for the natural world’s beauty and fragility.
Key Terms	石径斜 (shí jìng xiē): “Rocky Trail Slope” refers to a mountain road or trail with steep slopes. It emphasizes the steepness and difficulty of the trail.

《渔家傲·天接云涛连晓雾》陆游(Ode to a Fisherman, Lu You)

天接云涛连晓雾，星河欲转千帆舞。
仿佛梦魂归帝所，微风系在玉阶柳。

Pinyin	tiān jiē yún tāo lián xiǎo wù, xīng hé yù zhuǎn qiān fān wǔ. fǎng fú mèng hún guī dì suǒ, wēi fēng xì zài yù jiē liǔ.
English Translation	Heaven joins the waves and the morning mist, The star river seems about to turn, a thousand sails dancing. It is as if the soul in a dream has returned to the emperor’s court, A gentle wind ties the willows by the jade steps.
Notes	This poetry combines natural surroundings with humanistic thoughts, resulting in a surreal artistic vision. “The sky is connected to the waves and the morning mist” and “The Milky Way is about to turn and the sails are dancing” clearly express the majestic image of heaven and earth colliding, resulting in a broad vision. “ It appears that the soul returns to the emperor’s place in a dream” hints at the author’s desire for an ideal country, whilst “the breeze is tied to the willows on the jade steps” emphasizes the poet’s inner serenity and contentment, expressing the author’s desire for an ideal lifestyle.
Key Terms	云涛 (yún tāo): Waves 星河 (xīng hé): Star river 玉阶 (yù jiē): Jade steps

Part 2. Chinese Love Poems

Classical Chinese love poems convey the poets’ unique insights into the meaning of love and life, whether via sincere passion expressed to a beloved or melancholy regret over a lover’s departure. These Chinese love poems in Mandarin are not only literary masterpieces, but they also help us comprehend Chinese culture and learn the language. By studying these love poems, we can not only enjoy their beautiful and emotional language, but also get insight into the underlying Chinese philosophy and aesthetic sensitivities, so improving our understanding of Chinese culture.

Let’s take a look at five classic Chinese love poems:

《红豆》王维 (“Red Bean” Wang Wei)

红豆生南国，春来发几枝。
愿君多采撷，此物最相思。

Pinyin	Hóng dòu shēng nán guó, chūn lái fā jǐ zhī. Yuàn jūn duō cǎi xié, cǐ wù zuì xiāng sī.
English Translation	The red beans grow in the south, And sprout a few branches in spring. I wish you would pick more of them, For this is the thing that makes one long.
Notes	This poem is written from the perspective of a lady who misses her partner. The “red bean” is both an actual plant and a symbol of love and longing. The poet masterfully employs natural images to communicate her profound interior feelings, resulting in a sense of tranquillity and profundity.
Key Terms	红豆(Red bean): Symbol of longing 相思(Xiāng sī): Longing for a loved one

《离思五首·其四》元稹 (“Separation: Five Poems – No. 4” Yuan Zhen)

曾经沧海难为水，除却巫山不是云。
取次花丛懒回顾，半缘修道半缘君。

Pinyin	Céng jīng cāng hǎi nán wéi shuǐ, chú què wū shān bú shì yún. Qǔ cì huā cóng lǎn huí gù, bàn yuán xiū dào bàn yuán jūn.
English Translation	Once having seen the mighty ocean, lesser waters are not worth a glance; Except for the clouds over Wushan, all others are but mere pretense. Among the flowers I wander with no urge to look back, Half because of my cultivation, half because of you, my heart is set on track.
Notes	This poem was created to express the author’s unwillingness to part with his sweetheart. The words “Once the ocean is hard to be water” and “Apart from Wushan, it is not cloud” employ classical analogies to convey the fleeting and ephemeral essence of life. “Half of cultivation, half of monarch” reflects the author’s conflicting state of mind, in which he is fascinated with cultivation while simultaneously missing his beloved who lives far away. The poet use exquisite and simple words to paint a powerful image of leaving with great love.
Key Terms	沧海 (The sea): A metaphor for the shortness of life 巫山 (Wushan): A metaphor for something beautiful 半缘修道半缘君 (Half of the world is about cultivation, half of the world is about the king): Contradictory state of mind.

《鹊桥仙·纤云弄巧》 秦观 (The Fairy of the Magpie Bridge, Qin Guan)

纤云弄巧，飞星传恨，银汉迢迢暗渡鸳鸯。
内子行休悲，游子爱码头，相送黄昏至尚绿窗。

Pinyin	Xiān yún nòng qiǎo, fēi xīng chuán hèn, yín hán tiáo tiáo àn dù yuān yāng. Nèi zǐ xíng xiū bēi, yóu zǐ ài mǎ tóu, xiāng sòng huáng hūn zhì shàng lǜ chuāng.
English Translation	Delicate clouds tease skillfully, Shooting stars convey resentment, The Milky Way flows far, secretly ferrying the Cowherd and Weaving Maid. My wife, do not be sad at my leaving, Traveler, love the riverside dock, See me off at dusk to the green window.
Notes	This poem depicts the romantic scene of the Cowherd and Weaving Maiden meeting at the Magpie Bridge on the eve of the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. To create a hazy mood of fairyland, the poet used colorful and lovely images such as “delicate clouds playing with coquettishness” and “a long way to go”. The final two lines indicate the author’s concern for his wife and blessing for the traveler, reflecting the poet’s wonderful image of love.
Key Terms	鹊桥 (Magpie Bridge): The place where the cowherd and the weaving maiden meet 银汉 (Yinhan): The Milky Way 相送 : Farewell

《卜算子·我住长江头》李之仪 (Divination Rhyme, Li Zhiyi)

我住长江头，君住长江尾。
日日思君不见，共蓬舟于月明。

Pinyin	Wǒ zhù Chángjiāng tóu, jūn zhù Chángjiāng wěi. Rì rì sī jūn bù jiàn, gòng péng zhōu yú yuè míng.
English Translation	I live at the source of the Yangtze, You live at the end of the Yangtze. Day after day I think of you but don’t see you, Together we drift in our small boat under the moonlight.
Notes	This poem is about a woman who is in love with her partner. She lives in the Yangtze River’s source, while her beloved resides at the river’s lower reaches, which are far apart. But she misses her sweetheart every day and longs to meet him under the lovely moonlight. The poet’s use of contrast emphasizes the geographical distance between the two, adding to the poem’s beauty.
Key Terms	长江 (Yangtze River): A major river in China, symbolizing the separation of two places 蓬舟: Boat

Part 3. Classic Chinese Moon Poem

Chinese poetry, or Shi in Chinese, has long been admired for its ability to portray the beauty and soul of nature. Among the most prominent subgenres of Chinese poetry are the “moon poems,” which explore the everlasting themes of love, longing, and humanity’s connection to the celestial bodies that grace the night sky. These poems not only highlight the authors’ lyrical expertise, but also provide insight into China’s rich cultural legacy and philosophical traditions.

Studying classic Chinese moon poems may be a very enjoyable and informative experience for individuals looking to expand their understanding of Chinese literature and culture. These compositions not only fascinate with their lyrical beauty, but they also shed light on the Chinese worldview, in which the moon is frequently seen as a symbol of peace, introspection, and the cyclical aspect of existence.

《望月怀远》王维 (“Thinking of Distant Friends on Gazing at the Moon”, Wang Wei)

皎皎孤月夜，穿林送白光。
灭人何所之，迷津忆远乡。

Pinyin	Jiǎo jiǎo gū yuè yè, Chuān lín sòng bái guāng. Miè rén hé suǒ zhī, Mí jīn yì yuǎn xiāng.
English Translation	The solitary moon shines bright in the night, Casting its white glow through the forest. Where are the people who vanished from sight? Remembering the distant homeland, lost in thought.
Notes	This poem captures the serene view of a white moon in the sky while also evoking the poet’s longing for friends and family in distant locations. The line “sending white light through the forest” clearly shows the movement of moonlight through the forest, whereas the line “remembering the distant home” reflects the poet’s inner feelings. The poem as a whole conveys a sense of loneliness while remaining polite and loving.
Key Terms	皎皎 (jiǎo jiǎo): Describes the moon as shining brightly. 穿林 (chuān lín): Moonlight penetrating through the woods 迷津 (mí jīn): Confusion, bewilderment.

《水调歌头·明月几时有》苏轼 (“Shui Diao Ge Tou”, Su Shi)

明月几时有？把酒问青天。
不知天上宫阙，今夕是何年。
我欲乘风归去，又恐琼楼玉宇，
高处不胜寒。起舞弄清影，
何似在人间?

Pinyin	míng yuè jǐ shí yǒu? bǎ jiǔ wèn qīng tiān. bù zhī tiān shàng gōng què, jīn xī shì hé nián. wǒ yù chéng fēng guī qù, yòu kǒng qióng lóu yù yǔ, gāo chù bù shēng hán. qǐ wǔ nòng qīng yǐng, hé sì zài rén jiān?
English Translation	When will the bright moon appear? I ask the blue sky while drinking wine. I know not in what year the palace in the sky is tonight. I wish to ride the wind and return home, Yet I fear the crystal towers and jade buildings, At a great height, cannot bear the cold. I start to dance and play with the moon’s reflection, How is this different from being among people?
Notes	The poem expresses the author’s deep ideas about the moon and its symbolism. The poet poses the question “when will the moon come,” prompting a subtle contemplation on the meaning of life, the passage of time, and man’s relationship with heaven. The phrases “It is not easy to be cold in high places” underline the author’s inner uneasiness and loneliness, while the final line “It is not like being on earth” contrasts this emotion with life on earth, giving the poem philosophical undertones.
Key Terms	明月 (míng yuè): Bright moon 琼楼玉宇 (qióng lóu yù yǔ): Crystal towers and jade buildings 清影 (qīng yǐng): Reflection of the moon

Part 4. Chinese New Year Poems

Chinese New Year poems are a treasure trove of Chinese classical poetry that reflect China’s rich ancient culture. These poems usually express the author’s happiness and well wishes for the new year in vivid and inventive language.

Reading these poems helps readers grasp the cultural significance of traditional Chinese festivals while also appreciating the beautiful and evocative language of ancient Chinese poetry. Let us enjoy two representative works.

《元日》王安石 (“New Year’s Day” by Wang Anshi)

爆竹声中一岁除，春风送暖入屠苏。
千门万户曈曈日，总把新桃换旧符。

Pinyin	Bào zhú shēng zhōng yī suì chú, Chūn fēng sòng nuǎn rù tú sū. Qiān mén wàn hù tóng tóng rì, Zǒng bǎ xīn táo huàn jiù fú.
English Translation	Amidst the sound of firecrackers, the old year is gone, Spring breezes carry warmth into the wine. Bright sun shines on a myriad of homes, Everyone replaces the old with new peach branches.
Notes	This poem captures the festive and pleasant atmosphere of the new year’s arrival. “Amidst the sound of firecrackers, the old year is gone” describes the end of the old year; “Spring breezes carry warmth into the wine” depicts the warm and pleasant mood of the new spring; “Everyone replaces the old with new peach branches” describes the practice of replacing old things with new ones. The entire poem exudes the joyous mood of the new year, representing the author’s best wishes.
Key Terms	屠苏 (tú sū):Tusu is a traditional mulled wine, usually consumed during the New Year or on major holidays. 新桃 (xīn táo): In Chinese tradition, peach symbols represent auspiciousness and good fortune.

《除雪夜》陆游 (A Snowy Night by Lu You)

北风吹雪四更初，嘉瑞天教及岁除。
半盏屠苏犹未举，灯前小草写桃符。

Pinyin	Běi fēng chuī xuě sì gēng chū, Jiā ruì tiān jiāo jí suì chú. Bàn zhǎn tú sū yóu wèi jǔ, Dēng qián xiǎo cǎo xiě táo fú.
English Translation	North wind blows snow at the start of the fourth watch, Auspicious signs from heaven, the old year is about to end. The warm wine is yet to be raised to one’s lips, In front of the lamp, the small grass writes peach symbols.
Notes	This poem vividly describes the scene of New Year’s Eve. The poem “The North Wind Blows Snow at the Beginning of the Fourth Night” depicts the scene of heavy snowfall at the end of the night, and the phrase “Jia Rui Tian Cultivation and the New Year’s Eve” expresses the feeling of auspiciousness at the end of the year. Half a cup of tusu is not yet lifted” describes the tradition of celebrating the New Year by drinking warm wine, while ‘The grass in front of the lamp writes peach symbols’ vividly depicts the grass in front of the door leaving peach symbols on the snowy ground. The whole poem is a poetic blend of the coldness of the New Year’s eve, the festive atmosphere, and the wish for good luck in the coming year.
Key Terms	桃符(táo fú): The term “peach charm” refers to a charm or design made from peach wood or branches of the peach tree, which has an important auspicious significance in traditional Chinese culture.

FAQs about Chinese Poems

Q1. The significance and usefulness of Chinese poetry for overseas children to learn Chinese language?

1. Immersion in Chinese language and culture
2. Vocabulary and grammar acquisition
3. Cultivation of aesthetic appreciation
4. Enhanced cultural awareness and connection
5. Cognitive and literary development

Q2. How Overseas Parents Teach Their Children Chinese Poetry？

1. Recitation and memorization
2. Bilingual reading and translation
3. Contextual and cultural exploration
4. Interactive creative activities
5. Utilization of multimedia resources
6. Organizing collaborative learning sessions

Conclusion

Chinese poetry, or “shi,” exemplify China’s ongoing artistic genius and cultural history. From timeless poetry passed down through generations to more current works that continue to inspire, these literary classics provide insight into the depths of the human experience.

By exploring the translations and thoughts offered in this guide, you will be able to understand the beauty and wisdom of these renowned poems while also deepening your appreciation for the rich tapestry of Chinese culture. Whether you’re a seasoned poetry aficionado or new to the literary art form, these 15+ renowned Chinese poems will leave an unforgettable impression on your mind and heart.