Скачать или смотреть Snow on the River《江雪》

Jiang Xue (《江雪》), often translated as "River Snow" or "Snow on the River", is one of the most famous Tang Dynasty regulated verse (five-character quatrains) written by the renowned poet and philosopher Liu Zongyuan (柳宗元, 773–819 AD).
Composed during his exile in the remote southern region of Yongzhou (present-day Hunan Province), the poem reflects the poet's profound sense of isolation, inner tranquility, and harmony with nature amid personal hardship and political banishment.
Here is the original Chinese followed by a classic English translation by Witter Bynner:

Original Chinese

千山鸟飞绝，
万径人踪灭。
孤舟蓑笠翁，
独钓寒江雪。

English Translation

A hundred mountains and no bird,
A thousand paths without a footprint.
A lonely boat, a straw-hat old man,
Fishing alone in the cold river-snow.

Why this poem is considered a masterpiece？
Extreme minimalism: In just 20 characters, Liu paints a vast, frozen landscape of absolute silence and solitude.
Profound contrast: The immense emptiness of nature (no birds, no footprints) against the solitary figure of the old fisherman creates a powerful visual and emotional tension.
Zen-like tranquility: The old man fishing calmly in the bitter cold symbolizes inner peace, detachment, and resilience in the face of loneliness—resonating deeply with both Daoist and Chan (Zen) Buddhist philosophy.
Timeless imagery: The scene is so vivid and universal that it has inspired countless paintings, calligraphy works, and meditations on solitude throughout Chinese history.

Jiang Xue is often regarded as one of the finest examples of Tang nature poetry, capturing the sublime beauty of desolation and the quiet strength of the human spirit in harmony with the natural world. Even today, it remains a favorite for calligraphy practice and contemplative reflection.