Chinese Quotes and Poems About Life

People have sorrow and joy, meeting and separation; the moon has brightness and shadow, fullness and loss. Such things have never been complete.

Plain meaningLife cannot remain perfect or whole all the time.

Mountains repeat, waters wind; I doubt there is a road—then shaded willows and bright flowers reveal another village.

Plain meaningWhen the way seems closed, a new opening may appear.

We lodge like mayflies between heaven and earth, tiny as a single grain in the vast sea.

Plain meaningHuman life is brief and small within the immensity of the universe.

I stop the carriage because I love the evening maple woods; frost-red leaves are brighter than flowers of the second month.

Plain meaningAutumn can be as vivid and beautiful as spring.

The cries of apes on both banks have not ceased, yet the light boat has already passed ten thousand mountains.

Plain meaningSometimes you realize only afterward how much hardship you have already crossed.

Beside the sunken boat, a thousand sails pass; before the diseased tree, ten thousand trees enter spring.

Plain meaningNew life and opportunity continue beyond loss and decline.

Proud in the spring wind, my horse's hooves fly; in one day I see all the flowers of Chang'an.

Plain meaningThe exhilaration of finally succeeding after hard work.

A time will come to ride the long wind and break the waves; I will set my cloudlike sail straight across the vast sea.

Plain meaningYour chance will come. Keep going toward the larger horizon.

Amid the sound of firecrackers, the old year departs; the spring wind carries warmth into the tu su wine.

Plain meaningThe old year gives way to warmth and renewal.

Looking back at the bleak place I came through, I return: there is neither storm nor clear sky.

Plain meaningAfter weathering the storm, I no longer let hardship or ease define me.

The five blessings are longevity, wealth, health and peace, love of virtue, and a fulfilled natural end.

Plain meaningA full life includes health, security, character, and longevity.

I pluck chrysanthemums by the eastern fence and, at ease, see the southern mountain.

Plain meaningPeace appears when you step away from noise and live simply.