Mountains and rivers often inspire the literati in their literary conception. They use such landscapes in contrast to the imperial court. Thus, mountains and rivers symbolize a reclusive way of life. When ancient men of letters were unappreciated by the bureaucracy or when they wanted to escape from mundane duties and the crass pursuit of position and wealth, they might find their own meaning among mountains and rivers. They were not only the objects of poetic and prosaic description, but also where men of letters sought spiritual consolation. Mountain-and-river poetry first emerged between the Jin Dynasty and Song of the Southern Dynasties. Mountains and rivers became independent objects of artistic appreciation. Inspiration thus drawn adds to the aesthetic diversity of literary expression. The sight of mountains and rivers not only aids actual description of natural scenery in literary works, but also helps to chasten and elevate men of letters’ spiritual world, expand their horizons and broaden their minds. Such aesthetic activities raise them to greater heights in literary experience and expression.

As for forested mountains and the vast countryside, they are indeed a fertile source of literary inspiration. Brevity can result in too many omissions whereas thoroughness may seem trivial. However, Qu Yuan was able to appreciate the charm of “Ballads from the States” and works in the Sao Style (Flowery Style), most probably because he was aided by the sight of mountains and rivers. Liu Xie: The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons

With the scenery so inspiringly beautiful and the landscape so exhilarating, talented men should really cheer up and set brush to paper. Luo Binwang: Improvising a Poem While Attending a Banquet at the Marshal’s Home on an Early Autumn Day