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Tu Fu wrote this poem at the end of 768, after sailing through the Yangtze Gorges. He had hoped to continue north to his home near Loyang, but invading Turk armies made such a journey too dangerous. As far back as Ch’u Yuan (340–278 B.C.), Tungting Lake was synonymous with exile, and the area was a common assignment for those out of favor. Yuehyang Tower was at the northeast corner of the lake—not far from where it merges with the Yangtze—and also where the ancient kingdoms of Wu and Ch’u met. The tower was first built during the Three Kingdoms Period (A.D. 221–265) as an observation platform for naval maneuvers and was rebuilt several times. This version was built in 716 by Chang Yueh during his exile to Yuehyang. Tu Fu lived on this boat with his family until his death a year or so later. He was buried ninety kilometers southeast of Yuehyang.

Climbing Yuehyang Tower

TU FU

I heard long ago about Tungting Lake

here I am climbing Yuehyang Tower

where Wu and Ch’u divide South from East

where Heaven and Earth and day and night drift

of family and friends I have no news

old and sick I live on a boat

warhorses block the northern passes

my tears fall on the railing