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Ch’u-mo (fl. 850–900) was born in Shaohsing and became a monk when he was still a young man. Along with his hometown friend and fellow monk, Kuan-hsiu, he moved to Hangchou, and after several years both men headed up the Yangtze together. Ch’u-mo settled on Lushan, while Kuan-hsiu continued on to Chengtu. Prior to his departure, Ch’u-mo wrote this poem about the view from Shengkuo Temple at the summit of Fenghuangshan, outside Hangchou’s South Gate. To the southeast, the Chientang River marked the border between the ancient states of Wu and Yueh (Ch’u-mo’s homeland) as it flowed into Hangchou Bay. To the northwest was the city’s West Lake, which was already a popular spot with revelers in the late T’ang dynasty (618–906).

Shengkuo Temple

CH’U-MO

Leading up from lesser peaks

the trail winds above vine-covered slopes

the land of Wu ends at the shore

the mountains of Yueh begin across the river

ancient trees merge with blue mist

the distant sky joins the white waves

the city wall is so close below

singers and flutes muffle the bell