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Li Pai (701–762) wrote this poem around 740 while visiting the sites associated with the founders of the Confucian tradition in Shantung province. In addition to paying his respects at the graves of Confucius and Mencius in Chufu and Tsouhsien, he also traveled to Lanling near the southeastern border of Shantung. This was the location of the grave of Hsun-tzu (third century B.C.), who is credited with establishing the teachings of Confucius at court. Lanling was also known for a wine infused with turmeric, or Curcuma longa, which was fragrant and reddish yellow in color and which was mixed with the wine drunk on ceremonial occasions during Confucius’s day. To establish their reputations and connections, poets did quite a bit of traveling. Thus, much of Chinese poetry is dominated by the sentiments associated with being away from home.

Traveling Away from Home

LI PAI

The fine wine of Lanling with its turmeric scent

fills jade cups with its amber light

if only a host can keep his guests drunk

they’ll soon forget about their hometowns