China in Poetry—Discovering Su Dongpo in Meishan, Sichuan

Meishan, formerly known as Meizhou, was the hometown of Su Dongpo (1037-1101 AD), a great writer under the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127 AD). As a mecca for his fans from all over the world, Meishan has the reputation as a thousand-year-old city of poetry.

Excelling in poetry, prose and calligraphy, Su Dongpo was reputed to be an artist of great versatility. His father Su Xun and younger brother Su Zhe were equally great writers in Chinese history. The profound “Three-Su Culture”, which has its origins in Meishan, has remained influential for over 1000 years.

The Three-Su Ancestral Hall is the former residence and memorial hall of Su’s family. When reliving his childhood days, Su Dongpo wrote: “(Reading) Sitting in the southern study and facing a bushy forest of slender bamboos, I saw a huge flock of birds”. It houses many buildings from the Qing Dynasty, remains of the Su mansion, as well as thousands of pieces of cultural relics and documents related to the Su family.

“I’m thinking of the bank of the Qingyi River, where an abundance of white fish and purple bamboo shoots removes your worry about their price”. Su Dongpo never lost his passion for life. He managed to use small portions of wild greens, rice, and beans to invent the Dongpo soup, a jade-green tasty dish named after himself. By doing so, he made gastronomical delights more accessible to ordinary people, giving foods a touch of poetic beauty which was doubled when shared.

Meishan is a land of abundance and gastronomy. There are many local delicacies related to Su Dongpo. To name but a few, Dongpo Pork Hock, Dongpo Fish, Dongpo Pickles, Dongpo Pastry. They will never fail to please your palate.

In Meishan, the trace of Su Dongpo can be found in the parks, on the streets and around the ancient city walls. Calligraphy, painting, dance, and drama…People express their admiration and homage to him by different ways, which ensures the cultural continuity of Meishan, and gives the city a new vitality.

“People will live a long life, I pray. May they share with me the moonlight thousands of miles away”. Su Dongpo was sensitive by nature and bold in literary style. He belongs as much to China as to the whole world. “Home is where I find peace of mind”. Meishan welcomes you with open arms.