Contents of "A Journey to Yandang Mountain" by Xu Xiake

This travel note does not focus on the description of the mountains and scenery, but expresses feelings through the travel. The pen and ink focus on the elucidation of two points of experience in the mountains:

1 It is because Yandang Mountain is steep and remote that it has not been tarnished by the statues and inscriptions of foolish monks and laymen, so it has preserved its ancient appearance;

Secondly, Yandang Mountain has deep rock walls and severe weather, which makes people think of "Yan Gongjing". The heart of "righteousness" is integrated with the spirit of heaven and earth. This prose is cleverly conceived, profound in taste, fresh in writing and full of interest.

Extended information

Overall appreciation

This is a unique travel note. The title of the article is "A Journey to Yandang", but the first paragraph says: "This mountain cannot be remembered." Next, the author compares Yandang Mountain with the Yongliu Mountains described by Liu Zongyuan: The Yongliu Mountains were originally located in a desolate and remote place where no one can visit. Liu Zongyuan was first demoted to Yongzhou and then moved to Liuzhou to explore the secluded places, express his feelings for the mountains and rivers, and create various shapes. The pen and ink are used to express one's loneliness and anger.

Yongliu Mountains are also famous in the world because of Liu Zongyuan’s travel notes. However, Yandang Mountain is "secret and steep, with a strange shape", and "if you want to carve or paint it, you must look for its likeness", which is easily the same as "the name of a famous mountain". It cannot describe the characteristics of Yandang Mountain, so it "cannot be remembered" ".

Wang Anshi of the Northern Song Dynasty realized the principles of learning by visiting Baochan Mountain, while Fang Bao realized the principles of life by visiting Yandang Mountain. The author's observation of Yandang Mountain is meticulous, and his evaluation of it cannot be more appropriate. Therefore, the trip to Yandang Mountain has far-reaching significance, and it is not absolutely unforgettable.