“In the ninth year of the Yǒng-hé (353 CE), at the beginning of the third moon, on this late spring day, we gathered at the Orchid Pavilion in the Guì-jī, Shanyin (present-day Shaoxing (紹興) of Zhejiang (浙江) province), for the purification ritual. All the literati have finally arrived. Young and old ones have come together. Overlooking us are lofty mountains and steep peaks. Around us are dense wood and slender bamboos and a limpid swift stream flowing around, which reflected the sunlight as it flowed past either side of the pavilion. Taking advantage of this, we sit by the stream, drinking from wine cups that float gently on the water. Despite the absence of the grandeur of musical accompaniment, drinking wine and chanting poems give us delight and allow us to exchange our deep feelings.”

Footnote

The Lanting Xu (Preface of the Orchid Pavilion)《蘭亭序》or Lanting Ji Xu 《蘭亭集序》is a famous work of calligraphy by Wang Xizhi (王羲之) (301 CE to 363 CE), composed in the 353 CE. It is written in elegant semi-cursive script and underpinned by deep philosophical thinking. It is among the best-known and often copied calligraphy pieces in Chinese history and a famous piece of Chinese literature. It is revered as the best running calligraphy (天下第一行書). Wang Xizhi is respected as Shu Sheng (書聖), ‘Sage of Calligraphy’ or ‘Super Master of Calligraphy.’