











































 Humanities and Social Science Research; Vol. 8, No. 3; 2025 
ISSN 2576-3024   E-ISSN 2576-3032 

https://doi.org/10.30560/hssr.v8n3p81 

 81 Published by IDEAS SPREAD 
 

Exploring the "Poetry + Tourism" Model under the Integration of 
Culture and Tourism: A Case Study of Meibei Lake in Huyi District, 

Xi'an 
Zhao Xinyi1 

1 Xi'an Peihua University, China 
Correspondence: Zhao Xinyi, Xi'an Peihua University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China. 
 
Received: May 8, 2025; Accepted: May 31, 2025; Published: June 4, 2025 
 
Xi'an Peihua University school-level Project: Research on Empowering Cultural-Tourism Industry Development 
in Huyi District of Xi'an through Tang-Song Poetry Depictions of Meibei Lake; Project No.: PHKT2549. 
 
Abstract 
Classical Chinese poetry constitutes a vital "carrier of local cultural heritage, rich in literary connotations and 
historical value, and holds considerable potential for tourism development. As a historic cultural metropolis and 
celebrated tourist destination, Xi’an boasts profound cultural resources. Although much research has addressed 
tourism development in Xi’an, the unique role of ancient poetry remains underexplored. This paper takes Meibei 
Lake in Huyi District as its focal point, examining Tang and Song dynasty poetic portrayals of Meibei and their 
intrinsic connections with tourism planning. It aims to propose feasible recommendations for integrating poetry 
into local tourism development and to offer a reference model for deeper cultural-tourism integration in Xi’an and 
beyond. 
Keywords: Meibei Lake, Huyi District, Tang and Song Poetry, Tourism Planning, Cultural Empowerment 
1. Introduction 
Meibei Lake, located in what is now Huyi District of Xi’an, was a renowned tourist destination in ancient Chang’an. 
Its name derives from the spring “Meiquan,” famed for its sweet-tasting water. The area around Meibei is 
celebrated for its scenic beauty and abundance of historic sites, making it a favored haunt of poets and scholars 
since antiquity. During the Tang dynasty, Meibei Lake was one of the premier retreats in the capital region, where 
illustrious poets such as Du Fu, Cen Shen, Wei Yingwu, and Wen Tingyun would boat across its waters, feast 
upon its shores, and compose verse in its honor. In the Song dynasty, Meibei was even acclaimed as “the finest of 
Guanzhong’s mountain–water landscapes,” inspiring luminaries like Su Shi, Li Biao, and Zhang Dun to leave 
behind many celebratory poems. These works alternately portray Meibei’s unique, exquisite beauty; express the 
poets’ complex emotions about their political ambitions and disappointments; or convey a tranquil, reclusive spirit 
influenced by Buddhist and Daoist thought. In particular, Du Fu’s travel poems about Meibei have become a 
lasting literary model and have laid a solid cultural foundation for the lake’s tourism development. 
The poetic depictions of Meibei Lake in Tang and Song literature represent a rare cultural treasure for Huyi District, 
offering immense value for integrating culture and tourism. These poems are not only masterpieces of literary art 
but also vital sources for shaping the district’s unique cultural-tourism identity and enriching its cultural depth. 
However, despite Meibei Lake’s wealth of poetic heritage, the study and application of classical verse in its tourism 
development remain limited. Research on incorporating ancient poetry into tourism strategies is still in its infancy, 
and this significant cultural asset has yet to be fully explored or utilized. As an emerging form of cultural tourism, 
“poetry tourism” can offer visitors a fresh, immersive experience and inject new vitality into the tourism market. 
Given its abundant poetic resources, Meibei Lake holds tremendous potential for such development. This paper 
proposes a “Poetry + Tourism” model to explore pathways for the integrated development of Meibei Lake’s 
cultural-tourism offerings, providing valuable reference and inspiration for deeper fusion of culture and tourism 
in Huyi District and beyond. 
 
 



hssr.ideasspread.org   Humanities and Social Science Research Vol. 8, No. 3; 2025 

 82 Published by IDEAS SPREAD 
 

2. Significance of Tang and Song Poetry Depictions of Meibei for Tourism Development in Huyi District 
During the Tang and Song dynasties, Meibei Lake was renowned as a premier destination in Chang’an, drawing 
countless poets and scholars who visited and composed verse in its honor. It is estimated that around twenty-three 
poems referencing Meibei were written—by Tang masters such as Du Fu, Cen Shen, Wei Yingwu, Sima Zha, Wei 
Zhuang, and Wen Tingyun, and Song literati including Su Shi, Li Zhi, Li Biao, Wei Ye, and Zhang Zai. Among 
these works, Du Fu’s “Meibei Xing” and “Rowing West of the City Moat” stand out as the most celebrated, and 
his stature as the “Sage of Poetry” has imbued Meibei with a profound humanistic aura[1]. These poems not only 
showcase the lake’s exquisite scenery but also convey their authors’ complex emotions and insights, making them 
a precious cultural treasure for Huyi District and conferring exceptional value for culture-tourism integration.The 
contributions of Tang and Song poetic depictions of Meibei Lake to the development of Huyi District’s tourism 
industry are reflected in the following key areas: 
2.1 Unearthing and Documenting Tourism Resources to Stimulate Visitor Interest 
In today’s thriving tourism industry, identifying and recording unique attractions to motivate travelers is essential 
for raising a destination’s profile. By combining strategies—such as leveraging famous poetic lines in advertising, 
preserving poets’ former residences, and naming sites after classical verses—destinations can effectively develop 
and promote their tourism assets[2]. 
First, poetic couplets play a powerful role in promotional campaigns. Classical Chinese poetry is renowned for its 
evocative imagery, which can greatly enhance a region’s appeal. For example, lines like “Guilin’s scenery is the 
best under heaven,” “Above is paradise, below are Suzhou and Hangzhou,” and “He who has never been to the 
Great Wall is not a true hero” have become iconic tourism slogans. In the Song dynasty, Zhang Ji’s praise of 
Meibei Lake in his “Record of Kongcui Hall”—“Among Guanzhong’s many scenic wonders, Meibei beneath 
Mount Zhongnan stands peerless and pristine”—bestowed upon Meibei the epithet “the finest landscape in 
Guanzhong,” significantly boosting its renown.Second, poets’ former residences and sites named after their verses 
serve as valuable tourism resources. Many classical poets stayed, wrote, or even built villas at Meibei Lake, leaving 
behind material heritage such as cottages and memorial pavilions[3]. These sites underpin the development of new 
cultural tourism offerings. For instance, poets Wen Tingyun, Zheng Gu, and Wei Zhuang commissioned lakeside 
retreats that inspired numerous celebrated poems. The “Chaoge Pavilion,” built to commemorate Bai Juyi’s studies 
at Meibei, and “Kongcui Hall,” named after Du Fu’s line “silk-pipes trill through emerald emptiness,” both enrich 
Meibei’s cultural depth and draw visitors seeking literary connection[4].Finally, the vast corpus of humanistic 
landscape poetry itself constitutes a priceless record of early tourism resources. These works are not only a rich 
part of local heritage but also a critical reference for modern culture–tourism integration. By thoroughly 
researching and promoting these poems, destinations can deepen their cultural narrative, heighten their distinctive 
appeal, and transform into even more compelling tourist attractions. 
2.2 Enhancing Tourism Value by Building Bridges Between the Destination and Its Celebrated Poets 
In tourism development, enriching a destination’s cultural depth and appeal is key to increasing its overall value. 
Take Meibei Lake in Huyi District as an example: Tang and Song dynasty poems about Meibei provide both a 
historical foundation and cultural endorsement for the site’s development, while also forging a direct connection 
between modern tourism and celebrated literati[5]. 
A destination’s literary image profoundly influences travelers’ choices. In “poetry tourism,” visitors are often 
moved by the scenes conjured by poets, setting their expectations high. Many classic verses instantly evoke their 
corresponding scenic spots, and people subconsciously equate the poet’s renown with that of the place itself. At 
Meibei Lake, Tang and Song poets such as Du Fu (in “Meibei Xing”), Cen Shen (in “Feasting at Meibei with 
Local Officials”), Wei Yingwu (in “Viewing Meibei as Prefect of Hu”), and Su Shi (in “Meibei Fish”) left behind 
celebrated works. These poems not only depict Meibei Lake’s natural beauty but also reflect the deep admiration 
these writers held for the landscape. For instance, Du Fu writes in “Meibei Xing”:“South of the islet, mountains 
sink into glassy depths; ghostly reflections dance in merging air,”painting the lake as a living masterpiece and 
stirring readers’ desire to witness it themselves. Su Shi’s vivid portrayal of Meibei’s fish—its delicate flavor and 
the heartfelt gift from a distant friend—kindles both curiosity and an appreciation of the bonds between poets and 
their peers. The continued circulation of these poems has steadily raised Meibei Lake’s profile, drawing ever more 
visitors. 
Because so many renowned poets have extolled its virtues, Meibei Lake has come to symbolize the finest of 
Guanzhong’s mountain–water scenery, and its appeal and visibility have grown accordingly. Poems by celebrated 
figures serve as a bridge linking the destination to its illustrious patrons, boosting the site’s fame and increasing 
the likelihood that travelers will choose it. Moreover, anything associated with these poets—stories, anecdotes, 



hssr.ideasspread.org   Humanities and Social Science Research Vol. 8, No. 3; 2025 

 83 Published by IDEAS SPREAD 
 

historic sites—becomes an additional attraction, enriching the destination’s cultural cachet. For example, Meibei 
Lake’s transformation into a haven for literati like Du Fu and Cen Shen means that their biographies and the ruins 
connected to them are now integral parts of the visitor experience. 
2.3 Enhancing the Taste of Tourism Resources and Elevating Visitors’ Aesthetic Appreciation 
Against the backdrop of culture–tourism integration, Tang and Song dynasty poems about Meibei Lake do more 
than showcase its rich natural scenery—they convey profound emotional depth that plays a critical role in refining 
the taste of tourism offerings and cultivating visitors’ aesthetic sensibilities. Just as travelers who behold West 
Lake recall the line “I compare West Lake to Xi Shi; lightly or heavily adorned, she is always graceful,” or stand 
atop Yueyang Tower and recite “The rosy clouds and lone wild goose fly together; the clear waters mirror the 
boundless sky,” so too can the appreciation and interpretation of Meibei’s poetic heritage unlock its deeper cultural 
value and heighten its appeal as a destination. 
2.3.1 Scenic Description and Atmosphere Creation 
Poetic depictions of Meibei Lake in the Tang and Song eras convey three principal qualities: a grand, almost 
fantastical vastness; an ethereal, mist-shrouded ambience; and a pure, delicate beauty.Du Fu opens “Meibei Xing” 
with:“My brother Cen Shen and I, curious at heart, traveled far to roam Meibei.Suddenly heaven and earth took 
on strange hues; ten thousand acres of waves piled up like colored glass.”Here, the poet evokes the lake’s sweeping 
grandeur and otherworldly brilliance, inspiring his companion’s—and ours—desire to explore its wonders.Cen 
Shen, in “Feasting at Meibei with Local Officials,” writes:“Ten thousand acres steeped in sky’s hue, a thousand 
fathoms probing earth’s roots.”In just two lines, he summons the lake’s boundless expanse and unfathomable 
depth.In the Song dynasty, Li Chuo’s “Meibei” describes:“Gazing out on mist-shrouded emptiness fills my soul; 
I seek old traces atop the high terrace.Slanting sunlight brightens treetops then fades, and when winds subside, 
mountain shadows appear upon the still waters.”With brush-stroke precision, he paints a mist-laden landscape that 
feels like an ink-wash painting, drawing readers into its serene mystery.Another Song poet, Li Biao, in “Yang Bei,” 
portrays yet another facet:“Clear skies reflect as dark-green hills, waves as blue as indigo;Calm waters mirror 
heaven’s clarity, filling the jade basin.Standing within this painted scene, my heart soars with birds over 
Zhongnan.”On a clear day, the lake’s emerald surface appears tranquil and enchanting—an idyllic sanctuary that 
today’s visitors would find equally mesmerizing.Finally, Wei Yingwu’s “Viewing Meibei as Prefect of Hu” 
captures the lake’s pure elegance:“Wild waters gleam along the long pond; under clear skies, blossoms 
swirl.Verdant trees drift in soft mist; green peaks rise beyond a thousand hills.”These vivid portrayals enrich 
visitors’ visual imagination of Meibei Lake and elevate its cultural refinement as a destination. 
2.3.2 Emotional Connotations and Cultural Resonance 
The Tang and Song poems about Meibei Lake are imbued with rich emotional layers, including scenes of festive 
splendor, yearnings for reclusion, and nostalgic reflections on the past. In Du Fu’s “Rowing West of the City Moat,” 
he depicts the poets’ experience aboard a pleasure boat amid Meibei’s grand scenery:“On lacquered decks fine 
ladies and gentlemen recline, flutes and pipes lament the distant sky. 
Spring breezes sway the painted masts, and in the slow sunlight I watch the brocaded cables pulled. 
Fish stir gentle ripples that sway song fans, swallows dance among petals at the banquet’s edge. 
If no small boat can ply these oars, what river of wine would flow like a spring?” 
Here, ornate pavilions and painted boats, song and dance, wine and feasting—all convey the exuberant joys of 
Tang-era revelry and invite modern readers to long for such lavish pleasures.Similarly, in Cen Shen’s “Feasting at 
Meibei with Local Officials,” he writes of the lakeside banquet:“Idle egrets startled by flute and pipe, hidden 
dragons drawn to the wine jar.”The flute’s notes disturb the languid waterbirds, while the aroma of the feast even 
entices mythical dragons from the depths—capturing the bold, romantic spirit of the High Tang. These vivid 
portrayals can inspire today’s visitors to recreate Meibei’s ancient pageantry by developing attractions that evoke 
the Tang dynasty’s “pleasure boat” experience.In contrast, Wei Yingwu’s poem “Watching Swallows at the West 
Pond of Hu Pavilion” expresses a desire for retreat:“At dawn’s bright hour I gaze across the peaceful lake;Fine 
trees emerge in soft mist as spring outings swell.Official duties weary my soul, yet here my heart finds release.With 
wine now brimming high, I ask you to drink deep.”Serving as the county magistrate, the poet’s daily burdens had 
worn him down, kindling a Daoist–Buddhist longing for seclusion. His visit to Meibei’s serene landscape renewed 
his spirit—a sentiment resonant with modern travelers who seek solace from busy urban lives. 
Finally, in the late Tang, Wei Zhuang recalls Meibei’s former glory in “Passing Meibei, Recalling Old Times”: 
“Three paths overgrown, lost amid bamboo; neighbors gone, fields now mulberry groves.Meibei’s past affairs live 
only in memory; the purple pavilion remains in fading smoke.”Returning after twenty years, he finds the lakeside’s 



hssr.ideasspread.org   Humanities and Social Science Research Vol. 8, No. 3; 2025 

 84 Published by IDEAS SPREAD 
 

former bustle vanished. Witnessing the sea of change, his sorrow is evident: “At sunset’s end, I wept as I finished 
my verse.” Such reflections on the passage of time touch upon a universal human experience, drawing visitors 
across millennia into an emotional dialogue with Meibei’s evolving landscape.These poems’ emotional depths not 
only enrich visitors’ cultural understanding of Meibei Lake but also spark personal resonance, elevating their 
aesthetic and emotional engagement with the destination. 
3. Empowering Meibei Lake’s Tourism Development through Tang and Song Poetic Depictions 
Tang and Song dynasty poetry, as treasures of ancient Chinese literature, not only holds exceptional artistic value 
but also conveys rich cultural connotations and historical insights. Meibei Lake in Huyi District of Xi’an—long 
celebrated as a retreat for poets and scholars—appears frequently in these classical works, providing the region’s 
cultural-tourism industry with a unique reservoir of heritage. This paper explores how such poetic portrayals of 
Meibei empower Huyi District’s cultural-tourism development across three dimensions: the interpretation system, 
tourism product creation, and the synergy between characteristic landscapes and the celebrity effect. 
3.1 Interpretation System 
At present, tourism development often focuses on the physical enhancement of scenic spots while neglecting the 
cultural dimension—particularly the development of the tourist interpretation system, which is the primary 
medium through which visitors receive and appreciate a site’s cultural significance. Although Huyi District boasts 
abundant historical and cultural resources, the use of Tang and Song poetry about Meibei Lake in its cultural-
tourism offerings remains unsatisfactory. Aside from a few quotes from Du Fu on information boards and the 
official WeChat account, the powerful cultural appeal of these poems has yet to be fully leveraged. Consequently, 
visitors lack a poetic framework to guide their experience and struggle to perceive the resonance between the 
ancient verses and the modern landscape. 
To address this, Huyi District should prioritize the design and construction of a comprehensive interpretation 
system that weaves together centuries of poetic works with engaging stories and cultural insights. For example, 
along the lakeside promenade, interpretive scripts could highlight Du Fu’s lines, 
“Suddenly heaven and earth took on strange hues; ten thousand acres of waves piled up like colored glass,”inviting 
visitors to behold the lake’s vast expanse and its ever-changing light. Cen Shen’s verse,“Ten thousand acres 
steeped in sky’s hue, a thousand fathoms probing earth’s roots,”would encourage them to feel the lake’s breadth 
and depth. Wei Yingwu’s line,“Wild waters gleam along the long pond; blossoms swirl under clear skies,”could 
draw attention to the water’s clarity and the tranquil atmosphere.In a cultural experience zone, Su Shi’s “Meibei 
Fish” could be featured:“Bamboo frosted and slit into twin gates; within, long fish lie like resting 
swords,”recreating the lake’s historic fisheries and introducing visitors to ancient fishing practices.At each historic 
ruin—Kongcui Hall, Yunjisi, Chaoge Pavilion—narrators could recount the poets’ connections to these sites, 
sharing anecdotes and background that bring the verses to life. By integrating these interpretive elements, visitors 
will not only admire Meibei Lake’s natural beauty but also gain deeper insight into its literary heritage and the 
unique emotions conveyed by its poets. 
3.2 Tourism Product Development 
Scenic spots frequently celebrated in classical poetry often become flagship attractions. As a favored retreat of 
Tang-dynasty literati, Meibei Lake’s abundant presence in Tang and Song poems provides a wealth of cultural 
resources for tourism product development. One could create a series of cultural-themed routes—such as a “Meibei 
in Tang Poetry” tour—that weaves together the lake’s poetic landmarks with modern travel itineraries, allowing 
visitors to appreciate its natural beauty while immersing themselves in the charm of classical verse. 
3.2.1 Curated Themed Routes 
One example is a “Poetic Cruise” that draws on Du Fu’s descriptions in “Meibei Xing” and “Rowing West of the 
City Moat.” A boat route would carry visitors across the glittering lake, allowing them to experience Meibei Lake’s 
grandeur firsthand. During the cruise, recordings of poems by Du Fu, Cen Shen, and others would be broadcast 
over the speakers, accompanied by live or recorded guzheng music to enrich the cultural atmosphere. A “Poetry 
Pavilion” could be installed at the center of the lake, where visitors might recite verses, take part in poetry contests, 
and win Meibei-themed cultural souvenirs.Around the shore, a “Poetry Promenade” could be laid out, with 
interpretive panels displaying poems by Du Fu, Cen Shen, Wei Yingwu, and their historical contexts. Trained 
cultural volunteers would walk the route, explaining the imagery and background of each poem.Additionally, 
drawing on Du Fu’s references to “Kongcui Hall” and “Yunjisi” in “Meibei Xing,” a separate “Historic Ruins 
Tour” could be developed. At the restored Kongcui Hall, a small “Poets’ Memorial Gallery” would showcase the 



hssr.ideasspread.org   Humanities and Social Science Research Vol. 8, No. 3; 2025 

 85 Published by IDEAS SPREAD 
 

lives and works of Du Fu, Wei Yingwu, and other literati, allowing visitors to feel the serenity of the ruins and the 
weight of history. 
3.2.2 Poetic Homestays and Dining Experiences 
Integrate Tang and Song poetry into lodging and dining. Establish “Poetic Inns” where rooms feature décor 
inspired by classic verses, and guests receive calligraphy reproductions of relevant lines. Create a “Poetry 
Restaurant” whose menu items are named after famous poems—such as a “Meibei Fish Banquet”—and that 
includes a poetry corner stocked with anthologies for guests to read and discuss. 
These offerings blend Meibei’s poetic heritage with contemporary tourism, delighting visitors with immersive 
cultural experiences while boosting local engagement and economic vitality. 
3.3 Historic Landscapes and Celebrity Effect 
Over time, some historic sites fade from view unless immortalized by poetry. Meibei Lake, once the Qin–Han 
imperial garden and a Tang-era retreat, earned the epithet “the finest of Guanzhong’s landscapes.” By restoring or 
recreating key sites—such as Kongcui Hall, Chaoge Pavilion, and Yunjisi—tourism planners can leverage market 
demand for authenticity. Employ VR to reconstruct these structures, allowing visitors via mobile devices or VR 
headsets to explore Meibei’s past and hear narrated cultural insights. A VR “Poetic Boat” could simulate Tang-
Song era excursions, with virtual landscapes unfolding alongside narrated verses. 
Poems by Du Fu, Su Shi, and other renowned poets have elevated lesser-known spots into cultural icons, inspiring 
modern travelers. To harness this celebrity effect, promotional materials—online and offline—should prominently 
feature these poets’ lines, forging an emotional connection that motivates visits and strengthens Meibei Lake’s 
identity as a place where history, literature, and tourism converge. 
4. Conclusion 
Meibei Lake, this ancient and enchanting body of water, has long been beloved by poets and scholars. During the 
Tang and Song dynasties, literary masters such as Du Fu, Cen Shen, Wei Yingwu, and Su Shi left behind numerous 
admired poems that constitute a precious cultural asset for Huyi District’s integration of culture and tourism. 
However, Meibei Lake’s current tourism development still underuses these poetic resources, and research into 
their combined application in tourism remains insufficient. The “Poetry + Tourism” model proposed in this paper 
seeks to transform Tang and Song poetic depictions of Meibei into lively modern tourism practices. These 
innovative initiatives not only offer fresh ideas for Meibei Lake’s development but also provide valuable reference 
for the deeper fusion of culture and tourism in other locales. In sum, Tang and Song poems about Meibei Lake 
supply Huyi District’s cultural-tourism industry with rich connotations and unique charm. By thoroughly 
uncovering and appropriately leveraging these poetic resources, one can effectively elevate Meibei Lake’s tourism 
quality, enhance visitors’ cultural identification, and promote high-quality development of the district’s cultural-
tourism sector. Looking ahead, we anticipate Meibei Lake becoming a model of culture-tourism integration, where 
every visitor fully experiences the allure of classical poetry and the richness of cultural heritage. 
References 
[1] Han, C. (2017). A study of Du Fu’s Meibei travel poems. Hanzi Culture, 5, 53–56. 
[2] Liu, X. (2018). An exploratory study of the role and influence of classical poetry in Chifeng’s tourism 

development. Journal of Chifeng University, 10, 102–105. 
[3] Wang, W. (2016). An exploratory study of the role and influence of classical poetry in Nanjing’s tourism 

development. Language Arts Journal, 12, 92–94. 
[4] Han, C., Chen, M., & Kong, L. (2018). A study of Tang-Dynasty literary works on Meibei Lake. Journal of 

Shaanxi Preschool Teachers College, 34(12). 
[5] Zhu, L. (2006). Silk-pipes trill through emerald emptiness: Meibei Lake through the changes of history. 

Tangdu Journal, 1, 156–158. 
 
Copyrights 
Copyright for this article is retained by the author(s), with first publication rights granted to the journal. 
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 
license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). 


	Zhao Xinyi1
	1 Xi'an Peihua University, China
	Correspondence: Zhao Xinyi, Xi'an Peihua University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
	Received: May 8, 2025; Accepted: May 31, 2025; Published: June 4, 2025
	Xi'an Peihua University school-level Project: Research on Empowering Cultural-Tourism Industry Development in Huyi District of Xi'an through Tang-Song Poetry Depictions of Meibei Lake; Project No.: PHKT2549.
	Abstract
	Classical Chinese poetry constitutes a vital "carrier of local cultural heritage, rich in literary connotations and historical value, and holds considerable potential for tourism development. As a historic cultural metropolis and celebrated tourist de...
	Keywords: Meibei Lake, Huyi District, Tang and Song Poetry, Tourism Planning, Cultural Empowerment
	1. Introduction
	Meibei Lake, located in what is now Huyi District of Xi’an, was a renowned tourist destination in ancient Chang’an. Its name derives from the spring “Meiquan,” famed for its sweet-tasting water. The area around Meibei is celebrated for its scenic beau...
	The poetic depictions of Meibei Lake in Tang and Song literature represent a rare cultural treasure for Huyi District, offering immense value for integrating culture and tourism. These poems are not only masterpieces of literary art but also vital sou...
	2. Significance of Tang and Song Poetry Depictions of Meibei for Tourism Development in Huyi District
	During the Tang and Song dynasties, Meibei Lake was renowned as a premier destination in Chang’an, drawing countless poets and scholars who visited and composed verse in its honor. It is estimated that around twenty-three poems referencing Meibei were...
	2.1 Unearthing and Documenting Tourism Resources to Stimulate Visitor Interest
	In today’s thriving tourism industry, identifying and recording unique attractions to motivate travelers is essential for raising a destination’s profile. By combining strategies—such as leveraging famous poetic lines in advertising, preserving poets’...
	First, poetic couplets play a powerful role in promotional campaigns. Classical Chinese poetry is renowned for its evocative imagery, which can greatly enhance a region’s appeal. For example, lines like “Guilin’s scenery is the best under heaven,” “Ab...
	2.2 Enhancing Tourism Value by Building Bridges Between the Destination and Its Celebrated Poets
	In tourism development, enriching a destination’s cultural depth and appeal is key to increasing its overall value. Take Meibei Lake in Huyi District as an example: Tang and Song dynasty poems about Meibei provide both a historical foundation and cult...
	A destination’s literary image profoundly influences travelers’ choices. In “poetry tourism,” visitors are often moved by the scenes conjured by poets, setting their expectations high. Many classic verses instantly evoke their corresponding scenic spo...
	Because so many renowned poets have extolled its virtues, Meibei Lake has come to symbolize the finest of Guanzhong’s mountain–water scenery, and its appeal and visibility have grown accordingly. Poems by celebrated figures serve as a bridge linking t...
	2.3 Enhancing the Taste of Tourism Resources and Elevating Visitors’ Aesthetic Appreciation
	Against the backdrop of culture–tourism integration, Tang and Song dynasty poems about Meibei Lake do more than showcase its rich natural scenery—they convey profound emotional depth that plays a critical role in refining the taste of tourism offering...
	2.3.1 Scenic Description and Atmosphere Creation
	Poetic depictions of Meibei Lake in the Tang and Song eras convey three principal qualities: a grand, almost fantastical vastness; an ethereal, mist-shrouded ambience; and a pure, delicate beauty.Du Fu opens “Meibei Xing” with:“My brother Cen Shen and...
	2.3.2 Emotional Connotations and Cultural Resonance
	The Tang and Song poems about Meibei Lake are imbued with rich emotional layers, including scenes of festive splendor, yearnings for reclusion, and nostalgic reflections on the past. In Du Fu’s “Rowing West of the City Moat,” he depicts the poets’ exp...
	Spring breezes sway the painted masts, and in the slow sunlight I watch the brocaded cables pulled.
	Fish stir gentle ripples that sway song fans, swallows dance among petals at the banquet’s edge.
	If no small boat can ply these oars, what river of wine would flow like a spring?”
	Here, ornate pavilions and painted boats, song and dance, wine and feasting—all convey the exuberant joys of Tang-era revelry and invite modern readers to long for such lavish pleasures.Similarly, in Cen Shen’s “Feasting at Meibei with Local Officials...
	Finally, in the late Tang, Wei Zhuang recalls Meibei’s former glory in “Passing Meibei, Recalling Old Times”: “Three paths overgrown, lost amid bamboo; neighbors gone, fields now mulberry groves.Meibei’s past affairs live only in memory; the purple pa...
	3. Empowering Meibei Lake’s Tourism Development through Tang and Song Poetic Depictions
	Tang and Song dynasty poetry, as treasures of ancient Chinese literature, not only holds exceptional artistic value but also conveys rich cultural connotations and historical insights. Meibei Lake in Huyi District of Xi’an—long celebrated as a retreat...
	3.1 Interpretation System
	At present, tourism development often focuses on the physical enhancement of scenic spots while neglecting the cultural dimension—particularly the development of the tourist interpretation system, which is the primary medium through which visitors rec...
	To address this, Huyi District should prioritize the design and construction of a comprehensive interpretation system that weaves together centuries of poetic works with engaging stories and cultural insights. For example, along the lakeside promenade...
	“Suddenly heaven and earth took on strange hues; ten thousand acres of waves piled up like colored glass,”inviting visitors to behold the lake’s vast expanse and its ever-changing light. Cen Shen’s verse,“Ten thousand acres steeped in sky’s hue, a tho...
	3.2 Tourism Product Development
	Scenic spots frequently celebrated in classical poetry often become flagship attractions. As a favored retreat of Tang-dynasty literati, Meibei Lake’s abundant presence in Tang and Song poems provides a wealth of cultural resources for tourism product...
	3.2.1 Curated Themed Routes
	One example is a “Poetic Cruise” that draws on Du Fu’s descriptions in “Meibei Xing” and “Rowing West of the City Moat.” A boat route would carry visitors across the glittering lake, allowing them to experience Meibei Lake’s grandeur firsthand. During...
	3.2.2 Poetic Homestays and Dining Experiences
	Integrate Tang and Song poetry into lodging and dining. Establish “Poetic Inns” where rooms feature décor inspired by classic verses, and guests receive calligraphy reproductions of relevant lines. Create a “Poetry Restaurant” whose menu items are nam...
	These offerings blend Meibei’s poetic heritage with contemporary tourism, delighting visitors with immersive cultural experiences while boosting local engagement and economic vitality.
	3.3 Historic Landscapes and Celebrity Effect
	Over time, some historic sites fade from view unless immortalized by poetry. Meibei Lake, once the Qin–Han imperial garden and a Tang-era retreat, earned the epithet “the finest of Guanzhong’s landscapes.” By restoring or recreating key sites—such as ...
	Poems by Du Fu, Su Shi, and other renowned poets have elevated lesser-known spots into cultural icons, inspiring modern travelers. To harness this celebrity effect, promotional materials—online and offline—should prominently feature these poets’ lines...
	4. Conclusion
	Meibei Lake, this ancient and enchanting body of water, has long been beloved by poets and scholars. During the Tang and Song dynasties, literary masters such as Du Fu, Cen Shen, Wei Yingwu, and Su Shi left behind numerous admired poems that constitut...
	References
	Copyrights

