The Ten Most Romantic Places in Changsha — Where I Want to Be With You
A little poem that circulates among Changsha locals. Ten places, ten moods — read it slowly, and consider it an itinerary written in verse.
When the first sunlight falls on the waking world,
that is me, waiting for you by the Xiang River —
watching the sunrise and the sunset together,
singing softly, riding the wind along the banks.
When happiness arrives, I'll be waiting on Yuelu Mountain,
and on the cable car where promises are made,
we'll vow a lifetime to each other.
When sorrow comes, I'll be waiting beneath the Changsha Ferris wheel,
drifting above the city —
every light below a piece of my heart.
When longing grows, I'll be waiting in the University Town,
in a fine drizzle,
remembering our young days, hand in hand, forever.
When the sky is clear, I'll be waiting at Moon Lake Park,
savoring the lake and the light,
rowing a small boat toward forever.
When the cherry blossoms open, I'll be waiting at the Botanical Garden —
fragrance drifting through the March fields. And when the camellias of Martyrs' Park bloom again, bright and passionate, every branch worth cherishing.
When you are tired and weary, I'll be waiting on the Pedestrian Street,
where coffee mingles with tea —
like you and me, idling in good talk,
watching fish in the water and petals on the pond.
If the wind rises, I'll be waiting at Meixi Lake,
watching clouds gather and scatter,
finding stillness in the middle of the bustle.
When the heart grows idle, I'll be waiting at Yanghu Wetland Park,
resting on a bench,
blue sky above, a soft breeze passing —
empty-headed or full-hearted, either is fine.
Treasuring every small moment we share.
When the lotus blooms, I'll be waiting by the lotus pond of Nianjia Lake,
graceful and shy in one bud,
radiant and open in the next.
When the lamps come on at dusk, I'll be waiting in the night of Changsha —
cars and boats passing by; if you don't come, I won't leave.
Life is never easy,
and we needn't beg for everyone's understanding.
Live your own life, quietly.
If the heart doesn't stir, what can the wind do?
If you are unharmed, the years will be kind.
And so I'll stand in time, waiting for you —
carrying no sorrow, no melancholy,
turning lightly, standing with a small smile.
Flowers bloom and fall,
and I will always be waiting for you in Changsha.
If you don't come, I won't grow old.