In autumn sky, all scenes lie still;
Clouds drift, wild peaks rise at will.
Having left Mount Wei Wang behind,
Into the gorge, my journey I find.
Here the raging torrents cease,
Calm flows the stream, smooth as a whetstone's peace.
Two mountains, lofty and steep, stand high,
Facing each other, cliffs pierce the sky.
Upward, they soar beyond the azure air;
Downward, they plunge into the lucid depths fair.
Layered rocks nurture emerald trees;
In swirling pools, crimson leaves drift with ease.
The boat sails through stone crevices narrow,
The river flows as within a walled burrow.
Lifting my head, the sky seems a ribbon thin,
Dropping into this clear, boundless watery gin.
Suddenly amazed by the cavern's vast size,
Rushing waves clamor in the traveler's ears arise.
Yutuo—checking local lore—they say,
Ten thousand fish are caught here each year, come what may.
By the water, sweet flags show their green hue;
On the rocks, moss displays a purple view.
The gurgling stream flows on, never-ending,
No way to trace where its source is sending.
Soon passing Chen Tuo's cave, sheer and steep,
So precipitous, no toehold to keep.
The natives, agile as apes in their climb,
Scale the heights by clinging to vines, in time.
Lighting torches, they venture deep inside,
For several zhang, even spirits would hide.
Seeing these remote streams and vales so profound,
I first sense the Creator's work, grand and renowned.
Turning to the southwest corner, I cast my gaze,
Indulging freely in wonders and maze.
This land bears no ordinary men,
Such scenic marvels—beyond our ken.
Was it not at Creation's dawn,
That all intent toward mountains and streams was drawn?
My spirit fears the falling rocks' descent,
Yet my heart delights in the trees' fair bent.
Exploring deeply, the day soon wanes;
Reluctant to leave, my boat near the shore remains.
Gradually, I hear waves surging loud,
And see winding ridges emerge from the cloud.
Strange sights flash by, swift as a flight,
My zest for wonder still burns bright.
Relying on this to soothe my journey's sorrow,
No need to grieve o'er wanderings tomorrow.