Chinese Idiom: 庐山真面目 (Lu Shan Zhen Mian Mu)
English Translation: The true face of Mount Lu
pīn yīn: lú shān zhēn miàn mù
Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to describe revealing the truth hidden beneath a confusing or obscure surface.
Historical Source: Su Shi’s poem “Title on the West Forest Wall” (《题西林壁》), written during the Northern Song dynasty.
Idiom Story:
Mount Lu, located south of Jiujiang in Jiangxi Province, is a famous mountain known for its majestic peaks and stunning scenery. According to legend, the mountain was named after a hermit named Kuang Su who lived there during the time of King Wu of Zhou. Despite King Wu’s efforts to invite him to serve as an official, he never succeeded in meeting the hermit, only catching glimpses of his thatched cottage.
The mountain features three sides overlooking rivers and boasts the highest peak, Jiangyang Peak, which rises over 1,400 meters. Its lofty elevation and proximity to water create a constant mist that obscures the mountain’s true form.
The renowned poet Su Shi visited Mount Lu in 1084 and was captivated by its breathtaking beauty. However, upon his initial visit, he struggled to capture the essence of the landscape in his poetry. He wrote a simple poem to commemorate his visit but felt he had not grasped the mountain’s true nature.
After spending more time in the area, observing Mount Lu from various angles, he eventually discovered its magnificent beauty and complexity. This inspired him to write the famous poem:
Viewing from the front, it appears as a ridge;
From the side, it becomes a towering peak.
Near and far, high and low, all differ;
Not recognizing the true face of Mount Lu,
Only because I am in the midst of the mountain.
The poem conveys the idea that the mountain’s appearance changes dramatically depending on the viewer’s perspective, emphasizing the difficulty in understanding its true nature while immersed in it. The idiom “庐山真面目” thus reflects the concept of uncovering the truth amid confusion, reminding us that sometimes we must step back to gain clarity.
