October 12, 2026 · 星期一
Autumn Maples
枫叶· maple tree
Today’s episode with Jason & Amy枫, or maple, is a symbol of autumn's beauty and change in Chinese poetry and art.
寒露 marks the point when the dew turns cold and may verge on frost, signaling a sharper, deeper autumn chill. The air grows dry and brisk, migrating birds head south, and chrysanthemums come into bloom.
People climb heights to admire the autumn views, enjoy chrysanthemums, and in some places drink chrysanthemum wine for health.
Autumn Maples
枫叶fēng yè
In China, autumn is a season that brings with it a spectacular display of nature's art, particularly through the transformation of maple leaves, or 枫叶 (fēng yè). The sight of hills blanketed in vibrant reds has been a source of inspiration for poets and artists throughout Chinese history. This natural transformation marks the transition from the warmth of summer to the cooler embrace of autumn, a time when the landscape is painted with the rich tones of crimson and gold[1].
Chinese travel poetry often captures the beauty of the countryside, and the sight of maple trees turning red has been immortalized in many classic works. One famous example is the Tang Dynasty poem "A Traveler’s Song" by Li Bai, where the poet reflects on the beauty of the changing seasons and the transient nature of life. The image of the 枫 trees, with their striking red leaves, symbolizes both the passage of time and the enduring beauty of nature, a theme that resonates deeply in Chinese culture[2].
The appeal of the 枫叶 goes beyond its visual beauty. In traditional Chinese culture, the maple leaf is sometimes seen as a symbol of peace and tranquility. This symbolism is often reflected in art and literature, where the gentle falling of leaves is likened to a graceful dance, embodying the ease and calmness that many aspire to achieve in their lives. As October progresses and the nights grow longer, the sight of red maple leaves serves as a reminder of the quiet beauty that accompanies change, encouraging reflection and appreciation of the present moment.
For those who appreciate the cultural and aesthetic significance of autumn maples, visiting places famous for their autumn foliage, such as Mount Huangshan or the ancient city of Xi'an, offers a chance to experience firsthand the breathtaking beauty that has been celebrated in Chinese culture for generations.
枫, or maple, is a symbol of autumn's beauty and change in Chinese poetry and art.
枫叶红了。
Fēng yè hóng le.
The maple leaves have turned red.
- [1] Li Bai, 'A Traveler’s Song' (《行路难》)
- [2] Du Fu, 'Autumn Stirrings' (《秋兴》)
Jason & Amy on 枫
Podcast: Dragon Daily: Autumn Maples — and the word 枫
Jason & Amy on Autumn Maples and 枫
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October 12, 2026
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Chen Yanxiang's Journey from Java to Korea 陳彥祥
Chen Yanxiang, the only person from Indonesia known to have visited dynastic Korea, reached Seoul after setting out from Java four months earlier. His journey marks a significant example of early cross-cultural interactions between Southeast Asia and Korea.
Chen Yanxiang's journey highlights historical links between different Asian cultures.
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Unknown author / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain) source Death of Zhu Quan, Chinese Historian and Playwright 朱权
Zhu Quan, a Chinese prince and accomplished historian, passed away in 1448. He was also a talented playwright and contributed to the development of traditional Chinese opera, blending elements of literature and performing arts.
Zhu Quan's work in drama and history remains an important part of Chinese cultural heritage.
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这是枫。
Zhè shì fēng.
This is a maple.
A simple sentence identifying a maple.
秋天的枫叶很美。
Qiū tiān de fēng yè hěn měi.
The autumn maple leaves are beautiful.
Describes the beauty of maple leaves in autumn.
枫叶象征着和平。
Fēng yè xiàng zhēng zhe hé píng.
Maple leaves symbolize peace.
Uses the word to express symbolism.
枫叶的红色仿佛是秋天的诗篇。
Fēng yè de hóng sè fǎng fú shì qiū tiān de shī piān.
The red of the maple leaves seems like the poetry of autumn.
A poetic expression of autumn's beauty.
得 + Adjective
得 + adjective
This pattern is used to describe the degree or extent of an action or state.
Use it to express how something is, similar to 'so' or 'very' in English.
他跑得很快。
Tā pǎo de hěn kuài.
He runs very fast.
她唱得很好听。
Tā chàng de hěn hǎo tīng.
She sings very beautifully.
天气热得受不了。
Tiān qì rè de shòu bù liǎo.
The weather is unbearably hot.
What does 枫 mean?
How is 枫 pronounced?
How do you write 'maple' in Chinese?
Listen. What does the sentence mean?
秋天的___叶很美。(The autumn ___ leaves are beautiful.)
枫叶红了。 — What does this sentence mean?
Which Chinese poet is famous for writing about the beauty of nature, including autumn maples?
Arrange into a correct sentence
Who was the only person from Indonesia known to have visited dynastic Korea?
Which Chinese author born in 1904 is known for exploring feminist themes?
Frequently asked questions about the word 枫
It is pronounced as 'fēng' with a first tone.
Primarily, 枫 refers to the maple tree and is not commonly used for other contexts.
Maple leaves are often associated with the beauty of autumn and are featured in poetry and art.
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Today's Mandarin word: 枫 (fēng) — maple tree.
Learn it on Mandarin Temple's Dragon Daily 🐉