This could be the first part of a couplet. Do you think there is much truth in it?

Anyone care to complete the second part of the couplet? Many thanks!

The second couplet is 冀北長城原屬雙連地.

Bingo! Just fantastic. But I think in a hurry you missed out one word. It should have been:

冀北一長城原屬雙連地

The word "一" is missing.

TO: All Members & Users

Any other alternatives to Kathy's.

And Kathy, what's the citation? Please tell us.

Hi Geoette

I am posting the following passage and trust it is helpful.

And 123: It certainly does make sense, your match of 冀北一長城原屬雙連地. Just let me find out if I can contribute a write-up for it too.

Cheers.

In autumn, Jiangnan (江南) has more to offer other than just scenic spots such as small bridges across waterways crowded with scented cinnamon cassia and golden chrysanthemum.

In fact if you pay a visit to JiangLangShan (江郎山) you will find all the majestic mountains and their arduous and steep ranges so picturesque and enticing. Especially, at the charming Metropolis 28 (廿八都) of Jiangnan, the primordial rhymes will greatly change your viewpoint of Jiangnan.

JiangLangShan, a.k.a. “The Mountain of mountains”, is a magnificent natural mass described by visitors alike as a FANTASY.

At the canyon, you ascend the paleographic winding stone path (九曲十八彎); and as you reached the summit, you will discover three separate gigantic sections of stones measuring approximately 400 metres in height standing side-by-side each other at the peaks of the ranges in the distance. Amazingly, through the gaps between the peaks of these three gigantic masses, reveals two channels of a canyon in yonder.

Another thing worth mentioning is the barely 2-foot wide paleographic winding steps of natural stone to the summit. On both sides of this path are two stone walls nicely cut out. As you raise your head and look above you; instead of the sky, all you will find is a crescent-like indigo spectrum. This is the infamous “一字天”.

Along the canyon, at the top of the stone wall that faces the sun, you will find a meadow of natural vegetation; the looks of a green curtain backdrop hanging from the top. In contrast, what you can only see on the side that is against the sun, is a mass of ‘nude’ rocks. With that, female visitors jest about ‘ying’ (陰) being vigorous and ‘yang’ (陽) being the weak.

The following links back my write-up.

Photos: http://my.opera.com/seenor/albums/tags.dml?tag=Jianglangshan
Travel: http://www.doyouhike.net/forum/topic_print.cgi?id=158298

Hello spring:
Thank you for your sharing.

Hello Springdale.

Just brilliant! Many thanks!

江南三片石為何不接天 should be the second part of the couplet (下聯), because it ends with a 平聲 word. The first part of a couplet (上聯) should end with a 仄聲 word.

冀北一長城原屬雙連地
江南三片石為何不接天
In fact the both parts of this couplet are not well matched because:
1) 三片石 is a name of a viewpoint or a place, but 一長城 is a "numerical Adj. + N." structure.
2)原屬 is not parallel to 為何 in parts of speech.

Kathy, where did you get the first part?

My try:
漠北九龍穴莫非能通地
江南三片石為何不接天
Just for example of match, though not a good piece.

Hi Glot

I find it very difficult to surmise the intricacies of the Chinese language. It is indeed complex. First, the rules of couplets having to end with words that are 平聲 and 仄聲. Then, matching word for word and numerals for numerals are things I am ignorant of and am at a total loss.

In any case, I just read and try to understand the meaning. And if the contents are good and make sense; then it is a perfect match for me. Sorry if I sound naïve.

And yours is a fine match as I measure word for word and meaning for meaning.

Thank you once again.