人杰地灵 — “Outstanding people, spiritual land”

The idiom "Ren Jie Di Ling" (人杰地灵), meaning "outstanding people, spiritual land," originates from Wang Bo's renowned "Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng" (滕王阁序) during the Tang Dynasty.

In 663 AD, on the Double Ninth Festival, Governor Yan Dudou hosted a grand banquet at the newly completed Pavilion of Prince Teng in Hongzhou. Many prominent local figures were invited, including the fourteen-year-old literary prodigy Wang Bo, who happened to be passing by. Due to his youth, Wang Bo was assigned to a less conspicuous seat. Governor Yan had intended for his talented son-in-law to present a pre-written preface, hoping to impress the guests.

When the governor invited everyone to compose a preface to commemorate the grand occasion, an awkward silence filled the hall as no one dared to begin. To everyone's surprise, Wang Bo stepped forward, took up the brush, and after a moment of contemplation, began to write with remarkable speed and fluidity.

Unimpressed by the young boy's audacity, Governor Yan left the main hall to gaze at the river view, instructing his attendants to transcribe Wang Bo's verses and bring them to him. Initially, the governor scoffed at the opening lines, which described Nanchang's history and geography, considering them commonplace. However, as more verses arrived, describing the pavilion's commanding view over three rivers and five lakes, connecting vast southern territories, Governor Yan grew astonished by the immense scope and powerful imagery.

Finally, the attendant presented the lines that immortalized the idiom: "物华天宝，龙光射牛斗之墟；人杰地灵，徐孺下陈蕃之榻" (Wuhua Tianbao, Longguang She Niudou zhi xu; Renjie Diling, Xu Ru Xia Chen Fan zhi ta). These lines elegantly employed two classical allusions. The first alluded to the land's rich treasures, like a legendary sword's glow reaching the constellations. The second referenced Xu Ru, an upright scholar from Nanchang in the Eastern Han Dynasty, whom the provincial governor Chen Fan respected so much that he kept a special couch solely for Xu Ru's visits. This part proclaimed that Hongzhou was a place of eminent individuals and an auspicious land.

Governor Yan's disdain turned to profound admiration. He repeatedly praised the brilliance of the writing, immediately discarding his son-in-law's draft. He hailed Wang Bo as a true genius, brought him back to the main hall, and personally seated him as the guest of honor. The phrase "Ren Jie Di Ling" has since been used to describe a place that produces outstanding people and possesses a unique, inspiring character.