华屋山丘 — “Magnificent mansions turn into desolate mounds of earth”

华屋山丘 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “Magnificent mansions turn into desolate mounds of earth”. This idiom metaphorically describes the rapid and dramatic decline from glory to ruin, illustrating the ephemeral nature of prosperity and the swift changes of fortune. Literally, “Magnificent houses become mounds of earth”.

Frequency

华屋山丘 Pronunciation and Pinyin

华屋山丘 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
华	huá	6	splendid, China, flourishing
屋	wū	9	house, room, building
山	shān	3	mountain or hill
丘	qiū	5	Small mound or hillock

Example Sentence with 华屋山丘

这座曾经富丽堂皇的家族宅邸，经过岁月的洗礼和时代的变迁，如今只剩下断壁残垣，真可谓华屋山丘，令人不禁感慨万千。

This once splendid family mansion, having weathered the test of time and changes of era, now stands as mere crumbling walls and ruins, truly exemplifying 'magnificent houses turning into mounds of earth,' a sight that fills one with deep reflection.

Origin and Story of 华屋山丘

During the Jin Dynasty, the erudite and talented Xie An held a special fondness for his nephew, Yang Tan. Yang Tan, intelligent and respectful, deeply admired Xie An.

When Xie An passed away, Yang Tan was plunged into profound grief. To avoid painful memories, he made an effort to steer clear of the West Gate, where Xie An's tomb was situated.

However, one day, after a night of heavy drinking, he inadvertently found himself walking past the West Gate. Overcome with sorrow, he recited lines from Cao Zhi's poem: "Living in magnificent mansions, one eventually returns to the lonely hills."