







雕阑玉砌 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “describes magnificent and luxurious buildings, often featuring intricately carved balustrades and splendid, jade-like steps; indicative of grandeur and opulence in architecture”. Literally, “Carved balustrades and jade steps”.
In 960 AD, Zhao Kuangyin initiated the Chenqiao Mutiny, establishing the Song Dynasty and conquering various states such as Nanping, Later Shu, and Nan Han.
Li Yu, the last emperor of the Southern Tang Dynasty, neglected his governmental duties, instead immersing himself in poetry and lyric composition. He was eventually defeated by the Song Dynasty. After his surrender, he was granted the title of 'Marquis of Disobedience'.
While in captivity, Li Yu penned a famous lyric that read: 'Carved balustrades and jade steps should still be there, but the youthful countenances have changed.' Emperor Taizong of Song interpreted these lines as an expression of sorrow for his lost kingdom and a veiled criticism, using it as a pretext to have Li Yu executed.

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Open the tool →雕阑玉砌 (diāo lán yù qì) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “describes magnificent and luxurious buildings, often featuring intricately carved balustrades and splendid, jade-like steps; indicative of grandeur and opulence in architecture”.
雕阑玉砌 is pronounced diāo lán yù qì in Mandarin Chinese.
Literally, 雕阑玉砌 means “Carved balustrades and jade steps”. It is used to mean “describes magnificent and luxurious buildings, often featuring intricately carved balustrades and splendid, jade-like steps; indicative of grandeur and opulence in architecture”.
雕阑玉砌 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
形容富丽的建筑物。