曲径通幽 — “A winding path that leads to a secluded and tranquil place”

曲径通幽 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “a winding path that leads to a secluded and tranquil place”. Often implying a journey to a profound or beautiful destination. Literally, “Winding path leads to quiet seclusion”.

Frequency

曲径通幽 Pronunciation and Pinyin

曲径通幽 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
曲	qū	6	song, tune, or opera
径	jìng	8	path, direct, diameter
通	tōng	11	pass through, communicate, understand
幽	yōu	9	secluded, quiet, and dim

Example Sentence with 曲径通幽

公园里有一条曲径通幽的小路，尽头是一片宁静的竹林。

In the park, there is a winding path that leads to quiet seclusion, at the end of which lies a serene bamboo forest.

Origin and Story of 曲径通幽

The idiom '曲径通幽' originates from a line in the famous poem '题破山寺后禅院' (Inscribed on the Wall of a Zen Monastery Behind the Broken Mountain Temple) by the Tang Dynasty poet Chang Jian. The line reads: '曲径通幽处，禅房花木深。' This translates to 'A winding path leads to a secluded spot, where the Zen chamber is hidden deep among flowers and trees.'

While literally describing the serene and remote setting of a monk's dwelling, the idiom also embodies a deeper philosophical concept. It suggests that a path to a profound or tranquil destination is often not straight, but rather winding and challenging, requiring effort and perseverance to reach.

The Zen chamber, situated deep within the mountains amidst lush flora, symbolizes such a profound place, and the uneven, twisting road leading to it represents the arduous journey one must undertake to arrive at such a peaceful and insightful location.