CHENGYU
世外桃源(shì wài táo yuán)meaning, story and origin
- Register:
- literary, approving
- Source:
- 晋·陶渊明《桃花源记》
MEANING
- Literal
- a peach blossom land beyond the world
- Figurative meaning
- an ideal retreat away from the troubles of the world
ORIGIN STORY
In Tao Yuanming's "Peach Blossom Spring", a fisherman wandered through a blossoming peach grove into a hidden valley where people lived simply, knowing nothing of the wars and dynasties outside.
NATURAL EQUIVALENT
“a Shangri-La; an earthly paradise”
EXAMPLES
这个小山村安静美丽，真是世外桃源。Zhège xiǎo shāncūn ānjìng měilì, zhēn shì shì wài táo yuán.HSK6
This quiet, beautiful mountain village is a true peach blossom spring.
退休后他们搬到乡下，过上了世外桃源的生活。Tuìxiū hòu tāmen bān dào xiāngxià, guò shàng le shì wài táo yuán de shēnghuó.HSK6
After retiring they moved to the countryside and live in a land beyond the world.
COMMON MISTAKE
Watch out: It is an idealized escape, often half imaginary — do not use it for an ordinary nice place.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
Tap a character to explore it
TRUST & SOURCES
- Reviewed by
- AI-assisted editorial review
- Last reviewed
- 2026-08-15
- CC-CEDICT 2026-01-01