THE GREAT TANG REALM IN THE SOUND OF RAIN: GEOGRAPHICAL WRITING AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF RAIN-LISTENING POETRY IN THE TANG DYNASTY

This paper analyzes Tang Dynasty rain-listening poetry from a geographical perspective, revealing its distinct regional writing characteristics and cultural connotations. Within the vast imperial territory, rainscapes from different regions were imbued with unique meanings: the rain in Chang’an was linked to courtly power and literati careers; the drizzles of Jiangnan embodied aesthetic refinement and poetic living; the miasmic rains of Lingnan reflected the bitterness and fears of exiled officials; the bitter rains of the frontier often metaphorized war and homesickness; and the night rains of Bashu symbolized the sorrows of travel. This diversity stemmed from the Tang’s expansive territory, population mobility, and cultural exchange, allowing "rain" to transcend mere natural phenomena and become a core poetic symbol carrying complex emotions and cultural significance.