夹岸数百步 (jiā'ànshùbǎibù): lining both banks for several hundred paces

Tao Yuanming writes: 'flanking the banks for several hundred paces, with no other trees between, fragrant grass fresh and fine, petals falling in profusion' — it makes one long to go.

Tips

history

From 陶渊明《桃花源记》(Tao Yuanming, 'Record of Peach Blossom Spring,' Eastern Jin, c. 421 CE): 忽逢桃花林，夹岸数百步，中无杂树，芳草鲜美，落英缤纷 (He suddenly came upon a peach-blossom grove flanking the banks for several hundred paces, with no other trees between, fragrant grass fresh and fine, fallen petals in a riot of color). The scene that leads the fisherman into the hidden utopia.

usage

Almost always quoted after 忽逢桃花林. 夹 = jiā (to flank on both sides), 1st tone. Used today to describe blossom-lined rivers, greenways, and picturesque country paths.