The bond is as deep as the mountains and as long as the rivers.
📜 Origin
《望岳》
💡 Detailed Explanation
"Shan gao shui chang" literally means the mountains are high and the waters are long. Originally referring to the grandeur and vastness of mountains and rivers, it later came to be used primarily as a metaphor for a person's noble character, deep affection, or far-reaching influence. This idiom originates from the Tang dynasty poet Du Fu's poem Gazing at Mount Tai, in which lines such as "How is Mount Tai? Across Qi and Lu its green never ends" depict the towering height and endless expanse of Mount Tai. Although the idiom does not appear directly in the poem, later generations often used "shan gao shui chang" to capture this imagery. In terms of cultural background, it reflects the Chinese tendency to draw analogies between nature and human character: mountains symbolize lofty virtue, while waters symbolize enduring affection. It is typically used to praise the kindness or friendship of teachers and friends, or to describe someone whose demeanor and achievements have had a profound and lasting influence. In emotional tone, it carries positive feelings such as admiration, gratitude, and remembrance, with a solemn yet understated register. In modern Chinese, it is often used in letters, speeches, or commemorative writing to express praise for another person's deep affection or noble character.
📝 Example
1. Many years after graduation, I still remember my mentor's teachings. This profound and enduring bond of gratitude is something I will never forget.
2. The friendship forged between the peoples of the two countries through adversity is as enduring as the high mountains and long rivers, and is worthy of being cherished for generations.