Examining Lu You's (1125–1210) poems about the countryside, this book recreates the rural communities of the Shankuai Plain in eastern Zhejiang during the Southern Song dynasty.

Spanning six chapters, the book recounts the history of the region, covering topics such as the development of the area, rural community life, and the farming-based economy. Through examining aspects such as the local geography, village layouts, crops cultivated and trade activities, it depicts the daily lives of ordinary villagers and the educated elite. Drawing on small details from Lu You’s poems, the author explores how local markets and businesses operated, and the influence of the educated elite on the rural world. By using ancient poems and local historical records to support each other, the book describes the social and economic networks of the plain. In a vivid manner, it portrays Lu You as an exceptional chronicler of pastoral life in ancient China.

It is intended for general readers, as well as students and scholars of literature and history, and anyone interested in traditional Chinese culture. Focusing on the history of the Southern Song dynasty, it also offers insights into literature, sociology, economics and more.