Rénqíng Sānxiá shuǐ; shìshì yīpánqí.

人情三峽水, 世事一盤棋。

Lit Human affections [are like] water rushing through the Three [Yangtse] Gorges; the ways of the world [are like] a game of chess.

Fig Human affections are transient and human affairs are a constant contest.

Note [The Three Gorges of the Yangtse River in Sichuan province are famous for their beauty and turbulence; see also rénshēng yīpánqí below.]

Topics AFFECTION CHESS CONFLICT FEELINGS Sichuan province Three Gorges TRANSIENCE Yangtse_River