# 世外桃源

shì wài táo yuán

A peaceful haven apart from worldly troubles

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** A peach blossom haven outside the world

**Register:** Warm · literary

[Perspective](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/perspective)

## When to use it

Describe an idyllic, secluded place.

Often idealized; real communities have practical needs.

## Understanding the expression

The expression imagines a place set apart from the struggles and pressures of ordinary life. Trees, quiet surroundings, and a sense of refuge often support the comparison. Modern speakers apply it to villages, gardens, homes, or even a calm corner of a busy city. It is usually praise colored by longing. The peaceful appearance may reflect a visitor's experience rather than the full reality of living there.

## Examples

这个山村像世外桃源。

### Traditional Chinese

這個山村像世外桃源。

zhè ge shān cūn xiàng shì wài táo yuán 。

This mountain village feels like a peaceful haven.

她把小院打造成世外桃源。

tā bǎ xiǎo yuàn dǎ zào chéng shì wài táo yuán 。

She made her courtyard an idyllic retreat.

城市里也有这样的世外桃源。

### Traditional Chinese

城市裡也有這樣的世外桃源。

chéng shì lǐ yě yǒu zhè yàng de shì wài táo yuán 。

Even the city has peaceful havens like this.

游客眼中的世外桃源也需要修路。

### Traditional Chinese

遊客眼中的世外桃源也需要修路。

yóu kè yǎn zhōng de shì wài táo yuán yě xū yào xiū lù 。

Even a visitor's paradise needs roads repaired.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E4%B8%96%E5%A4%96%E6%A1%83%E6%BA%90)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=105&webMd=1&la=0)

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