The Preface to the Orchid Pavilion was a preface written by Wang Xizhi, a calligrapher of the Tang Dynasty. It was regarded as a classic work in the history of Chinese calligraphy. The full text was as follows: Preface to Lanting Collection The Preface to the Orchid Pavilion was a classic in the history of Chinese calligraphy and was known as the " world's first semi-cursive." The full text is composed of 48 words and seven parts, which respectively describe the scenery by the Lanting River, Wang Xizhi's feelings and the theme of the full text. The first part was titled " Lanting Riverside ", which depicted the beautiful scenery of the Lanting Riverside. The second part was the Preface, which expressed Wang Xizhi's feelings when he wrote this preface by the Lanting River. The third part was Huai Su Tie, which introduced the characteristics of Huai Su's calligraphy and Wang Xizhi's appreciation of Huai Su. The fourth part was "Snow and Sunshine", which described the weather and scenery of that day and expressed Wang Xizhi's yearning for a better life. The fifth part was Zuo Si's Three Unique Calligraphers, which introduced Zuo Si's three good friends and the friendship between them. The sixth part was "Wen Zhengming's Preface and Postscript", which introduced Wen Zhengming's high evaluation of the Preface to the Orchid Pavilion and his writing skills. The seventh part is the "gist of the whole article", which expressed Wang Xizhi's love for Chinese calligraphy and his expectations for the future. The Preface to the Orchid Pavilion was praised as a classic work of ancient Chinese calligraphy for its beautiful calligraphy, profound artistic conception and unique artistic value.