Yaji, or "gathering of literati", is a tradition that dated centuries back of which persons interested in cultural and artistic activities gathered to share, and to show their abilities to write, paint and sing, while entertained with good drink and food, often in places that commanded a good view of mountains and waters.

One of the most renowned gatherings of such kind is the Lantingji, which happened in the fourth century and at which participants included Wang Xizhi, a great calligrapher who was inspired to compose the timeless piece Lantingji Xu, aka "Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion".