As an essential principle underlying Arthur Waley's translation practice，humanism is well perceived in his translation of Chinese poetry． On the one hand，his attitude of equality and respect toward“otherness”is embodied in his use of Sprung Rhythms to highlight forms of Chinese poetry and of literal translation to reveal images in Chinese poetry． On the other hand，his seek of personal freedom and independence is reflected on his great interest in translating poems by Chinese hermit poets such as TAO Yuanming，BAI Juyi and YUAN Mei． Their pursuit of an unfettered life and independent personality correspond to Waley's humanism．