南城以北是荒凉北城以南是希望
[nán chéng yĭ bĕi shì huāng liáng bĕi chéng yĭ nán shì xī wàng]
It translates to 'north of South City lies desolation; south of North City is hope,' symbolizing contrasts between places or situations, with the implication of finding hope amidst barren surroundings.