Insights into Chinese Culture

Highlighting the pinnacle achievements of Chinese culture, this book presents the authors’ profound insights into the concepts and passions that have shaped the Chinese nation over the past 5,000 years. By exploring this rich historical legacy of remarkable creativity and innovative spirit, still evident today in living masterpieces of art, architecture and fascinating folk traditions, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the cultural identity, worldview, aesthetic pursuits, and national spirit of the Chinese people.

Part 1: Wisdom and Beliefs.- Chapter 1: Confucian Thought on Heaven and Humanity.- Chapter 2: Laozi’s Philosophy of Non-action.- Chapter 3: Emphasis on Change.- Chapter 4: Sunzi’s Art of War: Source for All Books on War.- Chapter 5: Subtle Enlightenment of Chan Buddhism.- Chapter 6: The Temple of Heaven: Reverence with Awe and Gratitude.- Chapter 7: Eco-awareness in Traditional Chinese Culture.- Part 2: Creativity and Exchange.- Chapter 8: Chinese Characters: Poetic Symbols.- Chapter 9: The Four Great Inventions and Their Impact on Civilizations.- Chapter 10: The Silk Road.- Chapter 11: Traditional Chinese Medicine: Overall Balance for Health.- Chapter 12: Openness of the Tang Dynasty.- Chapter 13: Zheng He’s Voyages to the Western Seas.- Chapter 14: The Great Wall.- Chapter 15: The Forbidden City: Glorious and Awe-inspiring.- Part 3: Art and Aesthetics.- Chapter 16: Music: Govern the Country, Nourish the Mind.- Chapter 17: Spiritual Essence in Bronze Wares.- Chapter 18: A Silent Army.- Chapter 19: The Eternal Smile of Buddha.- Chapter 20: Flying Strokes of Calligraphy.- Chapter 21: The Charm of Ink and Wash.- Chapter 22: Tang Poetry: Pinnacle of Chinese Poetry.- Chapter 23: Ci Poetry of the Song Dynasty: Chanting of the Soul.- Chapter 24: Novels of the Ming and Qing Dynasties: Appreciate Life Through Art.- Chapter 25: Porcelain: Calling Card of Chinese Culture.- Chapter 26: Gardens South of the Yangtze River.- Chapter 27: Peking Opera: Artistry of Performers .- Chapter 28: Splendid Folk Arts.- Part 4: Folk Customs.- Chapter 29: Urban Customs in A Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival.- Chapter 30: Customs and Charms of Old Beijing.- Chapter 31: Modern Glamor of Old Shanghai.- Chapter 32: Traditional Costumes.- Chapter 33: Culinary Delights in China.- Chapter 34: Life with Fragrant Tea.- Chapter 35: Truth Hidden in Wine.- Chapter 36: Civil Residences in Deep Alleys.- Chapter 37: Martial Arts and Cuju.- Chapter 38: Weiqi: A Game of Wits.

Ye Lang, professor of philosophy at Peking University, former director of the Fine Arts Studies and Education Research Center of Peking University, and former president of the Beijing Philosophy Society. His works include Beauty in Imagery, Elements of Aesthetics, An Outline of the History of Chinese Aesthetics, and Aesthetics in Chinese Novels.

Zhu Liangzhi, professor of philosophy at Peking University and director of the Fine Arts Studies and Education Research Center of Peking University. His works include Ten Lectures on Chinese Art Theory, The World of Traditional Chinese Painting, Research on Shi Tao, Research on Badashanren, and Fifteen Lectures on Chinese Aesthetics.