a new perspective for readers to gain a deeper understanding of the true essence of Chinese culture. Subjects covered in his book range from ancient wonders such as the Forbidden City,the Great Wall,the Terracotta Army,and traditional residences of ordinary people.to enduring artworks of calligraphy,painting,landscape gardening, Peking Opera,and porcelain.Under the authors'pen,these subjects have all been imbued with a living spirit to epitomize Chinese people's real life interests. Even in a game of go,the authors have discovered"kindred friendship"among the players,who play a"good game"through principles of cooperation and coexistence.In the description and analysis of A Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival,or of Old Beijing and Old Shanghai.the authors provide readers with glimpses of Chinese people's contentment with a peaceful and harmonious life. This is perhaps part of the reason why Chinese culture has lasted for thousands of years. Not only is the text written in a superbly fluent and fascinating way,the accompanying illustrations also bring to life the splendor of many aspects of Chinese culture. The publication of Insights into Chinese Culture is a timely addition to the content of the"People's Olympics." 孝旅浅 Li Lanqing Vice Premier of China from 1993 to 2003
Contents Wisdom and Beliefs 1.Confucian Thought on Heaven and Humanity. .3 Confucius on Heaven:the Source of Everything Confucius on People:ren(仁)andi(礼) Confucius on the State of Life 2.Laozi's Philosophy of Non-action. .11 Naturalness and Non-action The Philosophy of Non-contention Returning to a Newborn State 3.Sunzi's Art of War:Source for All Books on War 9 The Strategic Thoughts of Sunzi The Dialectical Thinking of Sunzi Sunzi's Cautions Against War Sunzi's Wisdom Beyond the Military 4.The Temple of Heaven:Reverence with Awe and Gratitude. .27 Ceremonial Offerings of the Emperor Holding Nature in Awe Humanity and Heaven in Communion 5.Eco-awareness in Traditional Chinese Culture. .33 The Philosophy of"Life" Ecological Aesthetics Humans at One with Other Living Things Grealivity and Cxchange 6.Chinese Characters:Poetic Symbols .43 Symbols of Sentiment Graceful Olympic Symbols
7.The Silk Road . .49 Zhang Qian.Trail Blazer Opening to the“West" Murals in the Kuche Grottoes 8.Openness of the Great Tang. .57 Arts from All Corners of the World Religious Diversity Seeking Buddhist Truths Chang'an as an International Metropolis 9.Zheng He's Voyages to the Western Seas .65 Advanced Navigation Civilization Spreading Peace 10.The Great Wall. .71 Aspiration for Peace Separation and Integration Spirit of the Great Wall Wonder of the Great Wall 11.The Forbidden City:Glorious and Awe-inspiring. ** 79 Concealed Contours of a Dragon The Colors of the Forbidden City ☑rl and/Testhelics 12.Music:Govern the Country,Nourish the Mind .87 Governance Through Music Consoling the Mind with Music 13.Spiritual Essence in Bronzeware. 93 Great Ding for Yu Lotus and Crane Kettles Galloping Horse Overtaking a Flying Swallow
14.A Silent Army. 99 Discovery of the Terracotta Army Vivid Sculpture 15.The Eternal Smile of the Buddha. 105 Beautiful Guanyin in the Mogao Grottoes Smiling Buddha in the Maijishan Grottoes Buddha of Brightness in the Longmen Grottoes Compassionate Buddha of Qingzhou 16.Flying Strokes of Calligraphy. 113 Rhythm of Calligraphy Wang Xizhi and Preface to the Lanting Pavilion Collection "Hidden Style"of the Yan Script 17.The Charm of Ink and Wash. 11g Black-and-White World Shaping Beyond Likeness Landscape Painting of the Song and Yuan Dynasties Innovation after the Ming and Qing Dynasties 18.Porcelain-Calling Card of Chinese Culture .131 Nature's Craft Pure Blue-and-White Porcelain A Subtle and Reserved World Shape and Imagery 19.Gardens South of the Yangtze River. .139 A Winding Path to Places of Interest Fascinating Stones A Sense of Space 20.Peking Opera:Artistry of Performers. 149 The Delights of Peking Opera Masks Peking Opera Performance:Sing,Speak,Act,and Fight
The Beauty of a"Virtual World" "Watching a Play Is Watching Famous Actors" Mei Lanfang,Great Peking Opera Artist 21.A Variety of Splendid Folk Arts. .159 Cloisonne:Artifacts with the Gleam of Precious Gems New Year Pictures:Enhancing the Festive Atmosphere Papercuts:a World Created with Scissors Embroidery:Ten Fingers Like a Spring Breeze Shadow Play:the Art of Light and Shadow Folk Customs 22.Urban Customs in A Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival. 171 A Horizontal Scroll of the Scenery along the Bianhe River Urban Civilization of the Northern Song Dynasty 23.Customs and Charms of Old Beijing .179 Food in Old Beijing Alleys and Hawkers'Cries Bustling Tiangiao Temple Fairs in Old Beijing Leisure Life in Old Beijing 24.Modern Glamour of Old Shanghai 191 The Most Open City Fashion Seekers Shikumen and the Customs of the Alleys 25.Traditional Costumes. 201 Graceful Tang-style Fashion Beautiful Cheongsam Natural Wax Printing Splendid Stage Costumes