An Introduction To Chinese History And Culture

This book breaks with convention and provides an overview of Chinese history in the form of special topics. These topics include the major issues of “A Scientific Approach to the Origins of Chinese Civilization,” “Ancient Chinese Society and the Change of Dynasties,” “The Golden Ages of the Han, Tang and Qing Dynasties: a Comparative Analysis,” “Transportation Systems and Cultural Communication in Ancient China,” “Ethnic Relations in Chinese History,” “The Systems of Politics, Law and Selecting Officials in Ancient China,” “Agriculture, Handicraft and Commerce in Ancient China,” “The Military Thought and Military Systems of Ancient China,” “The Rich and Colorful Social Life in Ancient China,” “The Evolution of Ancient Chinese Thought,” “The Treasure House of Ancient Chinese Literature and Art,” “The Emergence and Progress of Ancient Chinese Historiography,” “Reflection on Ancient Chinese Science and Technology,” “New Issues in the Modern History of China,” and “A General Progression to the Socialist Modernization of the People’s Republic of China.” The book is based on current literature and research by university students. The modern history section is relatively concise, while the topics related to ancient Chinese history are longer, reflecting the country’s rich history and corresponding wealth of materials. There is also an in-depth discussion on the socialist modernization of the People’s Republic of China. The book provides insights into Chinese history, allowing readers “to see the value of civilization through history; to see the preciseness of history through civilization.” It focuses on the social background, lifestyle and development processes to illustrate ideologies and ideas.

A panoramic survey of the course of Chinese civilization from prehistory to 1850, when the old China began to give way

The recipient of the Kluge Prize for lifetime achievement in the humanities and the Tang Prize for "revolutionary research" in Sinology, Ying-shih Yü is a premier scholar of Chinese studies. Chinese History and Culture volumes 1 and 2 bring his extraordinary oeuvre to English-speaking readers. Spanning two thousand years of social, intellectual, and political change, the essays in these volumes investigate two central questions through all aspects of Chinese life: what core values sustained this ancient civilization through centuries of upheaval, and in what ways did these values survive in modern times? From Yü Ying-shih's perspective, the Dao, or the Way, constitutes the inner core of Chinese civilization. His work explores the unique dynamics between Chinese intellectuals' discourse on the Dao, or moral principles for a symbolized ideal world order, and their criticism of contemporary reality throughout Chinese history. Volume 1 of Chinese History and Culture explores how the Dao was reformulated, expanded, defended, and preserved by Chinese intellectuals up to the seventeenth century, guiding them through history's darkest turns. Essays incorporate the evolving conception of the soul and the afterlife in pre- and post-Buddhist China, the significance of eating practices and social etiquette, the move toward greater individualism, the rise of the Neo-Daoist movement, the spread of Confucian ethics, and the growth of merchant culture and capitalism. A true panorama of Chinese culture's continuities and transition, Yü Ying-shih's two-volume Chinese History and Culture gives readers of all backgrounds a unique education in the meaning of Chinese civilization.

Promoting cultural understanding in a globalized world, this text is a key tool for students interested in understanding the fundamentals of Chinese culture. Written by a team of experts in their fields, it offers a comprehensive and detailed introduction to Chinese culture and addresses the fundamentals of Chinese cultural and social development. It notably considers Chinese traditional culture, medicine, arts and crafts, folk customs, rituals and etiquette, and is a key read for scholars and students in Chinese Culture, History and Language.

The recipient of the Kluge Prize for lifetime achievement in the humanities and the Tang Prize for "revolutionary research" in Sinology, Ying-shih Y is a premier scholar of Chinese studies. Chinese History and Culture volumes 1 and 2 bring his extraordinary oeuvre to English-speaking readers. Spanning two thousand years of social, intellectual, and political change, the essays in these volumes investigate two central questions through all aspects of Chinese life: as an ancient civilization, what core values sustained Chinese culture through centuries of upheaval; and in what ways did these values survive or Westernize in modern times? From Y Ying-shih's perspective, the Dao, or the Way constitutes the inner core of Chinese civilization. These essays explore the unique dynamics between Chinese intellectuals' discourse on the Dao or moral principles for a symbolized ideal world order and their criticism of contemporary reality throughout Chinese history.

This book considers urban development in China, highlighting links between China’s history and civilization and the rapid evolution of its urban forms. It explores the early days of urban dwelling in China, progressing to an analysis of residential environments in the industrial age. It also examines China’s modern and postmodern architecture, considered as derivative or lacking spiritual meaning or personality, and showcases how China's traditional culture underpins the emergence of China’s modern cities. Focusing on the notion of “courtyard spirit” in China, it offers a study of the urban public squares central to Chinese society, and examines the disruption of the traditional Square model and the rise and growth of new architectural models.

Chinese History Covers Thousands of Years, is Rich in Culture, Legends, Myths, Empires, Battles & Remains One of The Most Interesting in the World. In this book we explore the magnificent history of China from the early origins to its rise as a modern super power. While there are many books that explore China’s history, public knowledge is still lacking. Many people can name more than one Roman Emperor, but how many can name a Chinese Emperor? For anyone who wants to know more about this once closed and distant culture, History Brought Alive brings you a concise, masterful, and reliable book on the history of China. Join us as we travel through over four thousand years of Chinese history, culture, myths and more. Beginning from the earliest creation myths and the first archaeological evidence of complex societies, we will ground your understanding in the foundations of China’s past. Inside you will discover The Five Major Eras - Ancient China & The First, Second & Third Imperial Ages + The Modern Age Innovations, World Firsts & Important Inventions - Including Paper Money, Insurance, The Printing Press and more The Prosperity & Rise of The Han Chinese (the majority ethnic group in China) Marco Polo - how a lowly merchant from the opposite end of the earth found a place of high employment The Mongol Terror - Bloodshed, Genghis Khan & The Mongol Raiders Great Personages including Emperor Wu, Mao Zedong, Qin Shi Huangdi, Confucius and more Trade History, Silver, Investment & The Opium Wars The Cultural Revolution - How Mao Zedong and the Communist Party Began Transforming China An Era of Modernization - China Becomes a Modern Superpower & The Future And much, much more… Whether you're a history enthusiast or just a curious reader..inside you will discover a wealth of Chinese cultural history, mythology and more. So if you want to find out more about Chinese History then this is The Book for You

"This pleasant, unpretentious account [is] a small stream leading to the ocean of the culture of China."--Scientific American