Two Faces of Jiangnan

Author: Liu Shilin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-08-01
Features: The layout and design of The Two Faces of Jiangnan exude a poetic cultural atmosphere throughout the text. The book's cover design is particularly distinctive. Opening with several pages of white space adorned with ink-wash poetry, it immerses readers in the water towns of Jiangnan, with the gentle sound of oars drifting through the air. How can the true Jiangnan be presented? What is the essence of Jiangnan's spirit? The Two Faces of Jiangnan offers a new path for exploration—discovering Jiangnan through its poetic spirit, allowing Jiangnan to speak for itself. As stated in the preface, "To construct a living classical humanistic Jiangnan with a modern Chinese discourse is the highest concept and practical force behind our planning and implementation of Jiangnan Discourse."
The author first discusses the differences between the north and south in the book, which is indeed very necessary. Without distinguishing the aesthetic characteristics of southern Chinese culture from the ethical and practical traits of the north, it would be impossible to reveal the poetic spirit of Jiangnan. Deep within the spirit of Jiangnan culture lies a poetic realm, which is also the spiritual homeland of the Chinese nation.
The Two Faces of Jiangnan contains many thought-provoking details. For example, the author has a creative idea of ranking elements that are most representative of Jiangnan. What should be at the top? The author believes it is the evergreen mountains and flowing waters of Jiangnan. Because "Jiangnan's landscapes are completely humanized and lifelike," making them worthy of appreciation. Next comes the boundless springtime of Jiangnan, as "only when beautiful spring merges with the beauty of time does it become exceptionally enchanting." Indeed, in the splendid spring scenery, people's minds and bodies can unfold freely, accompanied by the mountains and waters—what more could one ask for?
Third should be the ethereal Jiangnan beauties, whose bright eyes and white teeth are surrounded by tenderness and poetry. With such beauties, how can there be no talented scholars? Next come the countless poets and literary figures. "Jiangnan has been intertwined with the poetic and artistic traditions of scholars since the Jin Dynasty." After the scholars come, of course, the flowing verses. After the officials delivered their thunderous speeches in the imperial court, they found their sense of harmony in the fresh folk songs of Jiangnan.
What is most representative of Jiangnan is the ci (a classical Chinese poetic form) and the qu (a type of folk song). Inextricably linked with them are light singing and graceful dancing. This performance is entirely "a joy of life." If paired with the uniquely charming low-alcohol Jiangnan wine, the vitality of life can be fully awakened.
Last but not least are the poetic memories, such as the sound of wooden clogs echoing in the alleys, each step leaving a lingering echo in the depths of one's heart. Moreover, poetic dew drips everywhere in the daily life of Jiangnan. In this book, the author, like a traveler on Qingliang Mountain, has gathered scattered leaves for us, allowing readers to hold Jiangnan in their hands and appreciate it closely.
Take Jiangnan's towns, for example. In recent years, ancient town tourism has become world-renowned, but can you name the differences between every single Jiangnan ancient town? In this book, six famous towns are selected: Nanxun, Xitang, Wuzhen, Zhouzhuang, Luzhi, and Tongli. Because they still retain the architectural styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties, they best represent the poetic water town scenery of Jiangnan.
Wuzhen, located in northern Zhejiang, is densely crisscrossed with rivers, exuding a sense of "purity and composure." Tongli is the largest in scale. "Although its ancient residences are not all built along the rivers like Zhouzhuang, the scattered residences give a sense of more open space." Luzhi is known as the "Land of Bridges," naturally with many bridges. "Here, rivers have become a part of the road, and bridges are the continuation of the road. Boating through the bridges one after another gives the journey a rhythmic feel." Xitang has the longest history and is tranquil and secluded. Especially unique are the wooden arched pavilions along the rivers, a local landscape. The author believes Zhouzhuang has the most successful commercial operations, but it is also the most controversial. Because its development has long lost the tranquility of a Jiangnan small town, behind the commercialization lies the gradual fading of the ancient Jiangnan lifestyle.
When I was a child, reading the Yuefu Poetry and encountering lines like "In Jiangnan, lotus can be picked, the lotus leaves are so vast," I often wondered why people living in Jiangnan now struggle to recognize its true face. As I listened to the melodious Jiangnan folk music on the accompanying CD and read the book, I suddenly realized—yes, it's not because of anything else, but simply because it's too close to me. Jiangnan has long dissolved unconsciously into our lives.
One day, when we awaken this poetic spirit from the depths of our memories, we will surely feel the intoxicating beauty of Jiangnan. Perhaps this is also a dense Jiangnan sentiment that cannot be dissolved.