Reminiscence of the Ancient City at Dusk

Author: Xu Lingxiao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-06-01
Features: A long narrative novel with a Beijing flavor,70 (sealed for 70 years) in China; A "River Scene at Qingming Festival" left by a famous journalist with a historical pen. When serialized in the "Shibao" newspaper, it became highly popular and received widespread acclaim. Mr. Hu Shi praised it highly, regretting that he did not get to read the entire work. "Record of the Ancient City's Reflection" compiles the essence of modern Chinese history and culture, pioneering the genre of Beijing-flavored long narrative novels. It spans over 600,000 words, divided into two volumes. The first volume, "Rising and Sinking in the Political Arena," reflects the intricate power struggles in the political landscape before and after Yuan Shikai's declaration of emperorship. The novel touches upon topics such as Peking University, cheating in imperial examinations, and the Hundred Days' Reform, featuring numerous real historical figures like Zhang Taiyan, Zhang Zhidong, and Kang Youwei. Reading it feels like a novelized history of modern China. The second volume, "Splendor in the Opera World," records the development, transformation of Peking Opera, and the rise of legendary actors like Tan Xinpin and Mei Lanfang. Although the novel focuses on opera, it delves into the social customs, folk culture, and various strata of society in the capital, filled with fascinating anecdotes. Even today, it remains vivid and captivating. It offers valuable insights for us to learn from history.