Deng Yunxiang Talks About Beijing

Author: Deng Yunxiang
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: With a history of over 3,000 years as a city and more than 850 years as the capital, Beijing has countless stories to tell, endless charm to describe, scenery to behold, and culture to savor. The Beijing Publishing House has launched a series titled "Beijing Compendium" in major bookstores across the city. Nine cultural giants—Lao She, Jin Shoushen, Zhang Zhongxing, Hou Renzhi, Zhu Jiajiu, Liu Yeqiu, Deng Yunxiang, Zhao Luo, and Ye Zufu—either grew up in old Beijing or have long resided there. They are intimately familiar with Beijing's landscapes, artifacts, customs, traditions, and flavors, making them true "Beijing experts."
In "Deng Yunxiang Speaks of Beijing," Deng Yunxiang, a writer who has consistently and delicately portrayed old Beijing for decades, approaches the subject not with grand narratives but with meticulous attention to detail from small perspectives. His "cultural Beijing" is shaped by cultural figures and venues. Today's Beijing has evolved from its historical roots. As we rejoice over the ever-changing new Beijing, we often find ourselves reminiscing about the old days, yearning for the past of Beijing—the old Beijing, which we should not forget. There, we find our long history, profound traditions, and endless sentiments. As Beijing embraces the world in welcoming the 2008 Olympic Games, the historical Beijing has become a focal point for both Chinese and international friends.
The "Beijing Compendium" series consists of nine books: "Lao She Speaks of Beijing," "Jin Shoushen Speaks of Beijing," "Zhang Zhongxing Speaks of Beijing," "Hou Renzhi Speaks of Beijing," "Zhu Jiajiu Speaks of Beijing," "Liu Yeqiu Speaks of Beijing," "Deng Yunxiang Speaks of Beijing," "Zhao Luo Speaks of Beijing," and "Ye Zufu Speaks of Beijing." The nine authors, from Lao She to Ye Zufu, are all distinguished scholars and experts in Beijing's history and culture. As "insiders," they narrate Beijing's historical and geographical background, describe its customs, and record its folk traditions, all of which hold immense historical and cultural value.
In "Deng Yunxiang Speaks of Beijing," Deng Yunxiang, a writer who has consistently and delicately portrayed old Beijing for decades, approaches the subject not with grand narratives but with meticulous attention to detail from small perspectives. His "cultural Beijing" is shaped by cultural figures and venues.