Jin Shoushen on Beijing

Author: Jin Shoushen
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Jin Shoushen (1906–1968), originally named Jin Wenpei, later changed his name to "Shoushen," was a Manchu. Born in Beijing in 1906, he graduated from the "City Public Middle School" (later known as "Beijing No. 1 Middle School") in 1924. He worked as a primary and secondary school teacher and also studied at the "Imperial University of Peking." In the 1920s, he began writing books and publishing poems and essays in newspapers and magazines. In 1938, he founded the weekly "Liyan Art Magazine" in Beijing and became one of its main contributors. The "Beijing Insider" column he managed gained increasing influence, and by the time the magazine ceased publication in 1945, it had published over 300 articles, totaling hundreds of thousands of words. During that time, people referred to Jin Shoushen as the "Beijing Insider."
After the founding of New China, at the suggestion of Lao She, Jin Shoushen was arranged to work at the Beijing Writers' Association. He participated in the editing of "Chu Chu Chang Chang" and "Beijing Literature and Art." Throughout his life, he left behind numerous works, including "Annotations on the Examination of Ancient and Modern False Books," "Commentary on the Works of Gongsun Long," "Studies on the Jixia School," "Legends of Beijing" (Volume 1, Volume 2), "Life in Old Beijing," "Legends of Beijing" (Original Edition, Supplement Edition), and others.
Today's Beijing has evolved from its historical roots. When we rejoice at the ever-changing new Beijing, we often turn back and reminisce about the old days of Beijing—yes, the old Beijing. It is a part of our history that we should not forget. There, we find our long-standing heritage, profound traditions, and endless emotions. As we welcome the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Beijing is opening its arms to embrace the world. In history, Beijing has always been a focal point for both Chinese people and international friends.
The "Beijing Insider" series consists of nine books: "Lao She Talks About Beijing," "Jin Shoushen Talks About Beijing," "Zhang Zhongxing Talks About Beijing," "Hou Renzhi Talks About Beijing," "Zhu Jiaji Talks About Beijing," "Liu Yeqiu Talks About Beijing," "Deng Yunxiang Talks About Beijing," "Zhao Luo Talks About Beijing," and "Ye Zufu Talks About Beijing." The nine authors, from Lao She to Ye Zufu, are all renowned experts in the study of Beijing, outstanding scholars of literature and history. As "insiders," they narrate Beijing's history and geography, describe its customs, and record its folklore, all of which hold great historical and cultural value.