Zhu Jiajin on Beijing

Author: Zhu Jiajin
Publisher:
Publish 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, scenery that is never enough to see, and culture that is always fascinating to read. 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 Jiaji, 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."
Mr. Zhu Jiaji is a researcher at the Palace Museum, a member of the Central Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a committee member of the National Cultural Relics Appraisal Committee. He is both an expert in cultural relics and a historian of the Qing Dynasty, hailed as a "treasure of the cultural relics world." His profound knowledge of Chinese cultural relics, gained through years of work, has instilled in him a deep affection for them. Many of you may have visited the Palace Museum and surely encountered the "Dragon Throne" in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Mr. Zhu Jiaji has a story to tell about this very throne.
Today's Beijing has evolved from its historical roots. As we rejoice over the ever-changing new Beijing, we often look back with nostalgia, longing for the days of old Beijing. Yes, the past of Beijing—the old Beijing—is something we should never forget. It holds our long history, deep traditions, and boundless sentiments. As Beijing opens its arms to the world in preparation for the 2008 Olympic Games, the historical Beijing is even more closely watched by both Chinese and international friends.
The "Beijing Compendium" series consists of nine volumes: "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 distinguished scholars who have made significant contributions to the study of Beijing. As "insiders," they narrate Beijing's history and geography, describe its customs, and record its folklore, all of which hold immense historical and cultural value.