100 Cultures Influencing China (Revised Edition)

Author: Zhang Xiuping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: The "China 100 Series" is a unique read distinct from general historical works. It takes the figures, events, wars, works, and cultures of Chinese history as its main threads, narrating 100 individuals who contributed to the development of invention, academia, culture, and Sino-foreign relations in the course of Chinese history; 100 events that occurred during the transitions of various dynasties, the disputes of academic schools, the rise and fall of religious histories, and major historical turning points; 100 wars fought for unity, justice, hegemony, or power; 100 classic works that meticulously and systematically record the history of Chinese science and culture over thousands of years; and 100 brilliant academic, literary, folk, and material cultures that stand tall among the nations of the world.
Throughout the long river of Chinese history, our ancestors have created countless cultural treasures, directed numerous grand historical dramas, emerged as thousands of creative and diverse figures, and left behind vast and invaluable historical and cultural classics. This "Series" selects from these figures, events, wars, works, and cultures, but limits them to "100" to highlight their special roles and influences in the development of Chinese history. Although this limited "100-item" series is but a drop in the ocean compared to the boundless reality of Chinese history, it represents a new pursuit and attempt to introduce knowledge of Chinese history. Through it, readers can gain insights into the wisdom and charm of influential political leaders, thinkers, writers, military strategists, diplomats, and scientists in Chinese history; uncover the truths and behind-the-scenes stories of complex historical events; understand the fierce struggles of wars and the essence of the formation of spiritual and cultural history.
As the saying goes, "At the peak of writing, there is no need for tricks." By summarizing thousands of years of Chinese history through five major themes—figures, events, wars, works, and cultures—it is both concise and to the point, catering to contemporary readers' interests in reading and learning about history. This is the very purpose of the "China 100 Series."
"100 Cultures That Influenced China" lists academic cultures such as Confucianism, philosophy, religion, practical learning, metaphysics, history, oracle bone script studies, astronomy, mathematics, law, military strategy, logic, aesthetics, economic management, medicine, and agriculture. It also includes folk cultures like cuisine, tea, wine, embroidery, silk, clothing, riddles, lanterns, fans, kites, qigong, go, and chess. Additionally, it covers material cultures such as ancient capitals, palaces, temples, pagodas, grottoes, bronze wares, weapons, bronze mirrors, bronze drums, figurines, jade artifacts, ceramics, furniture, coins, and clocks. It also includes literary cultures such as Chinese characters, newspapers, vernacular poetry, songs, novels, and crosstalk.
The existence and development of these cultures, presented in this framework, showcase the splendid content of Chinese culture rooted in the deep soil of the Chinese land. The narrative also highlights the evolutionary trajectory of these cultural developments, reflecting from another perspective the arduous journey of Chinese history's evolution.