Chinese Culture and Water

Author: Jin Huaiquan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Water is the source of life, and the survival and development of humanity are inseparable from it. At the same time, water is closely linked to the traditional culture of the Chinese nation. In the process of understanding, managing, developing, protecting, and appreciating water, the Chinese nation has left behind rich spiritual products and gained many wise philosophical insights, laying a solid foundation for the profound heritage of Chinese water culture. Therefore, with a broad academic perspective, the author takes water as a thread, covering multiple fields such as philosophy, aesthetics, literature, art, folklore, military, and transportation. With extensive references and clear explanations, the book comprehensively interprets the relationship between Chinese culture and water, showcasing the profound influence of water on Chinese culture.
Particularly noteworthy is that the author's research does not merely stop at a superficial level of simply listing and superficially comparing water with certain cultural phenomena or literary and artistic works. Instead, driven by his deep affection for Chinese culture and water management, the author elevates the study of water culture to an aesthetic level, presenting a comprehensive and integrated discussion that reflects the scholar's personal reflections.
On this basis, the author proposes that water culture should not be limited to water management culture. Its essence is the culture of the relationship between humans and water, defined as "the sum of various cultural phenomena carried by water that arise from human activities interacting with water, and a cultural collection centered around water as the axis of national culture." This perspective undoubtedly offers a fresh interpretation of the connotation of water culture, broadening the for future research.
The author, Jin Huaiquan, has long been engaged in water management work. While fulfilling his busy professional responsibilities, he has dedicated his spare time to extensive reading and research on a large volume of literature, diligently writing for eight years to complete this book, truly embodying the spirit of "ten years of effort for one sword."