Two Faces of Jiangnan (Includes CD)

Author: Liu Shilin / Wan Yu (editors)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-03-01
Features: The layout and design of The Two Faces of Jiangnan exude a poetic cultural atmosphere throughout its pages. The book's cover design is particularly distinctive. Opening with several blank pages adorned with ink-and-water poetry, it immerses readers in the water towns of Jiangnan, with the gentle sound of oars drifting through the air. How can one truly capture the essence of Jiangnan? What is the spiritual core of Jiangnan? The Two Faces of Jiangnan offers a fresh path for exploration—discovering Jiangnan through its poetic spirit, allowing Jiangnan to speak for itself. As stated in the preface, "To construct a living classical humanistic Jiangnan with a modern Chinese discourse is the highest concept and practical force behind our planning and implementation of 'Jiangnan Discourse.'"
The author begins by discussing the differences between the north and south, a topic that is indeed essential. Without distinguishing the aesthetic characteristics of southern Chinese culture from the pragmatic and ethical traits of the north, it becomes impossible to reveal the poetic spirit of Jiangnan. Deep within the spiritual core of Jiangnan lies a poetic realm, which is also the spiritual homeland of the Chinese nation. The Two Faces of Jiangnan is filled with thought-provoking details. For instance, the author has creatively ranked the elements that define Jiangnan. What should come first? The author believes it is the timeless green mountains and flowing waters of Jiangnan, as they are "fully humanized and integrated into daily life," making them worthy of appreciation. Next comes the boundless springtime of Jiangnan, as the author explains, "This splendid landscape only becomes exceptionally enchanting when combined with the beauty of a vibrant spring." Indeed, in the midst of a splendid spring, people can fully relax their bodies and minds, enhanced by the mountains and waters—what more could one ask for?
Third on the list are the ethereal Jiangnan beauties. These southern women, with their bright eyes and white teeth, are imbued with tenderness and poetry. With such beauties, how could there be no talented scholars? Next come the countless poets and literary figures. "Jiangnan has been intertwined with the poetic and artistic traditions of scholars since the Jin Dynasty." Following the literary figures are the flowing verses, which Chinese scholars, after delivering thunderous speeches in the imperial court, find their harmony in the fresh folk songs of Jiangnan. Jiangnan is most representative of ci (a classical poetic form) and qu (a type of folk song), inseparable from light singing and graceful dancing. This performance is purely "a joy of life." If paired with the uniquely alluring low-alcohol Jiangnan wine, the vitality of life can be fully awakened.
Last but not least are the poetic memories—such as the rhythmic sound of wooden clogs in the alleys, each step echoing deep within the soul. Moreover, the daily life of Jiangnan is scattered with poetic dewdrops. In this book, the author, like a traveler on Qingliang Mountain, has gathered falling leaves for us, allowing readers to hold Jiangnan in their hands and admire it closely. Take Jiangnan's towns, for example. In recent years, ancient town tourism has become world-renowned, but can you name the differences between every single Jiangnan ancient town? In this book, six famous towns are selected: Nanxun, Xitang, Wuzhen, Zhouzhuang, Luzhi, and Tongli. They retain the architectural styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties, perfectly representing the poetic water town scenery of Jiangnan.
Wuzhen, located in northern Zhejiang, is densely crisscrossed with waterways, exuding a sense of "purity and tranquility." Tongli is the largest in scale. "Although its ancient residences are not all built along the river like Zhouzhuang, the scattered residences give a sense of greater spaciousness." Luzhi is known as the "Land of Bridges," naturally abundant with them. "Here, rivers have become paths, and bridges extend the roads. Boating from one bridge to another gives the journey a rhythmic flow." Xitang has the longest history, serene and secluded, with its unique wooden arched covered bridges along the river as a distinctive local landmark. The author considers Zhouzhuang to have the most successful commercial operations, but it is also the most controversial. Its development has long robbed the Jiangnan town of its tranquility, with commercialization slowly erasing the ancient Jiangnan way of life.
As a child, when reading the Yuefu Poetry and encountering lines like "In Jiangnan, lotus can be picked, the lotus leaves are so vast," I often wondered why people living in Jiangnan now struggle to recognize its true face. As I listened to the melodious Jiangnan folk music on the accompanying CD and read the book, I suddenly realized—yes, it’s not because of anything else, but simply because it’s too close to me. Jiangnan has long melted into our lives without us realizing it. One day, when we awaken this poetic spirit from the depths of our memories, we will surely feel the intoxicating beauty of Jiangnan—perhaps a Jiangnan sentiment that cannot be easily dissolved.