Rotten and Magical (A Long Scroll of Urban Life in the Qing Dynasty)

Author: Zhao Shiyu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: "The Long Scroll of Ancient Chinese Urban Life Series" focuses on the capitals and major cities of each dynasty, describing various aspects of urban life such as politics, economy, culture, religion, customs, and more. It uses small details to reveal the bigger picture and approaches the subject from the immediate to the broader context, aiming to understand the social progress and historical development of the time. The series combines academic rigor with engaging storytelling, avoiding dry historical facts and instead allowing readers to grasp the pulse of history while enjoying a pleasant and aesthetic experience, gaining historical knowledge. The authors of the series do not write fiction but instead narrate based entirely on historical facts. This book is part of the series. As part of "The Long Scroll of Ancient Chinese Urban Life Series," this book focuses on the capital and major cities of the Qing Dynasty, describing various aspects of urban life, including politics, economy, culture, religion, customs, and more. It is a history of urban life, a narrative woven from seemingly insignificant and trivial aspects of daily existence—ranging from imperial palaces and narrow alley dwellings, to high-ranking officials and beggars and courtesans, wealthy merchants and peddlers, and diverse foreigners to agricultural migrants with hoes on their shoulders.