The Past and Present of Guangdong

Author: Chen Zhaohua, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: A humanistic perspective in urban geography, achieved through describing the relationship between urban natural landscapes and human activities, as well as the connection between spatiotemporal changes and local conceptual systems, to gain a deeper understanding of the theme "City and People." The recently published book "Guangdong’s Past and Present" by Huacheng Publishing House provides readers with a wealth of descriptions of Guangdong’s landscapes. Under the seemingly objective banner of natural science, though we strive to maintain an "objectivist" attitude, in practice, we have consistently conveyed a "subjectivist" sentiment through columns like "Reviving Souls" and "Glossary of Figures." The abundant emotional texts and images on the pages are not only intended to describe the spatiotemporal changes of modern and contemporary Lingnan history but also to attempt to influence the public’s attitude toward Guangdong’s culture.
The pragmatic perspective in urban geography, on the other hand, seeks to transform a city’s history into isolated, exploitable tourist "attractions." Its ultimate goal is to inflate the city’s superficial prestige and increase financial revenue. As tourists wander from one historical landmark to another, lost in a maze filled with the scent of historical rust, we attempt to find something deeply connected to contemporary souls within the gaps of these historical sites. What we crave is not a cold, factual historical topographic map but the elusive spirit of wisdom lingering over the ruins of urban history.
Narrating Guangdong’s cultural landscape cannot be separated from Guangzhou. It is a city with over two thousand years of history. On the bricks of its ancient walls and in the depths of historical ruins, lie the wisdom and spirit of generations of its citizens. In the first half of the 20th century, Guangzhou gave birth to countless "killers" of traditional culture, contributing a series of brilliant names to China’s modern cultural history. These names rewrote the course of a nation’s history. Using today’s popular terminology, Guangdong in the early 20th century was truly a "cultural powerhouse." Its most typical manifestation was not urban architecture or the cultural industry but its roster of outstanding figures (Sun Yat-sen, Kang Youwei, Liang Qichao, Pan Damwei, Zhang Jingsheng, and others). Whether they were born and died in this city or merely held temporary residence permits, they shared an inseparable spiritual bond with it. Was it the city that shaped them, or did they shape the city? How to break free from the entanglement of documents and seek a more authentic urban spirit is an urgent issue in regional cultural studies.
At a time when "building a cultural powerhouse" has become a buzzword from officialdom to the public, raising these questions takes on added significance. We firmly believe that Guangdong’s cultural spirit needs to be retold. The purpose of this retelling is not merely to enumerate familiar stories or to foster regional cultural narcissism, but to awaken a self-awareness of urban culture. Long-held assumptions such as the so-called "spirit of the common people," "pragmatism," and even narrow interpretations of "Lingnan culture" must all be reexamined. For example, Pan Damwei, a "native" of Guangzhou, embodies another aspect of the city’s spirit. He was both a brave revolutionary and a pioneering avant-garde artist; a social philanthropist and a monastic who had transcended worldly desires. With his talents, he could have achieved great success (whether in social politics or cultural arts), yet he remained indifferent to fame and fortune, resolutely severing ties with worldly affairs. The intense worldly concern and transcendent religious sentiment, the grand social ideals and the delicate artistic sensibilities—how could they be so seamlessly combined in one person? This reflects the essence of Lingnan culture, long lost to time.
If "Guangdong’s Past and Present" is a stage, then the "heroes" about to take the spotlight are the actors we have cast for it. The theme of the performance is both historical and contemporary. Perhaps our retelling is tinged with a certain aesthetic imagination, but this is merely to find a way for the truth of the heart to converge with the truth of history. However, publications are after all just mediums for mass communication, and what can be presented is only a short street play. We hope it can attract more attention and transform us from humble "spectators" into "actors" on the stage of cultural construction.
"Guangdong’s Past and Present" is a rare publication of cultural heritage in our province, with a fresh perspective, broad themes, rich historical materials, vivid narration, and high readability, making it a "delicious feast" for readers to understand Guangdong and interpret Lingnan culture. The book is accompanied by numerous precious historical photographs, making it highly valuable for appreciation and collection.