Xinyi Central Hall—Qiao Family Courtyard

Author: Zhu Fan
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Editor's Note: "People Talk About Shanxi" Cultural Tourism Series. The profound cultural heritage of Shanxi and the outstanding cultural colors of Shanxi tourism have provided abundant resources for Shanxi publishers. Therefore, organizing and publishing the essence of Shanxi culture to showcase it beyond the borders of the province, even to introduce it abroad, is one of the important strategic tasks of Shanxi cultural construction. It is also a glorious mission for Shanxi publishers, as well as the entire Shanxi cultural community and publicity departments. At the end of last year, the Shanxi Provincial Propaganda Department held the Shanxi Cultural Promotion Week in Beijing ("Viewing Chinese Civilization Through Shanxi"), which included an exhibition of ancient murals and traditional folk performances, both of which generated a sensation and fully demonstrated the immense charm of Shanxi's historical culture. These advantages determine that the main projects of Shanxi tourism should be cultural tourism; and experiencing Shanxi firsthand is a heartfelt wish for many travelers. The purpose of publishing the "People Talk About Shanxi" Cultural Tourism Series is to showcase the cultural characteristics and profound heritage of Shanxi's major tourist attractions to those who visit Shanxi and those who wish to do so, thereby serving the broader development of Shanxi's cultural industry.
Data 1: Shanxi is one of the important birthplaces of Chinese civilization, with the largest number of above-ground cultural relics in the country. More than 70% of the existing ancient buildings in China are located in Shanxi. Additionally, Shanxi has 119 key cultural relic protection units, the most in the nation. Major tourist attractions in Shanxi include the Yungang Grottoes in Datong, the Liao Dynasty Wooden Pagoda in Yingxian, the Hanging Temple in Hunyuan, the Buddhist Holy Land of Mount Wutai, the Ancient City of Pingyao, the Grand Courtyards of the Jin Merchants, the Hukou Waterfall, the Jiuzhou Guandi Temple, and the Yongle Palace in Ruicheng, among many other world-renowned historical and cultural heritage sites.
Data 2: The "People Talk About Shanxi" Cultural Tourism Series is designed to include 30 to 40 volumes. Currently, the first installment of 12 volumes has been published, primarily focusing on major tourist attractions from northern to central Shanxi. The books related to the western, southern, and southeastern regions of Shanxi are planned for release in the second and third installments. After the full series is launched, the goal is to establish it as a flagship product and a renowned brand book showcasing Shanxi's cultural tourism resources.
1. The authors of this series are primarily young and middle-aged writers from Shanxi. They possess strong language skills, a solid foundation in history and literature, and a deep familiarity with the cultural heritage of the attractions they write about, making them well-equipped to complete their writing tasks.
2. Design Features of the Series: Each volume focuses on a specific tourist attraction or scenic area, with an emphasis on describing and narrating human history and natural landscapes. The writing style enhances the author's personal touch while maintaining accuracy. Additionally, the appendix section is designed to provide practical services, featuring several columns:
① Local Highlights: Introduces local history, famous figures, and administrative characteristics.
② Intangible Cultural Heritage: Folk culture of the scenic area, such as Taoqing, Naoguo, and drum performances.
③ Famous Poems and Essays.
④ Things to Explore: Introduces related or nearby important cultural relic sites.
⑤ Craftsmanship of Ancient Architecture.
⑥ Biographies of Famous Figures.
⑦ Delightful Souvenirs: Introduces local specialties.
⑧ Legends of Famous Dishes.
⑨ Accommodation Guide.
⑩ Join Me on a Tour: Introduces relevant travel routes.
3. Artistic Design of the Series: The design aims for elegance, featuring full-color printing with soft tones. It includes locally themed book covers, decorative borders, and other elements to enhance readability without disrupting the reading order or habit, even with numerous illustrations. The text is complemented by images, with illustrations provided for most significant descriptions and components. Each book contains over 200 illustrations on average, with a plate index appended at the end.
4. Market Prospects: From the outset of writing, the series considered its sales methods and channels. Initially, it is planned to be sold within the province, primarily at tourist attractions, hotels, and travel agencies, and as promotional gifts for local governments. After preliminary promotion, several bookstores have contacted the publisher to express interest, indicating a promising future.
Data 3: The publication of the first installment of the "People Talk About Shanxi" Cultural Tourism Series is merely the first step in its release. The second and third installments are planned to introduce an "Art Tourism" series related to "People Talk About Shanxi," focusing on Shanxi's spectacular architecture, sculptures, murals, dramas, and folk customs. The publisher's goal is to make the local into the national and even the global; to let visitors from across the country and the world become widely aware of Shanxi and its splendid culture.