Confucian merchant family - Changzhuang Garden

Author: Xie Yan, Liu Xinyu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-10-01
Features: This series primarily focuses on the inner world of travelers' observations and experiences, rather than the external landscapes and skylines. In these books, readers can see the authors' disciplined philosophical reflections, a generally sound academic background, as well as their craftsmanship and keen insights. History and landscapes, landscapes and the indigenous people who built them, are presented in each book as a relatively complete historical and cultural evolution. Readers can immerse themselves in this cultural flow, either through a smooth transition or a leap, giving rise to alternative, reflective, and enduring experiences. This alternative experience is both intellectual and emotional; it is both exhilarating and indescribable. It is a cultural sentiment that can no longer be newly created, replicated, or reconstructed—a sentiment that touches upon deeper emotions or psychological aspects when one longs to see historically authentic sites. Such experiences include the genuine understanding of ancient architecture, the novel sensations of another regional culture, and the heartfelt encounters with the residential complexes of Shanxi's Ming and Qing dynasties—Confucian Merchant Houses—Chang Family Garden, Trustworthiness in the Middle Hall—Qiao Family Garden, Red Six Great Houses—Wang Family Garden, and Rural Imperial City. They also include the awe-inspiring preservation of the order, regulations, beauty, and tranquility of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Chinese historical cities like Northern Wei Yungang, Detailed Pingyao, and Riding to Yanmen Pass. The immersive yet unaware experiences of Wutai Mountain Pilgrimage, Jinci Dream Seeking, and Hengshan Divine Craftsmanship further enrich these emotions. The root culture, which can be considered a world intangible cultural heritage, evokes a silent yet profound (emotion) in Hongtong Ancestral Search as if it were untouched by snow. Experiencing these above-ground cultural relics on the Shanxi Plateau nourishes the soul of an ancient civilization long forgotten, and preserves the image of historical and cultural continuity. The "People Speak of Shanxi" series is an extremely authentic and reliable read. Its profound significance lies in its interpretation of all aspects of culture, particularly in the ability to judge beauty, ancient architectural art, and traditional culture. Each book informs readers of the origins of these beautiful and instructive landscape values. In reality, each book also allows for mental exploration.
How did the Ten Thousand Li Tea House between China and Russia come to be? Is the reputation of the Foreign Trade Family true or false? What talents were nurtured by the family motto "Learn Well and Trade"? What is the artistic value of the estates where Jiangnan gardens and northern frontier fortresses coexist? The descendants of the Chang family attempt to trace their ancestors' lives from fragmented historical records, but they often find themselves unable to enter the scene, forcing them to rely on the traces of history—the castle-like buildings standing in the countryside—to revive and reinforce the memory of their ancestors' existence. Buildings are objective, universal, and direct historical existences. They not only faithfully record the vicissitudes and hardships of the times but also convey rich humanistic information. The people are gone, but the houses remain.