Table and Mountains--People Say Shanxi

Author: Yan Jingming (Editor)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: This series of books 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 author's disciplined philosophical thoughts, a generally solid academic background, as well as the craftsmanship and keen insight displayed in the writing. History and landscapes, landscapes and the indigenous people who built them, undergo a relatively complete historical and cultural evolution in each book. Readers can immerse themselves in this cultural emotion, either flowing with it or jumping between moments, giving rise to alternative, reflective, and enduring experiences. This alternative, reflective, and enduring experience is both intellectual and emotional; it is both exhilarating and indescribable. It is a cultural emotion that can no longer be newly created, replicated, or reconstructed, a sentiment that touches upon deeper emotions or psychological aspects when one sees historical relics that live up to their reputation. Such emotions include an understanding of ancient architecture, a novel appreciation of another regional culture, and a genuine experience of the residential complexes of Shanxi during the Ming and Qing dynasties—such as "Confucian Merchant Family—Chang Family Garden," "Trustworthiness in the Middle Hall—Qiao Family Garden," "Red Six Great Houses—Wang Family Garden," and "Rural Imperial City." There is also amazement at the order, regulations, beauty, tranquility, and preservation of world cultural heritage sites and historical and cultural cities like "Northern Wei Yungang," "Detailed Pingyao," and "Riding to Yanmen." Furthermore, there is a sense of being lost in "Wutai Mountain Ablution," "Jinci Dream Seeking," and "Hengshan Divine Craft," without realizing it. There is also a profound, almost invisible emotional impact on the root culture, which can be considered world intangible cultural heritage, such as "Hongtong Ancestral Roots," where the snow seems to leave no trace, evoking a silent, heartfelt. Experiencing these above-ground cultural relics on the Shanxi plateau nourishes the soul of an ancient civilization that has long been forgotten, and preserves the image of historical and cultural continuity. The "People Say Shanxi" series of books is an extremely authentic and reliable read. Its deeper meaning lies in various aspects of culture, particularly in the ability to interpret 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 a mental journey through the landscapes. Shanxi is abbreviated as Jin, also known as Sanjin, Shanyou, and Hedong. These names are very familiar to people, but "Tableland and Mountain River" is also an elegant appellation for Shanxi, and it is not widely known. "Tableland and Mountain River" collects 20 articles, whether they are narratives, character portraits, philosophical reflections, personal experiences, or insights into Shanxi's contributions to the development of Chinese civilization through modern perspectives. These articles are all insightful, filled with the author's unique tone, and reflect the broad vision of the editor, who surveys Shanxi's historical geography, cultural heritage, scenic spots, and commercial civilization, spreading, elevating, and integrating it into mainstream world culture.