Shandong Canal Culture Research

Author: Li Quan, Wang Yun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: This book attempts to elucidate the development and transformation of Qilu culture through the study of the cultural heritage of the Shandong Grand Canal. During the research process of this topic, a significant amount of previous research findings has been absorbed, with all references and explanations noted in the text. It also draws upon discoveries and compiled historical materials of predecessors, while also utilizing a substantial number of newly unearthed and organized materials that were previously unknown. After the Yuan Dynasty, many knowledgeable officials and scholars devoted themselves to in-depth research and field investigations while excavating and maintaining the Shandong Grand Canal, summarizing the experiences and lessons of river management. They left behind a large number of works related to the maintenance of the canal, with over 30 such works still in circulation today, providing a true record of the canal's historical process. Various historical records and local chronicles from different dynasties also contain extensive materials related to the canal. All of these have provided the fundamental data for our research. Additionally, we have made efforts to search for relevant materials in literati's notes, popular novels, and poetry collections since the Yuan Dynasty. We have traveled extensively along the banks of the Shandong Grand Canal, examining the engineering relics of the ancient canal and cultural heritage sites along the route. We have collected a batch of highly valuable physical artifacts and inscriptions, conducted field investigations, and obtained numerous oral historical records. The use of these materials has made the content of this book more novel and comprehensive, while also providing new materials for future research.