Rongcheng Fenghua Lu (Guangzhou Described by Famous Figures of Past and Present)

Author: Guangzhou Research Institute of Culture and History
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-12-01
Features: Guangzhou, since its establishment by Ren Xiao in 214 BC, has a history of 2,220 years. It is one of the oldest famous cities in China. Although located in the southern part of the Five Mountains, Guangzhou has been the economic, political, and cultural center of Lingnan since its founding (after the Qin Dynasty pacified the Lingnan region) and has also been an important port for China's foreign trade and a window for cultural exchange with overseas. As a result, many famous officials and scholars from various dynasties have visited this southern city, leaving behind numerous renowned writings. Unfortunately, no one had previously collected and compiled these works for preservation and study. To fill this gap, the Guangzhou Research Institute of Culture and History decided to compile a book titled "Guangzhou as Described by Famous Figures of Past and Present" to enrich the historical and cultural connotations of Guangzhou, contribute more to its development as a cultural powerhouse, and celebrate the 2,220th anniversary of its founding. The compilation of this book involved not only the institute's staff but also a large number of external experts in literature and history who contributed materials and recommended notable works. In just three short months, over 200 famous works were collected. After careful selection, 81 pieces were included, featuring works from before the Tang Dynasty such as Zhao Tuo's "Letter to Emperor Wen," Sima Qian's "On Ren Xiao and Panyu," Wang Bo's "Stele of the Precious Relic Pagoda of Guangzhou's Baoyuan Temple," and Han Yu's "Stele of the South Sea God Guangli Wang Temple." The book also includes renowned writings by great scholars and writers of the Song and Ming dynasties such as Su Dongpo, Cui Yu, and Zhan Ruoshui. Additionally, it features articles by patriotic figures and revolutionary writers of the Qing Dynasty, as well as beautiful prose left by modern literary giants like Lu Xun, Guo Moruo, and Ba Jin. It is worth mentioning that the book also includes writings by foreign diplomats, missionaries, explorers, writers, and translators from the Netherlands, Portugal, the United States, and the United Kingdom, who documented their impressions of Guangzhou during their visits or after returning home. Although their perspectives varied, these works accurately reflect the view of Guangzhou from the eyes of foreigners. These articles not only help us understand Guangzhou's past and even its distant past but also serve as valuable historical materials for studying the city. Truly, compiling selected chapters from the works of famous figures who have written about Guangzhou into a book is not only a valuable cultural accumulation but also a concise and accessible read for those interested in learning about Guangzhou's history and culture today. Guangzhou, since its establishment by Ren Xiao in 214 BC, has a history of 2,220 years. It is one of the oldest famous cities in China. Although located in the southern part of the Five Mountains, Guangzhou has been the economic, political, and cultural center of Lingnan since its founding (after the Qin Dynasty pacified the Lingnan region) and has also been an important port for China's foreign trade and a window for cultural exchange with overseas. As a result, many famous officials and scholars from various dynasties have visited this southern city, leaving behind numerous renowned writings. Unfortunately, no one had previously collected and compiled these works for preservation and study. To fill this gap, the Guangzhou Research Institute of Culture and History decided to compile a book titled "Guangzhou as Described by Famous Figures of Past and Present" to enrich the historical and cultural connotations of Guangzhou, contribute more to its development as a cultural powerhouse, and celebrate the 2,220th anniversary of its founding. The compilation of this book involved not only the institute's staff but also a large number of external experts in literature and history who contributed materials and recommended notable works. In just three short months, over 200 famous works were collected. After careful selection, 81 pieces were included, featuring works from before the Tang Dynasty such as Zhao Tuo's "Letter to Emperor Wen," Sima Qian's "On Ren Xiao and Panyu," Wang Bo's "Stele of the Precious Relic Pagoda of Guangzhou's Baoyuan Temple," and Han Yu's "Stele of the South Sea God Guangli Wang Temple." The book also includes renowned writings by great scholars and writers of the Song and Ming dynasties such as Su Dongpo, Cui Yu, and Zhan Ruoshui. Additionally, it features articles by patriotic figures and revolutionary writers of the Qing Dynasty, as well as beautiful prose left by modern literary giants like Lu Xun, Guo Moruo, and Ba Jin. It is worth mentioning that the book also includes writings by foreign diplomats, missionaries, explorers, writers, and translators from the Netherlands, Portugal, the United States, and the United Kingdom, who documented their impressions of Guangzhou during their visits or after returning home. Although their perspectives varied, these works accurately reflect the view of Guangzhou from the eyes of foreigners. These articles not only help us understand Guangzhou's past and even its distant past but also serve as valuable historical materials for studying the city. Truly, compiling selected chapters from the works of famous figures who have written about Guangzhou into a book is not only a valuable cultural accumulation but also a concise and accessible read for those interested in learning about Guangzhou's history and culture today.