Ming Dynasty Urban Life Scroll: Decay and Magic

Author: Zhao Shiyu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: The "Long Scroll of Ancient Chinese Urban Life Series" focuses on the capitals and major cities of each dynasty, describing various aspects of urban life such as politics, economy, culture, religion, customs, and more. It uses small details to reveal the bigger picture and approaches the subject from close to far, aiming to understand the progress of society and the development of history at that time. The series combines academic rigor with engaging storytelling, avoiding dry historical facts and instead allowing readers to grasp the pulse of history while enjoying a pleasant and aesthetic experience, gaining historical knowledge. The authors of the series do not write fiction but instead narrate based entirely on historical facts. This book is part of the series. It is also a part of the "Long Scroll of Ancient Chinese Urban Life Series," focusing on the capital and major cities of the Qing Dynasty, describing various aspects of urban life such as politics, economy, culture, religion, customs, and more. This is a history of urban life, a history woven together from seemingly insignificant and trivial aspects of daily life—ranging from imperial palaces and narrow alley dwellings, to high-ranking officials and beggars and courtesans, wealthy merchants and peddlers, and diverse foreigners and agricultural migrants carrying hoes and shouldering burdens.