Beidou Jinghua

Author: Zhou Ruchang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-01-01
Features: Gong Zizhen once wrote a poem: "Graceful in advance and retreat, history finds it hard; Suddenly, ancient tears are shed from Chang'an." Generally, those who have lived in Beijing for a long time always have a special affection for this place. Scholar and Red Sorghum expert Zhou Ruchang "lived in Beijing for decades," and his love for the city is deep and lingering. "Every time I rely on the North Star to gaze at the capital," he wrote this book to recall old Beijing, "it is to record certain traces of culture, the unforgettable beauty and wonder of Chinese architecture that has already disappeared, the streets and alleys, the human sentiments and temporal rhythms of the common people and merchants, and the simple customs of the old ways." Throughout the text, he reveals his lingering affection for the old capital's scenery. Everything from the seasonal customs and landscapes of old Beijing, the bustling markets and folk customs, to the culinary traditions and memories of teachers and friends—all remain vivid and unchanged by the dust of history, as if they were happening right before your eyes. The author's accounts are based on his personal observations, so the descriptions of places make you feel as if you are there, and the portrayals of people make you hear their voices and coughs. Reading this book is like immersing yourself in the cultural atmosphere of old Beijing.