Boundless mountains and rivers

Author: Shen Kun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: The mountains are vast and the rivers flow endlessly. The land of Sanjin holds a pivotal position in China's history. Whether it was the Duke Wen of Jin, who ranked first among the "Five Hegemons of Spring and Autumn," or the Jin merchants who dominated domestic commercial guilds during the Ming and Qing dynasties, both left a mark on their time and attracted attention. However, as landscapes change and the world evolves, the past glory and present decline often remain unresolved knots in people's hearts today. Over the years, driven by nostalgia for their homeland and a patriotic spirit, the author of this book has traversed the temporal and spatial boundaries of history to examine and reflect deeply on issues related to this land. This collection of cultural essays is the fruit of his efforts. The book includes eighteen essays, covering three aspects. The first is famous scenic spots and historical sites, such as "The Eternal Stork Tower," "The Ancient Ferry's Turmoil," and "From Yanmen Pass to Wutai Mountain." The second is figures and historical events, such as "The Manor in the Valley," "The Setting Sun of Jin Merchant Guilds," and "Chasing the Setting Sun of the Tang Dynasty." The third is folk customs and social life, such as "The Charm of Pingyao," "The Story of the Zhanghe River," and "Notes on Shangdang Folk Customs." Despite the diverse themes, in these essays, the author adheres to the principle of discussing the past and present, uncovering hidden truths and illuminating the obscure. He offers fresh interpretations and critiques of timeless yet vibrant topics, with perspectives so unique and viewpoints so innovative that they captivate readers and further inspire contemplation and reflection.