Delving into the depths of China, not Beijing or Shanghai.
China is undergoing massive national development. Skyscrapers are rising in regional cities, and people's lives are becoming more prosperous.
But at the same time, ways of life that have continued for hundreds of years can disappear in an instant.
The floating village of Yaodong, walled cities that still retain their former prosperity, people who carry on traditional theater and martial arts, ever-changing water towns, and the unique flavors of the region...
This is a fascinating travel essay that meticulously depicts the changing faces of towns and villages where unique cultures remain.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Caravan Route
1: Traces of Merchant Prosperity: Qi County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province
2: Trading Towns along the Yellow River: Qikou Town and Lijiashan Village, Lvliang City, Shanxi Province
3: The Sound of Camel Bells: Moshikou and Sanjiadian, Mentougou District, Beijing
4: Post Towns Protected by Walls: Jiming Station, Huailai County, Hebei Province
Chapter 2: Port Towns Connected by Wharves
1: The Tradition of Mutual Cooperation Still Remains: Shangjin Town, Yinxi County, Shiyan City, Hubei Province
2: The Footprints of Immortals Remain in the Bridge Girders: Guiyang Town, Hengyang City, Hunan Province
3: The Prosperity of the Porcelain City Carved into the Ditches: Jingdezhen City, Jiangxi Province
4: The Port Town Where Foreigners Gathered: Xiahao Old Street, Nan'an District, Chongqing City
Chapter 3: Continuing Traditional Culture
1: Home of Paper-Cutting Crafts and Film: Wei County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province
2 Traditions Living Among the Buildings: Yangliuqing Town and Zhangjiawo Town, Xiqing District, Tianjin City
3. Traditional Martial Arts in Change: Magou Village, Dengfeng City, Henan Province
4. Ancient Papermaking Supported by Clear Streams: Xiangshigou, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province
Chapter 4: The Sweat and Tears of Merchants
1. A Village Protected by Feng Shui: Hongcun, Yi County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
2. Rapeseed Blossoms in Spring, Chrysanthemums in Autumn: Likeng Village, Wuyuan County, Shangrao City, Jiangxi Province
3. The Starting Point of the Tea Road: Yangloudong Village, Chibi City, Hubei Province
Chapter 5: Between Development and Preservation
1. The Past and Present of Duda Road: Luoyang City, Henan Province
2. A Changing Water Town: Xitang Town, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province
3. A Kiln Cave in Dramatic Change: Shijiagou Village, Fenxi County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province
4. A Disappearing Commoner's Town: Shibai Steps, Yuzhong District, Chongqing City
Chapter 6 The Intersection of Past and Present
1. A Pocket of Time and Space Within the City: Gaochun District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province
2. The Pervasive Aroma of Wine and Calligraphy: Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province
3. The Mixed Culture of a Hakka Village: Changting County, Longyan City, Fujian Province
Chapter 7: A Town Supported by Faith
1. People Guarding the Ancient Tombs: Zhongyi Village, Yi County, Hebei Province
2. A Church That Became a Tombstone: Yongning Town, Yanqing District, Beijing
3. A Temple Town Protected by Rock-Carved Buddhas: Tangtan Town, Hechuan District, Chongqing City
Chapter 8: Indelible Memories of War
1. The Taste of an Ancient Vase: Yanhecheng, Mentougou District, Beijing
2. Everything Made of Stone: Yujia Village, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province
3. The Joys and Hardships Beneath the Domed Roof Chuxi Village, Yongding County, Fujian Province
Afterword
[Book Reviews & Media Information]
Asahi Shimbun (October 26th) / Book Review (Haruaki Deguchi, President of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University)
Mainichi Shimbun (November 10th) / Short Review
International Trade (November 25th issue) / Introduction
Hokkaido Shimbun (December 15th) / Book Review (Seiichiro Aso, Reporter)
2020
Sunday Mainichi (January 19th issue) / Short Review
