Eternal Rivers

In the turbulent tide of global civilization's existence and change, how does China position itself? How does it view its own history and culture? Where did China come from, where did Chinese culture come from, and where is it headed? This book, "Changjiang and Yellow River: A Cultural History of China," is the answer provided by the renowned historian Xu Zhuoyun, a scholar deeply committed to Chinese culture. It is a history written for contemporary Chinese people and a biography of the growth and development of Chinese culture. As history progressed, the content and scope of Chinese culture constantly changed: from its origins seen in archaeological discoveries, to the emergence of the "Central Plains," where the Central Plains became China. "China of the Central Plains" gradually expanded into "China of China," and then transcended China to gradually absorb its neighbors. Through cultural exchange and the expansion of its sphere of influence, it became "China of East Asia," then played an important role within Asia as "China of Asia." After more than a hundred years of struggles and stumbles, it entered the world, becoming "China of the World." In this narrative of long-period cultural circles that transcend dynasties and political powers, Chinese culture and the people who grew up on this land are the true protagonists. Therefore, Mr. Xu unfolds his discussion around a series of themes: state systems and characteristics of the times, shifts in thought, religion, and culture, agriculture, handicrafts, and economic networks, the integration and interaction of ethnic groups and cultures, the daily life of Chinese people, lifestyles and living resources, folk society and the world of beliefs, advancements and transformations in culture, science, and technology, foreign relations, and comparative interactions with other civilizations. Each theme tells the colorful and vivid growth story of Chinese culture and the Chinese people. It is also noteworthy that at every stage, China had to confront other ethnic groups and the cultures they created. Through continuous contact and exchange, whether embracing or resisting, China ultimately changed "itself" and also changed the cultures of neighboring groups. Sometimes, "itself" even merged with "others" to become a new "self."

出版日期/Publication Date：March 1, 2023
出版社/Publisher：北京日报出版社
出品方/Imprint:The Republic
页数/Page: 538