Reading China through its regions: 5 books on history and culture

Biography of Luoyang (Chinese edition)

What can ceramic jars hidden beneath the granaries of Luoyang during the Northern Song dynasty (960-1126) reveal about ancient China's government and recordkeeping? How did caravans from the western regions reshape trade, power, and cultural exchange along the Silk Road?

Published by Foreign Languages Press, the book explores these questions by tracing Luoyang's role as the capital of 13 dynasties and a crossroads of civilizations. Through perspectives of geography, material culture, and everyday life, the book follows the evolution of the city's urban civilization amid centuries of conflict, integration, and renewal, and highlights its significance along the Silk Road in both its ancient and modern forms. 

The Costume Culture of Chengdu (English edition)

What did people wear in Chengdu, one of the earliest regions in China to cultivate mulberry trees and raise silkworms? How did clothing reflect their way of life? 

Richly illustrated, the book examines Chengdu's aesthetic values through the lens of dress, drawing on the city's history and literary traditions. By exploring historical artifacts and poetic imagery, the book reveals how clothing expresses everyday life, cultural memory, and evolving taste. The book is published by Foreign Languages Press.

Me and My Friends from Xinjiang (Chinese edition)

Published by the New World Press, this book captures the landscapes, customs, and everyday life of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region with a vivid and evocative touch, revealing the distinctive charm of its culture. As a moving and warm-hearted work of true-to-life writing, the book draws readers into the land through its deeply affecting prose.

Beijing — The Treasures of an Ancient Capital (English edition)

Published by Blossom Press, this award-winning book traces Beijing's magnificent journey from antiquity to its height as an imperial capital under the Yuan (1271-1368), Ming (1368-1644), and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. It explores the city's natural landscape and the prehistoric civilization of "Peking Man," weaving a chronological narrative that charts the capital's thousand-year rise and transformation.

Tibetan Treasures

Published by Blossom Press, this book is a curated treasury of Tibetan culture, showcasing 120 carefully selected artifacts. Combining scholarly depth with visual elegance, it serves both as a richly illustrated guide to the artistic heritage of Xizang and as a cultural missive conveying the spirit and allure of the land.