Bøger udgivet af Shanghai Press

In China, the tradition of living as a hermit has existed for 5,000 years and is one of the mysteries of its culture. In the age of the internet hermits still dwell in the mountain ranges south of Xi''an living life as it was thousands of years ago. Drawn to the hermetic life, the author spent three years in the depths of the Zhongnan Mountains visiting and staying with over 100 hermits. In their midst, high amongst the clouds he practiced with the hermits, achieved enlightenment and learned their secret traditions. Seated above the clouds he looked down on the mundane world below as he refined his spirit and reformed his soul in the experience of a different mode of existence.As contemporary man busied himself with the creation of his own networks, and searched for knowledge, wealth and love, the author took the opposite route and sought out the hermits of legend. As we close the book, his efforts allow us, for a moment, to transcend the chaos of life, achieve detachment and an inner contemplation and turn and enter our own inner being.

In the West, legendary explorers like Christopher Columbus, Ernest Shackleton and Sir Edmund Hillary are a recognized part of our history. But in China, that legend belongs to the great explorer Zheng He (1371–1433), who lived during China''s renowned Ming Dynasty. Zheng He, the Great Chinese Explorer is a bilingual (English and Chinese) tale of his adventures.When he was a child, Zheng He dreamed of foreign lands, his imagination was inspired by the travels of his father and grandfather and the wonderful items they brought back from trading trips to the West. A simple but exotic porcelain vase in cobalt, a color not found in China at the time, drove Zheng He to discover the origins of this unique color—and become one of the most famous explorers in China''s history.From military brilliance to sea captain and diplomat, Zheng He''s life was never quiet! After serving the Emperor in the military and helping China achieve peace and prosperity, Zheng He was chosen to command great sea voyages, engaging in trade and establishing relations with foreign governments.Over the course of 28 years, Zheng He made seven major expeditions by sea to South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and even reaching as far as the east coast of Africa. And after all that travel, his childhood dream finally came true. On the Arabian Peninsula he discovered the beautiful color for which he had been searching, and this unique shade of blue became a trademark of the porcelain of the Ming Dynasty.

In this beautifully illustrated multicultural children''s book, a modern-day boy goes on an adventure where he meets Confucius—China''s most famous ancient philosopher.In his newest adventure, Ming and his father travel to Qufu in China''s Shandong Province, the hometown of the famous Chinese sage Confucius, born over 2,500 years ago. While Ming''s father studies the stunning historic architecture, Ming''s attention is drawn to a game of Chinese checkers set up in a gazebo. But as soon as he touches the checkers, Ming finds himself magically transported back in time to ancient Qufu. There he meets Confucius and his students, and explores with them the principles established by the renowned teacher, which remain so important in China today.Another delightful tale of past meets present from author/artist Li Jian, Ming''s Adventures with Confucius in Qufu is sure to inspire a new generation of children.

Magical Realism is a genre of writing that has been explored by a variety of writers across cultures and countries. In the novel Gone With the River Mist, Chinese author Yao Emei brings magical elements into the spare lives of four woman living in a misty and sunless town called Wuluo.Little Yu lives with her mother, aunt and grandmother in a small house in a small town. Ma Gu, the matriarch of this clan of women, is a widow and mother of two daughters; Ah-Shan, a single mother after her affair with a married engineer and Ah-Shui, who tried to escaped by running off with a rich city man but finds herself deserted and penniless—and back in Wuluo with her mother, sister and niece. Little Yu doesn''t escape unscathed, as she too has been forsaken by a man who promised to support her education and instead discarded her.Gone With the River Mist is an evocative novel that explores the lives of these four woman as they each search for love, life, and dignity. Author Yao Emei cleverly captures the distinctive character of each woman in this tumultuous story about their difficult but impressive journey towards achieving their dreams.

From braided friendship bracelets to woven rainbow loom creations, kids and adults alike seem to enjoy the act of creating. From jewelry to decorative pieces such as cell phone charms, Chinese knotting is a fun and surprisingly simple art sure to delight people of all ages.Chinese Knotting: An Illustrated Guide to 100+ Projects is a beautiful volume that teaches the easy-to-learn elements of Chinese knotting—interlacing silk cords and other materials in a variety of ways. The art of Chinese knotting has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. Over the centuries, Chinese knotting has continued to evolve and has been incorporated in fashion, jewelry, accessories, home decoration, contemporary art and other means of expression. Using this ancient technique in new and fresh ways has kept it vital even into the new century.Using step-by-step illustrations, this book introduces more than 100 types of Chinese knots. The tutorials will guide you through the creation of various knots and introduce their applications. You will gain an understanding of:Basic knots, such as double-coin knot, cloverleaf knot, endless knot and othersAdvanced knots that combine several basic knots, such as hydrangea knot, dharma-wheel knot and butterfly knotPractical projects, such as buttons, bookmarks and bracelets, etc.Chinese auspicious culture and its traditional symbols, such as "Blessings in Four Seasons," "Happiness and Longevity" and "Good Things Come in Pairs"History and use of Chinese knotsAll you need is this book and a few simple materials to experience the fun of creating fabulous Chinese knots with your own two hands!

"There was once an extraordinary girl who was as beautiful as she was brave. She knew how to read and write and sew. She loved to ride horses and shoot her bow and arrows. But it was the love for her family and her father that made her into a great soldier."--Page 4 of cover.

"Stories by contemporary writers from Shanghai"-- Cover.

This collection of five stories by celebrated contemporary Chinese novelist Pan Xiangli, gives a rich look into the lives of cosmopolitan women living in modern China. Pan's heroines exhibit strength of character, sense of humor, and integrity while retaining their grace, beauty, and feminine style. In love, they need no fairy tales. These women let go of traditional ideals while holding true to their individual desires and expectations. They dare to pursue love on their own terms, all the while maneuvering the changing landscape of work, lifestyle, and the city. Pan Xiangli writes with a keen eye towards the lifestyle, mindset, and cultural values of the modern Chinese woman. Her characters assert their womanly beauty as defined by confidence, willingness to face challenges, and the self-assuredness to pursue happiness—all while being stylish and charming. Her colorful portraits will no doubt leave a lasting impression on the reader.The Way of Her Fragranes In The Way of Her Fragrance, Li Sijin is a 30-something, lively, and successful deputy managing editor of Shanghais newspaper, The City Intelligencer. While her relentless passion and professionalism make her a star at the news bureau, her admiration for her boss Luo Yi and her personal sense of right and wrong often get the best of her. What will it take for Li Sijin to be true to herself and to find fulfilling happiness? White Michelia The young and sprightly Xu Yi has been assigned to attend her first writer's conference. There, she meets Ji Mengbei, who is intrigued by Xu Yi's simple serenity. In White Michelia, the two engage in a cautious, playful dance against the backdrop of their own experiences and anticipations. A Miracle Rides In on a Sleigh In A Miracle Rides In on a Sleigh, a woman ponders her simple life as a housewife. She is content, well loved, and very comfortable. But she wonders about choice and possibilities of the past, present, and the future. Then one Christmas day, she finds out. Lady Boss Han Xiaoyan works for the glamorous and successful Zhong Keming, who seems to have it all. But Han quickly learns that, behind every confident woman, life stories are complicated. As Han navigates some big decisions in her own life, her Lady Boss becomes a witness and an unexpected confidante. Listen to the Night A phone call catches "Miss Dream" off guard as she is taken on an unexpected journey to rediscover her past. The voice on the other end of the line goes alongside her as she slowly allows herself to face her present reality without giving up her memory of what was once true. In Listen to the Night, they both learn what it means to live in the present and to thrive after love and loss.

Whether you are looking for a special birthday gift or a romantic Valentine to brighten your sweetheart's day, Paper Cutting for Celebrations is sure to provide wonderful and unique ideas!Let your imagination shine as you design different papercraft projects suitable for nine occasions and holidays, including: Birthdays Baby Showers and Births Weddings and Anniversaries Valentine's Day Mother's Day Father's DayFrom window decorations to ornaments, wind chimes to greeting cards, coasters to lanterns, Paper Cutting for Celebrations—and a pair of scissors—gives you everything you will need to create over 100 different paper cutting projects. Impress your friends and family with the beautiful and unexpected creations to be found in Paper Cutting for Celebrations.

This collection of Zen poems and essays guides readers towards the joy of life. In the 1,600 years that have elapsed since the arrival of Indian Buddhism in China during the Han and Jin dynasties, Buddhist monks and scholars have integrated the essence of Zen Buddhist thought with the classical forms of Chinese literature to create over 30,000 simple, lively poems of deep moral significance. Their authors convey an understanding of Zen, of its practice, or of the knowledge gained through meditation, they promote its philosophical principles and display its interest. The poems are widely known, long lived and much loved. Professor Wu Yansheng has selected 66 classic poems by 54 historical scholars or monks ranging from Tao Yuanming (365-427), Han Shan (7th and 8th centuries), Wang Wei (701-761), to Xu Yun (1840-1959). He provides insights and a detailed introduction to the author of each poem in the hope of guiding the reader towards the realms of Zen and its poetry. These poems represent the highest achievement of Zen poetry. The single qualification for inclusion has been depth of feeling and understanding. Each poem indicates a realm where the duality of opposites has been transcended to achieve spiritual harmony. It shows the way to release and spiritual freedom. It shows a garden of peace of mind that brings restlessness to an end. In opening this book, the reader will… Visit the depths of the realms of Zen and poetry, of life and awakening and of the wisdom of the East. Enter the spiritual world of the enlightened and together with the great Masters enjoy the tranquillity, purity, and ethereal nature of life. Dispel anxiety, purify the soul and live poetically in the world.

One day a doctor in a small village rescues a sheep. His kind act might save the village when a monster shows up demanding a child from every household, and the sheep suddenly becomes a beautiful young woman.

In this colorfully illustrated multicultural children's book a little boy and his father get lost on a visit to the Great Wall!After Ming's exciting adventures in the Forbidden City, Ming and his father travel to the Great Wall to learn more about the creation of the longest structure ever build by humans. On their way, they take a wrong turn, leading to a great adventure as Ming and his father get to tour the wall and encounter all sorts of important figures from history and literature!The patron saint of the Great Wall shows Ming all the important passes and Ming even gets to meet the very emperor who had the Great Wall built! But when the emperor runs into a tricky situation at the beacon tower, it's up to Ming and some important information to save the day.Children will love to travel the wall with Ming as this delightful adventure brings to life the Great Wall and how it has influenced China over its 2000-year life span.

In this contemporary Chinese novel, a family opera performers struggles to remain true to each other and their art as they are buffeted by political turmoil and personal drama.The eventful lives of three generations of outstanding Chinese opera performers form the framework of Behind the Singing Masks, a story of turmoil and resolution, both personal and political.Xie Yingge, a celebrated dan actor of Yue Ju (also known as Shaoxing Opera), grew up and thrived in an environment alive with music. But just as she and her art form were at their zenith in the 1960s, the Cultural Revolution arrived to tear them down. After the decade-long turmoil, as Xie Yingge was poised to revive her career, a stroke forced her to leave the stage for good. To perpetuate the stage persona she had devoted her life to creating, she directed, with the complicity of her younger sister and her stage partner, a play of masks that lasted sixteen years.Was it life imitating art or art imitating life? This engaging story of human frailties, magnified by political movements, is marked by betrayal but also dedication, both to loved ones and to art.

This award-winning novel, by one of China''s most prolific contemporary writers focuses on a middle-class family in near contemporary Shanghai and deals with themes that transcend time and place: family relationships and growing old.Retired nurse Ling Deqing is astonished one day to find her long divorced 80-year-old husband, Xiao Zichen, standing on the doorstep. Following the death of his second wife, he has found his way back to his first home in a fit of absent-mindedness, a sign of the onset of dementia. Reluctant at first, Ling Deqing eventually takes him back to ease the burden on her daughter, Xiao Ying.In Memory and Oblivion, the larger world disappears into the day-to-day problems of caring for a person with Alzheimer''s. But within those problems, Ling Deqing discovers the beauty of family relationships, brought into sharp clarity against the backdrop of oblivion caused by Alzheimer''s.

"When a special exhibition of terracotta warriors comes to town, Ming and his mother goes to see them at the museum. To remember this exciting event, Ming's mother buys him a little figurine of a general to keep in his room at home. But at midnight, Ming wakes up and finds the general figurine is alive and he has a copper carriage ready to take Ming to his home in Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Tomb in Xi'an, China"--Amazon.com.

Featuring beautiful photographs and insightful commentary this Chinese gardening book is a must have for any gardening or zen enthusiast. Celebrating the pleasures of garden living enjoyed by the elite of late imperial China, this book brings together poetry, prose, paintings and prints from imperial China to show the many facets of life and leisure in the Chinese garden. From music to lanterns, from chess to drama, all kinds of cultural activities could be enjoyed in a garden setting, alone or with friends and family. Here, too, the garden owner and his or her companions could appreciate the changing seasons with all their variety of scent, sound and colorful blossom. No wonder that dwelling in a garden was often compared to the carefree life of a Taoist immortal. Chinese Garden Appreciation, compiled by a leading expert in Chinese garden history, incorporates many original translations of classical Chinese poetry and prose.

Learn Chinese paper folding with this easy origami book. This origami paper craft book features zhezhi, the art of paper folding and origami which originated in China more than 1900 years ago and is still practiced today by the Chinese. Chinese Origami: Paper Folding for Year-Round Celebrations introduces many basic techniques and step-by-step instruction for a over 70 origami projects. Origami projects include: flowers animals decorations for festivals plum blossoms a narcissus lantern steamed rice dumplings and much more…This origami book will show you how to fold these objects and understand the traditions of Chinese culture that are deeply rooted in them. Beginners can follow the detailed easy-to-follow diagrams and illustrations, while those who are more advance can learn from the basic techniques to create and customize their own masterpieces.Watch your imagination take shape in clever and inspired forms with the art of Chinese paper folding!

Neuwa the Snake Goddess fell to Earth to find a colorless place, so she set out to find a way to color the Earth and make it beautiful.

Perfect for beginners, this calligraphy book teaches over 100 Chinese paintings and calligraphies along with historical and cultural information. Chinese calligraphy is a unique visual art form that can be appreciated regardless of having previous knowledge of Chinese characters. While modern Chinese calligraphy consists of five styles, this book focuses on the semi-cursive script, a practical style that emphasizes the transition and structure between strokes.The Beginner's Guide to Chinese Calligraphy Semi-Cursive Script teaches how to write the practical and artistic semi-cursive script. Based on the style of Zhao Mengfu, a master of semi-cursive script, you will learn the distinct features of the script and what exemplifies the semi-cursive style. This guide, with step by step illustrations, reduces the difficulty for beginners to learn Chinese calligraphy and is truly a must for Chinese calligraphy amateurs.

This beginner series shows the amateur brush painters how to execute the intricacies of the Chinese brushing painting, step by step

With dozens of beautiful, original designs and detailed explanations, this Chinese paper cutting book is a great reference for beginners.Paper cutting is a popular papercraft in today''s multicultural world, embracing a great variety of themes, designs and images. In China, its birthplace, it is regarded as an elegant traditional folk art. Chinese paper cuts reflect many aspects of life, including prosperity, health and the harvest. Paper cuts are typically used to decorate walls, windows and doors, or as patterns for embroidery and lacquer work. Rich in cultural tradition, with a long history of over 1,500 years, Chinese paper cutting was listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009.Easy to learn, paper cutting only requires paper and scissors which can be used to create a wide range of interesting paper cut outs. Instruction and inspiration can be found in The Beginner''s Guide to Chinese Paper Cutting. This Chinese crafts book introduces all the basic elements of Chinese paper cutting, including the necessary preparation, basic techniques, simple practices and appreciation. The book''s clear directions and illustrations will allow anyone to explore the art of paper cutting and start making their own works of art.

Presents a view of jade and its history in China from Neolithic times to the Qing dynasty. This book will help the reader to understand what jade means to the Chinese; how it is classified and described and where it is found and worked and displayed.

Jing Gong (quiet sitting) has been shrouded in mysticism since it traveled out of the Far East and across the shores to the West. Along the way, new schools of thought developed and the essential keys to the simple practice that is Jing Gong had been lost.Quiet Sitting: The Daoist Approach for a Healthy Mind and Body is a combination of two translated texts from two of the most famous Jing Gong pioneers in China during the early 20th century. This no-frills handbook is essential to anyone who is interested in the Eastern technique of breathing for a healthy mind and body. Free of esoteric words and phrases, this book offers beginner students a basic, yet powerful, knowledge of the breath: where it comes from, how it is distributed throughout the body, and how to harness it to heal from within.Whether you are looking for alternative ways to improve your physical health, maintain your mental well being, or curious about breathing meditations, Quiet Sitting provides the basic tools needed to get started.

Choosing the foods and herbs that are right for you is essential to achieving and maintaining good health. Over thousands of years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has accumulated knowledge about using foods and herbs therapeutically, providing a natural way to boost energy and immunity, extend longevity, enhance beauty, reduce toxins, regulate mood and treat other health conditions, externally and internally. This book will help you put the wisdom of TCM to use, guiding you with case studies, treatment details, recipes and illustrations. Inside you''ll find practical and easy-to-understand information about: Assessing your body constitution The features of food according to TCM Customizing your selection of foods and herbs Using food to treat or prevent health problems Improving your appearance and mental outlookThis book also features a handy chapter on nearly 90 functional foods and herbs. Arranged alphabetically, with quick facts and photos, this resource will help you plan your strategy for healthy living by using foods and plants specifically suited for your body, lifestyle and goals. Let TCM help you better understand your body and show you how to make the choices that are best for you!

The Splendid Chinese Garden is an illustrated guide to the classic gardens of China.It explains the history of the garden, the traditions and beliefs they represent, their aesthetic and the techniques used to create them. Also included are chapters that survey the great gardens of China, the gardens tourists love to visit and gardeners dream of seeing and exploring. Chinese Gardens in the South of the Yangtze River:Ge Garden (Yangzhou)He Yuan, also known as Jixiao Shan Zhuang (Yangzhou)Zhan Garden (Nanjing)Jichang Garden (Wuxi)Humble Administrator''s Garden (Suzhou) Lingering Garden (Suzhou) Master of the Nets Garden (Suzhou) Lion Grove Garden (Suzhou) Chinese Gardens in the North of the Yangtze River:Yihe Garden or the Summer Palace (Beijing) Beihai Park (Beijing) Jingyi Garden in Xiangshan Mountain (Beijing) Imperial Garden, Palace Museum (Beijing) The Back Garden of the Prince Gong Mansion (Beijing)