Journey of Life

This book is one title in the "Journey Through China" series from China Intercontinental Press, introducing the customs and refinements of everyday Chinese life through text and images for readers who wish to understand Chinese ways of living. It is divided into five parts. Part One, "A Land of Glorious Food," begins with concrete subjects—seasonal foods, hot pot, roast duck, dumplings, noodles, baozi, morning tea, hairy crab, Sichuan cuisine, Yunnan snacks, lamb paomo, northeastern cuisine, and the Manchu-Han banquet—explaining regional differences in Chinese food and the etiquette of hospitality. Part Two, "The Elegance of Tea," discusses teahouses, famous teas, spring tea, pu'er, jasmine tea, Yixing teapots, and the art of tea, showing tea's place in daily social life. Part Three, "Intoxicated Home," covers baijiu, yellow wine, and drinking culture, as well as Eastern flavors in bars. Part Four, "The Art of Leisure," touches on Chinese music, weiqi, opera, acrobatics, kites, folk sports, lantern riddles, and market fairs and temple fairs. Part Five, "The Age of Nurturing Life," turns to seasonal health practices, Chinese medicine, family medical care, martial arts and qigong, and healthful eating. The author does not aim for strict system but presents short chapters, letting readers experience the sincere, warm emotions and calm, unhurried temperament of the Chinese people through a meal, a cup of tea, a game of chess, or a temple fair, and understand how life philosophies such as "nurturing one's years in peace" and "following the seasons" take concrete form in daily life. The book is illustrated in color, with plain and accessible prose that is both readable and browsable.