Knowing Dunhuang

Name: Knowing Dunhuang
ISBN: 9787576369236

韩宝峰Beijing Institute of Technology Press · ChinaAug 2026

3.4

Word count: 147K words
Chapters: 18
ISBN: 9787576369236

Report an error Find this book

Summary

Knowing Dunhuang is an accessible introduction to Dunhuang culture. The book traces Dunhuang's history as a key stop on the Silk Road, presents its artistic treasures such as murals and sculptures, and explores the interplay of religious faiths. It also touches on related background such as geography and cross-ethnic exchange. Through this book, readers can gain a comprehensive and deep understanding of Dunhuang and feel its cultural appeal and contemporary relevance.

Editor's review

Knowing Dunhuang places Dunhuang within the networks of transport and exchange of the Silk Road, and does more than discuss the visual appeal of murals and sculptures: it explains why they appear with such subjects, styles, and religious backgrounds. For general readers, the book's value lies in building a fairly complete cognitive framework in the manner of a popular introduction: geography, ethnic interactions, religious blending, and artistic remains are interrelated, so that after reading, one can more easily grasp the key points when looking at cave images or related exhibitions. The writing leans toward organizing knowledge rather than abstruse textual criticism, making it suitable as a first book for beginners to Dunhuang and as background reading before a trip. If you have only seen scattered Dunhuang images or documentaries before, this book helps connect the fragments into threads; if you already have a more professional foundation in cave art or Dunhuang manuscripts, you may find the discussion rather general.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Readers planning a trip to Dunhuang who want to learn about its history and artistic background in advance
Beginning readers interested in Silk Road cultural exchange and Buddhist art
Students and teachers who need a clear, well-structured popular introduction to Dunhuang
General readers who enjoy illustrated, topic-based approaches to cultural heritage

Not a good fit for

Scholars engaged in professional Dunhuang studies who need primary sources or in-depth textual research
Readers expecting a large number of high-resolution plates or an album-style visual experience
Readers who only want light stories and lack patience for historical and geographical background

Reading tips

First read the table of contents to grasp the main threads of geography, history, art, and religion, then read chapters of interest in detail.
When reading the sections on murals and sculptures, compare them with Dunhuang documentaries or exhibition catalogues.
If preparing for a trip, make simple notes of place names and routes in the book and review them on site.
After reading, summarize "why Dunhuang matters" on one page to check whether you have truly understood the book's overall structure.

About the publisher

Beijing Institute of Technology Press China · Founded in 1985

Founded in 1985, Beijing Institute of Technology Press has developed a strong presence in foreign literature, inspirational growth, science fiction, and management books. The press is known for authoritative bilingual editions of classics by authors such as Frances Hodgson Burnett and Jack London. It also publishes Wang Jinkang's selected science fiction, practical works by Chesterfield and Claude Hopkins, and titles in Adler's social psychology and essay collections. With translators and writers including Wang Xiuli and Zhang Xiaomo, the press combines retranslated classics with accessible new knowledge.

版权信息
壹敦煌缘起
第一节东西交通的咽喉
第二节风云激荡的历史
第三节佛教东传的门户
贰莫高显圣
第一节莫高千窟列鸣沙
第二节彩塑巧艺夺天工
第三节千古绝艳敦煌壁
第四节经典荟萃忘归途
第五节殚精竭虑护敦煌
叁密洞藏经
第一节发现藏经洞
第二节探索藏经洞
第三节宝藏流散记
第四节创举敦煌学
第五节再回古敦煌
参考书目

FAQ

Can I understand this book without a background in art history?

Yes. The book is positioned as a popular introduction, focusing on outlining Dunhuang's historical context and cultural background. It provides background introductions to artistic forms such as murals and sculptures and does not require prior training in art history. When you encounter specialized terms, mark them as you go and review them after reading the relevant chapters; understanding will come more smoothly.

Is this book suitable to read while traveling in Dunhuang?

It is suitable as pre-trip background reading and also for aiding understanding during the journey. It is advisable to read it through once before departure to build a framework, then review the chapters related to caves, religious blending, and Silk Road transport on site; this is more effective than looking things up entirely on the spot.

Does the book mainly discuss art or history?

Judging from the introduction, the book covers multiple dimensions including history, art, religion, geography, and ethnic exchange; it is not a single art appreciation book or dynastic history. It is closer to a comprehensive popular cultural reader, suitable for readers who want an overall understanding first before delving into a particular field.

Comments

Find this book

This site is an index: you start “Search all sources” in your browser, and the entries it lists all point to third-party sites; please judge their availability yourself.

About the author

韩宝峰 Author · Chinese

Han Baofeng is a Chinese author about whom limited public information is available. What can be confirmed is that his work falls within the field of history writing, and his representative book is Knowing Dunhuang. According to the library's records, this title is classified as a history book aimed at readers interested in the history and culture of Dunhuang, suggesting an informative and popular rather than academic approach. Although little is known about the author's life, education, or writing career, the subject matter indicates an interest in Chinese history and culture, especially Dunhuang, a major cultural heritage site on the Silk Road known for the Mogao Caves and their murals, sculptures, and manuscripts. The title Knowing Dunhuang implies a accessible introduction to the region's history and cultural significance for general readers. As only one work by the author is currently listed, further information is needed to assess his writing style and future direction.