Longmen Grottoes

Name: Longmen Grottoes
ISBN: 9787546319919

陈长文Jilin Literature and History Publishing House · ChinaOct 2018

3.7

Word count: 31K words
Chapters: 23
ISBN: 9787546319919

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Summary

The "Chinese Culture Knowledge Reader" series is a large-scale knowledge series compiled by Jilin Literature and History Press and Jilin Publishing Group Co., Ltd., with the participation of well-known domestic experts and scholars. It aims to spread China's outstanding traditional culture of five thousand years and enhance the cultural cultivation of the general public.

Editor's review

Published by Jilin Literature and History Press, Chen Changwen's Longmen Grottoes offers a rigorous, historically grounded and clearly written account of the artistic achievements and historical development of this World Heritage site. More than a simple visitor's guide, it is an accessible scholarly work on history and culture. Setting the grottoes against the broad historical backdrop from the Northern Wei to the Tang dynasty, it explains in detail the evolution of sculptural styles across different periods and the political and religious forces behind them. The author's analyses of representative caves such as the Three Binyang Caves and the Vairocana Buddha of Fengxian Temple are especially incisive: he not only describes their artistic features but also illuminates such themes as imperial patronage and the sinicization of Buddhism. Numerous selected photographs and line drawings help readers understand the layout and details of the caves. On the whole, this is a work that combines scholarship with readability, enabling readers to look beyond a superficial tour and truly appreciate the enduring value of Longmen Grottoes as a high point of artistic achievement and a product of the convergence of Chinese civilization. For readers who wish to deepen their understanding of Chinese cave art and medieval history, the book provides a solid knowledge framework and rich aesthetic inspiration.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Enthusiasts with a strong interest in ancient Chinese cave art and Buddhist sculpture
Travelers planning an in-depth visit to Longmen Grottoes who wish to build up background knowledge beforehand
Students and researchers in Chinese art history, archaeology or history
Readers who wish to understand the social, cultural and intellectual changes from the Northern Wei to the Tang dynasty through cultural heritage

Not a good fit for

Readers seeking only simple travel tips or a picture album
Readers who prefer fiction or light entertainment

Reading tips

While reading, consult historical maps and chronological tables of the Northern Wei, Sui and Tang dynasties to better situate the caves in their historical context.
Focus on comparing sculptural style, dress and facial expression across periods (such as the Northern Wei and Tang); this is key to understanding the artistic evolution.
Reading in conjunction with an on-site visit greatly deepens the viewing experience, turning the book's knowledge into direct perception.

About the publisher

Jilin Literature and History Publishing House China · Founded in 1985

Jilin Literature and History Publishing House is a professional publisher specializing in literature, history, and social science titles, with publishing areas covering culture, theory, historical reading, military affairs, classical poetry, and medicine. Its list includes historical and military works such as National History 001: The Tragedy of the Southern Ming and Naval Battles 006: The Russian Navy before and after the Russo-Japanese War, as well as the "Chinese Culture Knowledge Reader" series, which covers Sun Tzu and military thought, ancient tea ware and Zisha art, Song Huizong Zhao Ji's contributions to painting, the Book of Songs, and Hai Rui. Medical works such as How a Famous Doctor Diagnoses Patients are also represented. Authors include Jin Kaicheng, Yang Liang, Zha Youyin, Luo Dalun, Zhiwen Fenghuo Studio, and Theodore Dodge. The press combines the popularization of literary and historical knowledge with focused research, forming a publishing profile centered on traditional culture readers and balancing academic and general reading.

版权信息
《中国文化知识读本》编委会
关于《中国文化知识读本》
一龙门石窟概况
二历史沿革
（一）北魏：第一个兴盛期
（二）唐朝：第二个兴盛期
（三）盗凿破坏与修缮
三艺术特色
（一）中国石窟艺术的“里程碑”
（二）个性鲜明、结构完整
（三）皇家风范、富丽堂皇
（四）雕刻风格多变、博采众长
（五）艺术精湛、史料丰富
四西山石窟
（一）西山石窟
（二）东山石窟
（三）香山寺
（四）白园
五相关资料
（一）美丽的传说
（二）景区美食
（三）景区购物

FAQ

How is this book different from ordinary travel guides?

The book focuses on historical context, analysis of artistic style and interpretation of cultural meaning. Its depth far exceeds that of ordinary guidebooks, offering a systematic body of knowledge rather than practical information.

Do I need a professional background to understand it?

No professional background is required. The author writes in accessible language and explains concepts clearly, making the book suitable for beginners building systematic knowledge, while its depth also meets the needs of more advanced readers.

Are the illustrations in the book clear and plentiful?

The book includes representative photographs of artifacts, line drawings and diagrams sufficient to support understanding of the text, though it is not primarily intended as a photographic album.

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About the author

陈长文 Author

Chen Changwen is an author about whom little public information is available. Four of his works are included in the collection, commonly classified under design. Judging from the existing titles, his writing centers on significant Chinese cultural heritage sites and classical gardens, covering the Dazu Rock Carvings, the Longmen Grottoes, the Chengde Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, as well as Beijing landmarks such as Beihai, the Prince Gong Mansion Garden, and Jingshan. These subjects combine historical, architectural, and landscape value, suggesting an emphasis on presenting cultural heritage from a design perspective. Since his dates of birth and death, nationality, education, and professional career are not clearly documented, little can be said about his life; his works nevertheless offer accessible introductory material on grotto art and imperial gardens for readers interested in traditional architecture and landscape culture.