书评

Insights into Chinese Culture serves as a profound portal, unveiling the rich and intricate layers of Chinese culture. Among its diverse explorations, the depiction of old Shanghai stands out as a captivating microcosm, vividly illustrating the complex interplay between modernity and tradition, as well as the seamless convergence of Chinese and foreign cultures. Shikumen buildings, the iconic architectural gems of old Shanghai, were more than mere structures; they were living testaments to the city's historical and cultural evolution. These buildings housed a diverse array of residents, from office clerks and industrial workers to artists, playwrights, and musicians. In the 1920s, renowned figures like Lu Xun, Mao Dun, Ba Jin, Xu Beihong, and Liu Haisu found shelter and inspiration within their walls, with some even dwelling in the humble garrets. These small, sun - deprived spaces, cold in winter and sweltering in summer, became crucibles of creativity, nurturing the literary and artistic endeavors that would shape modern Chinese culture. The Shikumen's design itself was a blend of Chinese and Western influences. While the exterior retained traditional Chinese elements, the layout and functionality often incorporated Western architectural concepts, symbolizing Shanghai's openness to external influences while maintaining its cultural roots. The alleys, or lilong/longtang, formed by these Shikumen buildings were the heart of ordinary Shanghai life. Ranging from four meters to less than three meters in width, these narrow thoroughfares witnessed every aspect of daily existence, from eating and washing to cleaning vegetables and emptying night - stools. In summer, the alleys transformed into communal spaces, with families sharing meals outdoors and enjoying the evening breeze on reclining chairs. The openness of alley life meant little privacy; everyone knew their neighbors' affairs. Paradoxically, this lack of privacy may have fostered the open - mindedness of Shanghai people, a trait that would later aid in embracing foreign cultures. The alleys were also bustling commercial hubs, lined with small shops and filled with vendors selling southern - style snacks like steaming wonton soup, ham zongzi, and sweet rice porridge. The unique interaction between vendors and residents, such as using baskets to buy snacks from upper - floor windows, demonstrated the city's adaptability and the harmonious blend of convenience and tradition. Despite this seemingly insular daily life, old Shanghai was far from isolated from Western modernity. Middle - class and intellectual residents, especially writers, frequented foreign - language bookstores, eager to access the latest Western publications. Ye Lingfeng's purchase of James Joyce's Ulysses is a prime example. His willingness to pay 70 cents for a book worth 10 US dollars highlighted the intellectual curiosity of Shanghai's residents and their deep connection to global cultural trends. Even while living in traditional Shikumen buildings, their thoughts and tastes were being subtly shaped by Western ideas, creating a fascinating tension between tradition and modernity. This tension found a new expression at the turn of the 21st century with the creation of Xintiandi. Renovated from Shikumen alleys, this entertainment resort preserved the external black bricks and paths, paying homage to the city's past. Inside, however, modern cafes, restaurants, music bars, fashion outlets, and movie theaters catered to contemporary lifestyles. Xintiandi became a cultural phenomenon, appealing to all. As the saying goes, “The aged feel nostalgic, the young feel fashionable, foreign visitors feel very Chinese, and Chinese people see it as Western style.” It was a perfect example of Shanghai's ability to blend modernity and tradition, creating something both original and fashionable. In conclusion, the portrayal of old Shanghai in Insights into Chinese Culture offers a rich and detailed view of a city at the crossroads of cultures. Shikumen buildings and their alleys, the daily life within, and the transformation into modern spaces like Xintiandi all illustrate how Shanghai thrived on its openness and adaptability. This cosmopolitan city, as depicted in the book, serves as a microcosm of the broader Chinese cultural landscape, where past and present, local and global, constantly interact and evolve. The book effectively captures these nuances, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the complexity and richness of Chinese culture.