书评

Insights into Chinese Culture is an English-language introduction to the rich and diverse heritage of China, authored by two distinguished Peking University professors, Ye Lang and Zhu Liangzhi. Designed to be accessible, its language difficulty is comparable to the U.S. middle school level, making it an excellent resource for university freshmen or any reader beginning their exploration of Chinese civilization. The book is systematically organized into 37 concise chapters, each focusing on a distinct and iconic aspect of Chinese culture. Rather than attempting a superficial overview, it selects key cultural highlights and delves into them using vivid examples and engaging material. Major topics include the celebrated Four Great Inventions, the philosophical principles behind traditional Chinese architecture and painting, the artistry and social significance of Chinese cuisine and tea culture, the disciplined practice of martial arts (Kung Fu), and the strategic depth of the board game Go (Weiqi). A significant strength of the book is its approach. It moves beyond merely listing facts or describing customs. The authors, both experts in philosophy and art, aim to uncover the underlying spirit, values, and philosophical ideas that have shaped these cultural practices for centuries. They connect tangible achievements—like a pagoda’s structure or a brush painting’s technique—to intangible concepts such as harmony with nature, balance, and symbolic meaning. In essence, Insights into Chinese Culture serves as a clear and thoughtful gateway. It provides foundational knowledge about China's most recognizable contributions while simultaneously offering deeper insights into the traditional worldview and aesthetic sensibilities of the Chinese people. For a freshman student, it is an informative and manageable text that builds both cultural understanding and relevant English vocabulary in the context of humanities and cross-cultural studies.