Book Review:

Insights into Chinese Culture The book Insights into Chinese Culture is written by two famous professors from Peking University, Ye Lang and Zhu Liangzhi. It is written in simple English for foreign middle school students, and it costs only 16 yuan. The whole book has 37 chapters, covering many typical parts of Chinese culture, such as the Four Great Inventions, old buildings, traditional paintings, delicious food, kung fu and the game of go. After reading it, I have totally new ideas about our own culture. At first, I thought this book was just a simple list of cultural facts. But soon I found it was much better. The writers do not only tell us what these cultural things are. More importantly, they explain the spirit and special meanings behind them. When talking about Chinese food, they connect different local dishes with Chinese people’s love for family and respect for natural seasons. When introducing kung fu, they say it is not only for fighting. It stands for self-control, kindness and politeness. Every cultural symbol carries the core values of China: peace, modesty and openness. The two writers are experienced teachers and researchers. They have studied Chinese culture, philosophy and art for many years. Instead of using hard academic words, they use easy examples and clear sentences. This makes deep cultural ideas easy to understand. Even readers without much background knowledge can follow the book smoothly. I especially love that the book keeps showing the inner beauty of our culture, not just its outer looks. Before reading this book, my knowledge of Chinese culture was broken and shallow. I only knew some popular symbols but never understood their deep meanings. This book changes my mind completely. I realize Chinese culture is not old dead relics, but a living way of thinking that guides people’s daily life. The most touching point is that Chinese culture has always been open to new ideas from outside while keeping its own roots. This tells me we should treat different cultures with respect instead of bias. This book also makes me feel more proud of our culture. Many teenagers today pay more attention to foreign cultures and ignore our own traditions. However, every chapter here reminds me how valuable our heritage is. The wisdom of living in peace with nature, the importance of being nice to family and the wish for a balanced heart are all great treasures for people all over the world. In today’s world with frequent cross-cultural communication, this English book acts as a great bridge. It helps foreign readers know real China and reduces misunderstandings between different countries. In conclusion, Insights into Chinese Culture is far more than a reading material for language learning. It is a warm and clear guide to the heart of Chinese civilization. With simple language and rich content, it tells Chinese stories to the whole world in an easy way. I learn not only cultural knowledge but also how to look at other civilizations with tolerance. I strongly suggest this book to students who want to know more about our culture and improve their English at the same time. It is a meaningful book worth reading again and again.