See China

This article presents 11 short stories that explain various ideas of Chinese mythology and philosophy. Shenlong（the divine dragons) 神龙 1 when Nuwa woke up, the sun was already high in the sky; though she covered her face with some leaves and branches, the bright light still shone though she turned her body towards the forest [...]

The Chinese names for the powers of ten numbering system are in multiples of ten thousand. And the Book of Supreme Principles Governing the World (皇极经世书) in the Song Dynasty calculated the “end of universe” using such a system.

The late Tang Dynasty poet Li Shangyin (813-858) wrote some of the most lyrical verses known in Chinese poetry, in particular poems about unconsummated love. Are the love poems just about love, or do they have philosophical or political overtones? Professor Yuen from Singapore seeks to find an answer in this article in series.

Several news books on China, both fiction and non-fiction, that you might want to check out.

Zhang Zao (张枣,1962-2010), respected as one of the best Third Generation poets of China, passed away in the University of Tubingen of Germany from lung cancer on March 8th at the age of 48. Zhang Zao’s poems are very finely structured with both eastern and western historical connotations, sensitive emotional nuances and a deep sense of philosophical awareness.

For people who love to read who happen to be in Beijing, Chengdu or Suzhou right now, you’re in luck: the annual Bookworm International Literary Festival is underway at the three locations of The Bookworm. Over the two weeks of March 5-19, over 40 writers will participate in numerous book talks, seminars and writing workshops [...]

Launched in 1904, the Eastern Miscellany (东方杂志) is an encyclopedic witness to, and active player in the history of China in the first half of the 20th century. Now going online at http://em.refbook.com.cn, it provides full access to 30,000 articles, 12,000 pictures and 14,000 advertisements in original copies. A true treasurehouse for historically minded people to explore!

Evan Osnos from New Yorker, who’s running a regular “Letter from China” with quite a good sense of humor, has recommended three other China buffs who have went far enough into China’s most hide-away museums and produced the book Odyssey China: Museums.

A roundup of four major events in the world of Chinese book publishing in 2009.

Had enough of imperial architecture? There are numerous museums in Beijing that handle subjects other than various dynasties and their palaces. For a taste of the artistic and the literary, try these museums, many of which are found in secluded hutongs — themselves worth the journey and exploration.