《悠悠秦淮》书评

悠悠秦淮，缱绻情怀~

1. Introduction of NanjingNanjing, this city so rich in culture and nature that one will find themselves alternating between ancient and modern with every step with a canopy of cooling foliage overhead.2. Confucius and the Imperial ExaminationPassing the examination earned student the official title of scholar and entrance into a powerful new world with the opportunity to help steer the Middle Kingdom to new levels. While failure for some meant humiliation, other students were propelled into new avenues where their knowledge could blossom such literature and arts. The Man Himself (the Great Sage) Throughout his life Confucius was enthralled with establishing a concept for the lives of both people and rulers by establishing a code of conduct given by Heaven. To Confucius this was both the idea of a supernatural Supreme Being and the cycle of life that surrounds our very existence.The Imperial ExamsThe examination itself was an exercise in civil and philosophical matters. At its height the examination focused on the so-called "Five Studies", being civillw, taxation, military matters, geography and agriculture and a mastery of Confucian ideology.3. Folk Customs along the Qinhuai RiverAs an ancient city with a deep and illustrious history, Nanjing has been home to many of the most famous and influential high art and folk art of Chinese culture. The Qinhuai River has served as the cradle for the art to develop.CalligraphyPaintingSilk BrocadeLocal DelicaciesOne cannot think about China without thinking about food. There are so many amazing and interesting things to eat in China that a lifetime of gastronomical research would hardly cover it all.MusicFor many familiar with Chinese music the more popular or at least most recognizable instrument is erhu. The two-wtringed bowed instrument is often referred to as the Chinese violin and produces a somewhat similar sound that although beloved in China requires more diligence to appreciate with Western ears. Riverside PerformanceThe flowing silk that wraps the dancers and streams behind them in a wake of flowing color matches the twinkling reflections of the stage lights on the water. Dancers and singers blossom from giant silk lotus flowers floating in front of the stage.Kunqu OperaKunqu could be performed anywhere from outdoors to smaller venues. Performances could last from a few hours to even a few days. As the opera began to be infiltrated by the scholarly class and imperial noblemen and as the subject matter became more intense the venues switched to the homes of high officials and courtesans.Nanjing Folk ArtPaper LanternsThe Chinese DiaboloPaper CuttingChinese Lacquer Ware4. The Eight Beauties of the Qinhuai RiverAs with courtesans in all cultures throughout history several formed intellectual companionships with their patrons. Scholars would compose poetry or practice calligraphy and painting with their newfound confidant in turn passing this knowledge onto them.5. Buddhism and NanjingBuddhism in China has a long history reaching back more than two millennia. Coming from India, the religious and philosophical tenets of peace and release of human suffering through meditation were attractive as China which was then more a collection of warring states than a united land.6. Seeing Nanjing through the Prism of the Qinhuai RiverExperiencing Nanjing gives you a fascinating and wide view of the history and culture of China. Much of what we view as being the hallmarks of Chinese culture has their roots here in Nanjing. The modern city that has blossomed from the history is a unique and beautiful place that offers that best of what China has to offer.