With more than 1.3 billion people, 56 ethnic groups, five thousand years of history and dozens of extraordinary transformations, China is a giant country. From politics and economics to history and culture, China is full of contradictions, customs and histories so complex that it can seem almost impenetrable. If you want to learn about Chinese culture and history, keep reading to discover 9 books that will help you get to the true heart of the country.
1. china in ten words by yu hua
Renowned Chinese author Yu Hua, takes you you on an incredible journey through the complexities and contrasts of China. He does it in just ten different words and concepts commonly found in the Chinese vernacular; People, leader, reading, writing, Lu Xun, revolution, disparity, grassroots, copycat and bamboozle.
You are reading: Books about chinese culture
yu hua says: “if I tried to attend to each and every aspect of modern china, this effort would be endless, and the book would outlast the thousand and one nights.” so I limit myself to just ten words.” On this basis, Yu Hua covers Chinese culture, history, politics, and society. unlocks the mysteries of modern Chinese by sharing a witty and refreshing Chinese perspective. As one of the country’s most famous contemporary writers, you can’t stop reading this masterpiece.
experience it yourself: classic porcelain
2. liao yiwu’s corpse walker
If you’d want to meet the regular people of China, this fantastic book by Liao Yiwu is a must-read. Liao Yiwu goes on a journey across China to meet the ordinary people, often those cast to the bottom of society, who really make China tick. From a professional mourner to a grave robber to a public toilet manager and a Falun Gong practitioner, Liao Yiwu is a master at getting his interview subjects to talk openly. The result is a moving, funny and fascinating book about the everyday lives of people in modern China.
related content: the beginners guide to china: where to go and what to do
3. china witness by xinran
See Also: Free Self-help & Self-Improvement Audiobooks
This ground-breaking book gives a voice to the silent generation, sharing the untold stories from the 20th century history of China. Renowned author Xinran travels across the country, speaking to grandparents and great-grandparents. These are the people who experienced the astounding changes of China in two key periods; after 1912 when five thousands years of feudal rule ended, and after 1949 when Mao Zedong rose to power. The book’s subjects bravely share their experiences, struggles and dreams, many for the first time. Many also still fear repercussions for speaking out.
xinran pays tribute to these incredible men and women who lived through war, revolution, famine and urbanization. They saw China transform from an agricultural state to a modern country with more than 1.3 billion people. you will meet ordinary but fascinating people; taxi drivers, teachers, shoemakers, an herbalist, lantern makers, an acrobat, red guards, a naval general and many more, all in their seventies and nineties. While they were once forced to be the silent generation, their precious stories will now live on in this remarkable work of oral history.
experience it for yourself: the best of china with the yangtze cruise
4. factory girls by leslie t. change
China is home to 130 million migrant workers. Every year they travel to their home villages for the New Year’s holiday and it’s the world’s largest human migration. Leslie T. Chang tells the story of these migrant workers through two young women working on the assembly lines of the industrial city Dongguan. Chang follows the women for three years, observing how the economic boom of China has changed the lives of many women working in the factories. From Chang’s own history to the real hardships and human side of China’s manufacturing industry, this book is a must-read on Chinese culture and history.
related content: 6 local and immersive gastronomic experiences you can do with trafalgar in china
5. the souls of china: the return of religion after mao by ian johnson
When we examine China in the post-Mao era, we often focus on the booming urbanisation, consumerism, technology and mega-companies. But what about the religion and spirituality of China? This topic is crucial for understanding the complex fabric of modern China. Ian Johnson masterfully uncovers what happened to China’s spirituality after the end of the Cultural Revolution.
the incredible revival of religion in china began in 1982. the communist party allowed the practice of religion on a small scale under strict government surveillance. today, more than 300 million Chinese practice a faith and towns and cities are dotted with churches, temples and mosques. Johnson delved into this revival, spending six years living with three religious communities, including Protestants, Buddhists, and Daoists. He talks to Chinese locals to get his perspective on spirituality and discovers a great awakening of faith in China.
See Also: Lisa Gardner – Audio Books, Best Sellers, Author Bio | Audible.com
related content: how to place chopsticks and other Chinese customs to know before you go
6. Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang
This moving true story shares the tale of three generations of women spanning the 20th century – one of the most transformative eras in China’s history. The story shares the lives of the author Jung Chang, who was a Red Guard, her mother, a high-ranking member of the Communist Party during the Cultural Revolution, and her grandmother, who was a warlord’s concubine. Wild Swans offers such a captivating glimpse into this turbulent time in Chinese history, you won’t want to stop reading. It has inspired a generation of people to look back on their own histories and stories. And it’s a must-read for anyone who wants to know more about the impact of the Cultural Revolution in China.
7. oracle bones: a journey between china’s past and present by peter hessler
If you want to understand the culture and history of China, you’ve got to read Peter Hessler. He’s published four books on China, including the highly acclaimed ‘Oracle Bones’ in 2006. This book draws on personal and historical narratives and stunning descriptions of Chinese life spanning from the ancient to modern China. Peter Hessler connects with ordinary Chinese locals who have felt the impact of political issues such as the Cultural Revolution. They include his former students, the archaeologist Chen Mengjia who committed suicide during the Cultural Revolution, and a Uighur dissident who fled to the USA, among others. This eye-opening book offers a precious glimpse into the lives of China’s hard-working people. You’re sure to head straight for Peter Hessler’s other books on China after reading this one.
related content: why everyone needs a trip to asia at least once in their life
8. half of a lifelong romance by eileen chang
If you want to understand the intimate social dynamics in the culture and history of China, Eileen Chang is a must-read author. In Half a Lifelong Romance, set in 1930s Shanghai, Chang explores the Chinese traditions of family duty, wealth, and the role of women in society, all wrapped up in a beautiful love story. Chang tells the tale of a young engineer who falls in love with his colleague, despite his family’s efforts to marry him off to his wealthy cousin. Dark secrets and betrayal force the lovers apart, and over time they fall apart. But they hold on to a sliver of hope that they may one day be together. This modern classic is a heart-wrenching story in a dazzling city and is essential for understanding Chinese societal pressures.
9. sun tzu’s art of war
As one of the oldest preserved books in China and a timeless classic, The Art of War has influenced countless politicians, executives, military figures and anyone looking to master the art of conflict and become a better leader. Written by the warrior-philosopher Sun Tzu over 2,000 years ago, the author famously states that conflict is an inevitable part of life, but “to win without fighting is best.” This masterful book also delves into China’s history and it’s a must-read for anyone looking to learn more about the politics and psychology of conflict in China and the world.
Can you recommend any books on Chinese culture and history? let us know in the comments below!
See Also: 25 Best Middle-Grade Books About Animals (Animal Stories)