★ Researcher Cheng Ma from the Institute of Literature at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences has devoted himself to creating this work! Centered on “local customs and human sentiments,” the content covers various aspects of Chinese life, society, and psychology.

This book uses accessible language to introduce the fundamental social features and everyday human interactions in China. Apart from the introduction, the book is divided into three parts: the first part, “Chinese Folkways,” focuses on Chinese cuisine, residential architecture, and ethnic costumes; the second part, “The Chinese Family,” explores the Chinese sense of family and China’s religious traditions; and the third part, “The Chinese Psyche,” highlights characteristics such as the relatively weak emphasis on religion combined with a strong ethical consciousness, as well as the deeply ingrained moral and ethical values among the Chinese people.

Cheng Ma

He is a researcher at the Comparative Literature Research Office of the Institute of Literature, Social Sciences of China.
His major works include “Lu Xun's Study in Japan”, “Communication and Renewal: The Relationship between Lu Xun and Japanese Literature”, “The Theory of Literary Values”, “Chinese Psychological Disorder: The Cult of Completion”, and so on. His translations include “The Collected Works of Minoru Takeuchi”(10 volumes) and more.

Foreword
—The Charm of China’s Land and People
Introduction: A Diverse Yet Unified China
1. Vast and Varied Natural Landscapes
2. A Mosaic of Ethnic Groups
3. Multiple Dialects Sharing the Same Written Language
4. Cities and Countryside Complementing Each Other
Part I: Chinese Folkways
I. Chinese Cuisine Is World-Famous
1. A Time-Tested Culinary Culture
① Food Is Paramount for the People
② Food and Politics
③ Meals Are a Cultural Expression
2. Sweet in the South, Salty in the North, Spicy in the East, Sour in the West
① Many Regional Culinary Traditions
② The Joy of Eating
③ Examples of Famous Dishes
II. Residential Architecture Takes Many Forms
1. Architecture Reflects Cultural Traditions
① Predominance of Earth-and-Timber Construction
② Great Regional Variations
③ Deep Roots in Kinship Ties
2. Distinctive Styles Across the Country
① Beijing Courtyard Houses
② Cave Dwellings in Northwest China
③ Traditional Residences in the Jiangnan Region
III. Ethnic Costumes Are Colorful and Diverse
1. Traditional Attire Has Its Own Distinctive Character
① A Long History of Dress Traditions
② Tangzhuang of the Han People
③ Qipao of the Manchu People
2. A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
① Contemporary Fashion Trends
② The Beauty of Ethnic Costumes
③ Great Potential for Future Development
Part II: Chinese Families
I. A Deeply Rooted Sense of Family
1. Reunion During Festivals
① The Most Vibrant Celebration: Spring Festival
② Temple Fairs and Garden Parties
③ Visiting Home Regularly
2. Everyone Aspires to Family Happiness
① The Desire for a “Family Portrait”
② A Warm, Close-Knit Family
③ The New Twenty-Four Filial Piety Rules
II. Time-Honored Clan Traditions
1. Complex and Diverse Kinship Ties
① Numerous Kinship Relationships
② Clans in Rural Areas
③ The Emperor’s “Dynastic Rule”
2. Clan Consciousness Shapes Society
① Strong Local Identity
② Social Networks Based on Personal Connections
③ Family-Style Enterprises
Part III: The Chinese Psyche
I. Valuing “Face” While Upholding Ethical Norms
1. A Universal Awareness of “Face”
① The Notion of the “Ah Q Spirit”
② A Strong Sense of Equality
③ Clear Standards of Self-Respect
2. Morality Widely Recognized in Society
① The Traditional Concept of “Righteousness”
② Justified Resistance or Rebellion
③ Love and “Loyalty and Affection”
II. Emphasizing Secular Values Over Religious Beliefs
1. Secular Traditions Are Ubiquitous
① Pursuit of Wealth and Contentment
② True Happiness Lies in Fulfillment of Desires
③ The Five Virtues: Benevolence, Righteousness, Propriety, Wisdom, and Faithfulness
2. Harmony Through Diversity
① Religious Pluralism
② Belief in the Inherent Goodness of Human Nature
③ The Ideal of “Harmony”
Afterword