A unique insider's view of the most important forces shaping our era--the rise of global satellite news and the rise of China.

Gain insight into the world's hyper-modern design paradise with this stunning Chinese interior design book. In this rapidly-changing nation, the pioneering spirit of a new China manifests itself in cutting-edge design and architecture. An insatiable appetite for creative new directions is leading interior designers to infuse their work with a fresh vision rooted in Chinese culture but totally of the moment. The traditional aesthetic values of elegance, subtlety and proportion and a deep-rooted sense of China's ancient culture and art are still evident--but modern materials and techniques now form the cornerstones of new design movements. China Living Provides a fascinating overview of China's diverse design landscape today. From modernist mountain villas to high-rise condominiums, and from artistic retreats in former industrial buildings to refurbished courtyard homes--the array of lifestyles and design options in China are as varied as the country itself. China Living unveils the most exciting homes in Beijing, Shanghai and Hongkong--three of the world's most dynamic cities. From Beijing's creative formalism to Shanghai's energetic glamour and Hongkong's latest high-tech and cultural fusion--all of the homes in this book exemplify different facets of an emerging identity that is uniquely Chinese and yet has global appeal. Design topics include: Back to the Future New Creativity Urban Innovation Elemental Appeal City Glamour This stunning, colorful book offers a detailed view of the lifestyle of modern China, arguably the most exciting place on the planet right now.

Originally banned in China but later named one of that nation’s most influential books, a searing novel that portrays one man’s transformation from the spoiled son of a landlord to a kindhearted peasant. “A work of astounding emotional power.” —Dai Sijie, author of Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress From the author of Brothers and China in Ten Words: this celebrated contemporary classic of Chinese literature was also adapted for film by Zhang Yimou. After squandering his family’s fortune in gambling dens and brothels, the young, deeply penitent Fugui settles down to do the honest work of a farmer. Forced by the Nationalist Army to leave behind his family, he witnesses the horrors and privations of the Civil War, only to return years later to face a string of hardships brought on by the ravages of the Cultural Revolution. Left with an ox as the companion of his final years, Fugui stands as a model of gritty authenticity, buoyed by his appreciation for life in this narrative of humbling power.

It has been said that for the Chinese "a house is a living symbol," one endowed with meaning and the result of conscious action. China's Living Houses is the first book in any language to explore comprehensively the extraordinarily complex links among folk beliefs and household ornamentation across time, space, and social class. Well-written and copiously illustrated, it reveals dwellings as dynamic entities that express the vitality of Chinese families as each journeys through life.

My China – Living inside the Dragon is a compelling memoir that details the author’s fifteen years of living, working, and travelling in China at a pivotal time in the country’s development. Readers will find this work to be as insightful as it is entertaining. Living in China away from large expatriate communities, both through business activities, in private life and supplemented by travel around much of the country, the author was exposed to the wide-ranging variety of Chinese culture and its differing geographical influences. These included the ways and the lifestyle of the Chinese people, with those personal observations and opinions reflected in this book. This critique is widely varied in content from daily routines to a view on the more sophisticated aspects of society with all its complexities, seen through the eyes of a foreigner. Containing credible personal views including extracts from detailed personal diary notes written during this extraordinary period of China’s truly historic growth and evolution. This transformation period during the early part of this century (2002-2017) laid the foundations for its current wealth, successes, and a platform for its continual drive towards achieving its future ambitions.

"An approachable introduction to contemporary speculative fiction from China and Hong Kong that touches on issues of urbanization, sexuality, and propaganda"--

Live at the forbidden City offers a singular look at the rapidly evolving Chinese popular music scene, as seen through the eyes of one of the first progressive Western musicians to perform extensively in both China and Taiwan. In the 1980s and 90s, American author and musician Dennis Rea played concerts in venues ranging from sports arenas to underground nightclubs to TV broadcasts - frequently under bizarre circumstances and the constant threat of harassment by Communist Party authorities. Spiced with informative reflections on Chinese music and culture, Rea interweaves depictions of his musical adventures with an insider's look at China's emergent rock music phenomenon and an eyewitness account of the violent civil uprising in Chengdu at the same time as the events at Tiananmen Square.