Studies food traditions in each major period of Chinese history, noting the impact of methods of preparing, serving, preserving, and eating foods on Chinese culture

From ancient to modern times, the Chinese have celebrated an epicurean lifestyle, believing that food is not just meant to fill the stomach, but that an abundance of food denotes good fortune and that knowing what, and how, to eat is crucial to health.

Exploring the rich and varied culinary traditions of China, this book enables a better understanding of Chinese history and culture through food. Part of Bloomsbury's Global Kitchen series, this book takes readers on a food tour of China, covering everything from daily staples to holiday specialties. In addition to discovering China's long culinary history, you'll learn about recent trends, foreign influences, and contemporary food and dietary concerns, such as obesity and environmental sustainability. Chapters are organized thematically, making it easy to focus in on particular courses or types of dishes. For those hungry for a more hands-on approach, each chapter includes a collection of accessible recipes that allow readers to bring the subject to life in their own kitchens. The main text is supplemented by sidebars that offer interesting bite-sized facts, a chronology of important dates in China's culinary history, and a glossary of key food- and dining-related terms. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of modern China, asserted that China's food culture was the most advanced and sophisticated in the world, despite the country lagging the West in science, industry, and civic engagement. Today, many people outside China immediately envision iconic dishes like fried rice, egg rolls, or sweet and sour pork when they think of Chinese food. But China has a much richer and more diverse set of culinary traditions. China's food culture is one of the oldest in the world, evolving over thousands of years. It has been shaped by a myriad of forces, from historical struggles with food insecurity to the modern push toward speed and convenience. Across this large nation, unique cuisines emerged that reflect the varied geography, climate, and customs of different regions.

The study of food practices in different cultures and societies has long been an important part of anthropological studies. In recent years anthropological literature on food has generated new theoretical findings on this important aspect of human behavior that help explain cultural adaptation and social grouping in a more general way. In this volume the authors make use of ethnographic examples collected within and beyond the boundaries of China to demonstrate the theoretical relevance of Chinese-inspired foodways, tastes, and consumption.

Since the 1980s, China has developed a broader and deeper connection with the world. One of the most intriguing aspects of Chinese culture is its rich cuisine and fascinating cooking.China is a nation with a long history of food culture, and food has become an essential part of Chinese culture.This book tells in sprightly and straightforward language about the structure of traditional Chinese food, food customs for festivals and celebrations in China, Chinese dining etiquette, traditional food and cooking methods, healthy and medicinal diets, as well as historical exchanges of foods between China and other nations. It can present to the readers a complete and truthful picture of the summarized history and culture of Chinese food.Published by SCPG Publishing Corporation and distributed by World Scientific for all markets except China

The Routledge Handbook of Chinese Culture and Society is an interdisciplinary resource that offers a comprehensive overview of contemporary Chinese social and cultural issues in the twenty-first century. Bringing together experts in their respective fields, this cutting-edge survey of the significant phenomena and directions in China today covers a range of issues including the following: State, privatisation and civil society Family and education Urban and rural life Gender, and sexuality and reproduction Popular culture and the media Religion and ethnicity Forming an accessible and fascinating insight into Chinese culture and society, this handbook will be invaluable to students and scholars across a range of disciplines, including anthropology, sociology, area studies, history, politics and cultural and media studies.