A Poetic Portal to Chinese Culture

This is a new edition (revised in 2024) of a book that has brought the author a certificate of commendation from California's Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors for contribution to cultural diversity. It's a well-deserved honor.

Poetry is the most concise and precise expression of a culture. A Poetic Portal to Chinese Culture is therefore your smartest start to learn everything about one of the world's oldest civilizations. Through in-depth but easy-to-read interpretations of Chinese poetry, this book with captivating color pictures familiarizes you with all the flamboyant Chinese festivals of the year and shows you Chinese people's core values. With its 12 chapters named after a calendar year's 12 months, this book takes you through an imaginary calendar year to embrace one Chinese custom after another in chronological order. As a month usually contains four to five weeks, each chapter presents English translations of four or five famous Chinese poems that portray the chapter's designated time of year. Envision Chinese poetry as an arch of wisteria growing from Chinese culture to crown the culture's entrance. If you are one of the outsiders who appreciate the calligraphy of Chinese poems but don't know their meanings, let the author of this book unlock the gate of language for you, and guide you all the way into the heart of the cultural garden.