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Summary
* Offers readers a compelling glimpse into the complexity and richness of daily life in China * Showcases thirteen short stories from promising new Chinese authors Citizens of the world are familiar with the myriad changes that are buffeting tradition-based China. But what do these changes really mean to the people within the country's borders? Chinese life at a household level is captured in this new book, which seeks out and shares with the reader the lived experience of everyday people, from coast to interior, city to countryside, and across the widening income divide. This book interviews thirty Chinese men and women from different walks of life and from different regions. Interviewees provide their household budget, a typical daily chronology, and they share a sense of each day's pressures and priorities. In addition, thirteen well-known Chinese writers, commissioned by editors at Rongshu Publishing, have contributed short stories presenting daily life from the points of view of different ages, genders, professions, income levels and life situations. Essays by well-known Chinese sociologist Deng Weizhi and political scientist Cao Peilin complete the book. The text is supplemented with some 150 black-and-white photographs and a set of nine tables and charts. With contributions by: Yu Wen-Xin, Wang Xiao-shan, Gao Jia, Old Cat, Xie Zheng-Yi, Jiang Fang Zhou, Xiao Yi, Lin Chang-Zhi, An Chang-He, Liu Fang, You Fan, Enya, Liu Tong, Deng Weizhi and Cao Peilin.
Table of Contents
Introduction | |
Foreword and Acknowledgements | p. 10 |
A Journey through China | |
Bian Xiukui, Farmer, Shandong | p. 22 |
Han Lanzheng, Country Doctor, Shandong | p. 30 |
The Grandparent's Tale | p. 38 |
Xu Zhiguo, Taxi Driver, Beijing | p. 44 |
The Garbage Picker's Tale | p. 54 |
Liu Yi, Insurance Agent, Beijing | p. 56 |
The Shopkeeper's Tale | p. 66 |
Wang Yunkun, Retired Professor of Political Science, Beijing | p. 70 |
The Gas Station Attendant's Tale | p. 80 |
Liu Weina, Bankmanager, Beijing | p. 84 |
Yangjin Lamu, Professional Singer, Beijing/Tibet/Taiwan | p. 92 |
Wang Xi, Migrant Restaurant Worker, Shanghai | p. 100 |
The Construction Worker's Tale | p. 110 |
Chu Jufeng, Middle School Student, Outskirts of Shanghai | p. 114 |
Gao Lui, Clothing Salesman, Shanghai | p. 126 |
The Student's Tale | p. 134 |
Ms. Wang, KTV Hostess, Shanghai | p. 138 |
Fan Youyi, Night Watchman, Shanghai | p. 148 |
Chen Liang, Engineer at an MNC, Shanghai | p. 158 |
The Tale of the Massage Girls | p. 166 |
Pan Dongming, Migrant Restaurant Worker, Shanghai | p. 170 |
The Factory Worker's Tale | p. 180 |
He Guiquan, Factory Worker, Guangdong | p. 184 |
The Retired Farmer's Tale | p. 192 |
Feng Changming, Shop Owner, Guangdong | p. 196 |
Mrs. Wu, Department Head, Government Bureau for Public Complaints, Disguised Location | p. 206 |
The Tale of the Hydraulic Worker | p. 218 |
Li Qihui, Doctor, Chongqing | p. 222 |
The Hairdresser's Tale | p. 232 |
Li Sulan, Maid, Chongqing | p. 236 |
Sheng Mingyu, Associate Professor of Computer Science, Chongqing | p. 244 |
The Traffic Cop's Tale | p. 256 |
Yang Ling, Mini-Bus Driver at Factory, Chongqing | p. 258 |
Wu Shuang, Middle School Teacher, Rural Chongqing | p. 266 |
The Coal Miner's Tale | p. 278 |
Chen Yueyang, Middle School Student, Chongqing | p. 282 |
Deng Dai, Retired Professor of Preschool Education, Chongqing | p. 292 |
Insiders' Reflections | |
Building a Harmonious Society | p. 308 |
Chinese Political Reform: From Ideals to Institutions | p. 316 |
Appendixes | |
Occupation Types in China's Rural-Urban Areas | p. 322 |
Rural-Urban Divide and Social Security - Facts and Figures | p. 324 |
Popular TV Shows and Magazines | p. 326 |
My Favorite Books on China | p. 330 |
Map of China | p. 334 |
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved. |
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