Crazy Cool China

China was one of the first countries in the world to develop martial arts. Some forms are so old, the stories of their founding have become mythical. Many Westerners are familiar with Shaolin kung fu and tai chi, but fewer have heard of sanda, baguazhang, or wing chun. Westerners also frequently confuse Chinese martial arts with those from other countries, such as the Japanese karate or the Korean taekwondo. Through full-color photographs and in-depth sidebars, augmenting the engaging main text, readers gain a deeper appreciation for these ancient arts and those who practice them today.

Chinese is a fascinating and ancient linguistic system that includes hundreds of different languages. This volume offers a deep dive into the inner workings of Standard Chinese, as well as an overview of some of the lesser-known but no less important regional dialects. Through the accessible main text, augmented with insightful fact boxes and vibrant full-color photographs, readers learn about the nuances of tones, unravel the beauty of characters in both Simplified and Traditional scripts, and gain insights into China's rich cultural heritage and the essential elements that shape its unique identity.

Although the compass was first invented by the Chinese about 2,500 years ago, it's gone on to help give direction to the entire world! The introduction of the compass lead to many other advancements in science and navigation, including reliable maps, the system of latitude and longitude, and GPS. You may even have a compass app on your phone! Readers will travel to ancient China to witness the invention of the compass as a fortune-telling item and learn how it eventually became used as a navigational tool. The text also explains how the compass spread to the rest of the world, and how it has helped shape our modern lives.

Where would we be without paper? We'd have no books or magazines, no paper money, and no material on which to paint or draw. But fortunately, paper has been around for thousands of years-and we have ancient China to thank for that! This detailed volume explains the history of paper, from its likely origins with hemp fiber to its use for books and documents and its growing spread to other areas of the world. Photos of historical artifacts bring history to life, and further sources encourage readers to learn more.

China is home to a thriving film and television industry. Today, the most popular movies and television series in China are homegrown blockbusters with the highest production values, dazzling special effects, and top-notch storytelling. A dynamic group of young actors have emerged to meet the demands of audiences for Chinese productions. They are phenomenally talented all-around performers who are able to sing and dance as well as they act. They also somehow find time to model, produce films, make music videos, become social media stars, endorse luxury brands, and support important causes and charities. This is your VIP pass to meet and greet these young superstars and gain a privileged glimpse into their fascinating and fast-paced lives.

China, one of the largest countries in the world, is full of natural wonders of many kinds. From the peak of Huangshan, the Yellow Mountain, to the subterranean beauty of Shuanghe Cave, the country has an immense variety of amazing and unusual landforms, waterways, and plants. Readers can admire full-color photographs of such sites as the Stone Forest, or Shilin, the otherworldly mountains of Zhangjiajie National Park, and the rainbow waters of Yuncheng Lake. They'll also learn further fascinating details about all the sites through in-depth sidebars and connected stories.

China's architecture has always impressed, whether the structure is an ancient temple with perfect symmetry or a modern skyscraper that reflects the passing clouds. In the past century, China's growth as an economic power and its rapid urbanization has demanded ingenuity of architects, who have responded with remarkable designs. This inviting text takes readers on a tour of China's craziest and coolest architectural creations. Through well-researched text and stunning photographs, they'll discover the jaw-dropping dimensions of the New Century Global Center, the intricate ornamentation of Beijing National Stadium, and the record-breaking construction process of the T30 Hotel, among many other fascinating facts.

As the world's oldest continuous civilization, China has been-and continues to be-at the forefront of technological advancement. Through the history of China's craziest and coolest inventions-from the Four Great Inventions of the compass, gunpowder, papermaking, and printing to modern innovations such as E-commerce and mobile payment-readers are given an expansive view of China's immense influence on world history and culture.

The history, diversity, global influence, and straight-up deliciousness of Chinese cuisine is both irresistible and overwhelming. You're going to need a map. Or, better, a tasting menu. And this book is it. Beginning with the most iconic staple of Chinese cuisine, rice, and finishing with the ultimate party meal, hot pot, readers take a culinary tour of China that prepares them to dig deeper into the crazy cool world of Chinese food. Think of it as an appetizer. Read hungry.

Artifacts can show a lot about a culture and its past, and China-with a history going back thousands and thousands of years-has more artifacts than most! Even seemingly ordinary bits and pieces can show a lot about this fascinating region and country, if you know what to look for. Full-color photos of Chinese artifacts and intriguing details about their past will catch readers' interest. The mystery of history itself will pull them in to learning about mysterious swords, shining jade, flowing silk, and even the story behind the biggest artifact of them all.

Printing changed the world! Because of this innovation, people could more easily share knowledge and preserve it for future generations. More people learned to read, and ideas and learning spread-as did the notions of literature and art. And it all started in ancient China! Readers will learn how the first types of printing began, as well as how the inventions spread and how they affected the ideas of history, literature, art, religion, and politics not only in China but around the world. Detailed descriptions of early means of printing and color photos bring the history of this important innovation to life.

Few inventions have changed the world as much as gunpowder has. But, did you know that its creation may date back nearly 2,000 years? It's one of the so-called Four Great Inventions of China, and it likely all started with an accident. In this in-depth book, readers will learn more about the long and intricate background of gunpowder, from its unlikely beginnings to its use in old Chinese weapons and fireworks and its spread throughout the world. Photos give more background to the text, while extra features such as sidebars encourage further curiosity.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Chinese painting and calligraphy with this illuminating volume. The history of these artforms goes back through centuries, intertwined with many aspects of culture and religion and tradition. Readers will learn more about the iconic painters and revered calligraphers throughout this history, their tools of the trade, and the connections between these ancient arts. Full-color photographs and images of art will show off the beauty of these traditions, and sidebars and connected stories will provide even more depth.