China Beyond the Binary

Book excerpt: This book brings together Ancient Chinese stories from millennia ago, great novels depicting China’s culture, online literature attracting millions of its youngsters, and people celebrating its traditions. It discusses the first-hand experience of living and teaching in China, different versions of “Beauty and the Beast,” the Chinese New Year and its celebration beyond China, Taoism and Confucianism, and traditional and newly emerged literature. The volume represents a magic combination of stories and academic studies, with ideas from writers from different backgrounds. All these voices form a China in the modern chaotic world and depict its relationship with other cultures, histories and literatures.