Chronicling the traditions of Chinese life and culture, The Art of Chinese Living is a visual cornucopia and an epic cultural immersion into everything from cuisine and history to art and rituals, calligraphy and music to artefacts and interiors, and from widespread national traditions to the minutiae of daily family life.

Spanning over 1,100 stunning pages and divided into the four seasons, this lavish four-volume set in a cloth-bound slipcase is alive with culture. The passion and research that have gone into producing this masterpiece are palpable on every page, from the 10,000 commissioned photographs and illustrations to the incredible gatefold pages and painstaking detail. It is a love letter to Chinese culture written by a mother keen to share her passion for incredible traditions both big and small with her own children, and those of families around the world - whether looking to rekindle a connection with their own traditions or eager to learn more about China, its history and culture.

From recipes and home-made gift ideas to an epic timeline of Chinese dynasties and cultural artefacts, The Art of Chinese Living is a joy to behold and a treasure to share.

In the words of the author, 'This volume of books is a gift to all the Chinese people, as well as all who have a love for Chinese culture. My objective was to enable everyone to access Chinese culture in their everyday lives, rather than something that could only be appreciated in museums or history books.'

About the Author

Xiang Yao is an award-winning designer whose work spans the fields of interior design, fashion, gift and jewelry. She has also written two best-selling publications: The Art of Chinese Living: An Inheritance of Tradition (first published in Chinese in 2010) and Along the Taipei River (2020). For both books, Xiang assembled detailed descriptions, compelling stories and stunning visuals that would captivate her readers and transmit her deep passion for Chinese art and tradition. And behind the beautiful pages of these books is a mother who is passionate about educating her children in the ways of traditional Chinese culture. Xiang's work effortlessly bridges ancient Chinese culture and the modern world, offering a refreshing take on an illustrious history that dates back several millennia. Xiang currently lives in Taipei, Taiwan, with her husband Kris, and their four dogs.

Reviews

'Xiang [Yao] weaves three unique perspectives into the book: that of a daughter, a wife, and a mother. She has depicted Chinese culture in a lively manner, and has incorporated beautiful photographs to represent the Chinese cultural treasure. [The book] is easy-to-read yet profound, and is certainly a textbook that is alive with culture.'
- Film and martial arts star Jet Li

Book Information
ISBN 9780008400002
Author Xiang Yao
Page Count 1104
Imprint HarperCollins
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 4690g
Dimensions(mm) 290mm * 226mm * 103mm