Chinese Imperial Women (2010 Edition - EPUB)
Chinese Imperial Women (2010 Edition - EPUB)

Author: Lim SK

Publisher: Asiapac Books Pte Ltd

Published: 2018-11-12

Total Pages: 162

ISBN-13: 9812299947

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The word 'harem' often conjures up images of beautiful, half-dressed oriental women lounging in some stately pleasure dome, waiting for the opportunity to satisfy their masters. And in some ways this was not far from the truth. Tang Dynasty Emperor Xuanzong had 40,000 women in his harem, while the Qing emperors would fill their harem with the most eligible girls in the country for both pleasure and procreation. Some emperors were blessed with empresses who led their dynasties to prosperity and stability. Many emperors, however, found out that they had taken on more than they expected with the arrival of talented, ruthless and ambitious beauties. Wu Zetian was one such woman. Arriving in the harem of Tang Emperor Taizong as a sweet-faced 14-year-old, she went on, through treachery and murder, to become empress. This book tells the stories of the outstanding, the outrageous, the glorious as well as the tragic empresses and concubines of the Chinese palace.

Secrets of the Chinese Palace (2010 Edition - EPUB)
Secrets of the Chinese Palace (2010 Edition - EPUB)

Author: Lim SK

Publisher: Asiapac Books Pte Ltd

Published: 2018-11-20

Total Pages: 191

ISBN-13: 9812299963

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For 5,000 years, kings and emperors had ruled China with the palace as their power hub. Yet the common people knew little of the goings-on there, even though court affairs greatly affected their lives. In this book, we unveil the secrets of the Chinese palace. You will learn about the physical palaces of the various dynasties of China although most of them no longer exist. Meet the occupants of the palace: the emperors, empresses, imperial concubines and siblings, eunuchs and many others, and find out how the notable ones altered the course of history. You will be surprised to know that although authority was vested in the emperor, there were numerous occasions when others, such as the empress, concubines, eunuchs and even imperial siblings around him, supplanted his power. Renowned cartoonist Tian Hengyu now relives these stirring tales with the deft strokes of his pen to shed new insights into Chinese history.

Popular Chinese Fables (2010 Edition - EPUB)
Popular Chinese Fables (2010 Edition - EPUB)

Author: Wu Jingyu

Publisher: Asiapac Books Pte Ltd

Published: 2018-12-21

Total Pages: 130

ISBN-13: 9812296778

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One of the earliest literary works of mankind is in the form of fables. Bedside stories told to children by mothers or grannies contained a great deal of fables. Fables are made up of amusing anecdotes which are interesting, educational, thought-provoking, delightful and enjoyable to people of all ages. Ancient these fables may seem, but when they are summarised into their pithy titles, they become idioms of common usage among the people even to these modern days. This book contains more than 70 Chinese fables that have been handed down from ancient times, told with lively comic illustrations by Chinese cartoonist Tian Hengyu who is renowned for his expressive illustrations with crisp and clear-cut lines. You are sure to be amused as you go through all these ancient stories and you will also be amazed by the subtlety and succinctness of meaning conveyed by them.

Origins of Chinese Culture (2010 Edition - EPUB)
Origins of Chinese Culture (2010 Edition - EPUB)

Author: Li Xiaoxiang

Publisher: Asiapac Books Pte Ltd

Published: 2018-09-13

Total Pages: 158

ISBN-13: 9812299831

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Origins of Chinese Culture guides you through the perplexing maze of all things Chinese. Pick up interesting facts about the "Four Treasures of the Study"--the brush, ink, paper and inkstone--which form the cornerstone of Chinese culture. Be enthralled by the charming stories of Chinese icons: * Cao Cao, who hinted that he wanted a door widened just by writing a character on the door. * Shi Kuang, whose music was said to resurrect the dead. * Wu Daozi, who never completed his paintings for fear that they would come alive. You will be amazed by the wisdom and exquisite allure of Chinese culture, and be treated to insights into Chinese music, weiqi, xiangqi, calligraphy and painting!

Infamous Chinese Emperors (2010 Edition - EPUB)
Infamous Chinese Emperors (2010 Edition - EPUB)

Author: Tian Hengyu

Publisher: Asiapac Books Pte Ltd

Published: 2018-11-14

Total Pages: 193

ISBN-13: 9812299319

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In ancient China, an emperor is regarded as tianzi or "Heaven's son", one who is sent from Heaven to rule the nation and its people. Little wonder that he held sway over the masses and is deemed sacred and inviolate. Literally, a dynasty's rise and fall, and the people's weal and woe, are intimately linked to his calibre and character. Much has been written about the great emperors of China. But what about those rulers who, through their whims and fancies, had the commoners gnash their teeth in grief and hate? Here are 12 stories on China's most notorious emperors—a motley crew of squanderers, murderers, thugs, lechers and idiots swaggering under the holy cloak of a tianzi! Read on and see how they got their just deserts!

Gateway to Malay Culture (2010 Edition - EPUB)
Gateway to Malay Culture (2010 Edition - EPUB)

Author: Asiapac Editorial

Publisher: Asiapac Books Pte Ltd

Published: 2018-10-10

Total Pages: 178

ISBN-13: 9812299068

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Have you ever wondered what life was like in a Malay kampong in the old days? Or why practically all your Malay friends are Muslims? Well, the Malay culture is just one of the many cultures that have developed through the centuries. Although it originated in Peninsula Malaya, it has spread throughout Southeast Asia and beyond. Most Malays are Muslims and live their lives guided by teachings found in the Quran, the holy book of Islam. As part of the Asiapac Culture series, this book offers an overall look at the various aspects of this colourful culture. It covers topics such as the history of the people, their lifestyle, religious and cultural activities, culinary practices, etc. Such knowledge is essential in promoting mutual understanding and respect. So, if you want to learn more about this fascinating culture, this is the book to read!

Origins of Chinese Names (2010 Edition - EPUB)
Origins of Chinese Names (2010 Edition - EPUB)

Author: Lim SK

Publisher: Asiapac Books Pte Ltd

Published: 2018-09-24

Total Pages: 161

ISBN-13: 9812299874

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Did you know that if your surname is Ji and Jiang, it would mean that you are actually a descendant of the legendary emperors? And interestingly, the predecessors who fled from the despotic King Zhou of the Shang Dynasty named themselves after the things that saved them: Li, which stood for the wild fruit muzi, and Lin, the forest which was a hide-out from the king! Find out more fascinating details about 100 Chinese family names: * Difference between surnames and clan names. * Stories related to the most common surnames: Li, Wang, Zhang, Liu, Chen, Yang, Huang, and more. * Naming traditions; names and fortune; manner of addressing. As the book covers the entire span of recorded Chinese history from the past to the present, you will find it an eye-opener as a reference manual and a delightful source of little-known facts.

Great Chinese Emperors (2010 Edition - EPUB)
Great Chinese Emperors (2010 Edition - EPUB)

Author: Tian Hengyu

Publisher: Asiapac Books Pte Ltd

Published: 2018-11-13

Total Pages: 193

ISBN-13: 9812299343

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Throughout the history of China, many rulers had come and gone. Who are the ones still standing tall in the annals of history as a result of their outstanding contributions and awe-inspiring character? There were the Three Sage Kings and the Five Legendary Rulers who painstakingly laid the foundation for Chinese civilisation. They were followed by luminaries like Emperor Shihuang of the Qin Dynasty who first unified China, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty who brought unprecedented prosperity to the land, and Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty who contributed to the progress of the sciences. All these eminent emperors had one thing in common: their love for their people. Who are the other great sovereigns who took personal responsibility for the people's happiness? Read on and find out!

Origins of Chinese Opera (2010 Edition - EPUB)
Origins of Chinese Opera (2010 Edition - EPUB)

Author: Lim SK

Publisher: Asiapac Books Pte Ltd

Published: 2018-09-26

Total Pages: 162

ISBN-13: 9812299882

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Chinese opera is one of the world's oldest dramatic forms and a well-loved treasure of Chinese culture. It is a wonderful combination of dance, music, literature, poetry, singing and dialogue, acrobatics and martial arts to create a unique form of acting that includes "singing, speaking, acting and acrobatic fighting". Find out more fascinating details about Chinese opera: * Why is the clown mask so colourful? * Who is the "big painted face"? * What does it signify when an opera performer stands on the table? Origins of Chinese Opera is definitely an eye-catching book complete with pictures and comics vividly portraying various opera genres popular in China. You will be fascinated by how the art form is able to transform and adapt itself to appeal to the sophisticated audience of our digital era.

Popular Chinese Proverbs (2010 Edition - EPUB)
Popular Chinese Proverbs (2010 Edition - EPUB)

Author: Goh Pei Ki

Publisher: Asiapac Books Pte Ltd

Published: 2018-12-21

Total Pages: 145

ISBN-13: 9812296786

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The many proverbs and idioms in the Chinese language give it much of its colour and richness. Drawn from a wealth of sources, from historical anecdotes and legends to moral stories, these ancient sayings offer a fascinating insight into the Chinese culture. Popular Chinese Proverbs collects several old favourites and some of the most widely used expressions. Using vibrant illustrations and clear explanations of the metaphors and history behind them, their origins and meanings are presented in an easy-to-understand format. It is an entertaining read for anyone interested in the delightful idiosyncrasies of the Chinese language and an indispensable aid for students wishing to enrich their vocabulary. The core Chinese values and lessons they teach have passed the test of time, and remain as relevant to our daily life and social interactions today as in the past.