Over 2,000 years, the commercial and cultural exchanges between Chang’an and Rome, the starting and end point of the Silk Road respectively, have never been interrupted. Instead, they have made a significant contribution to the evolution and development of human civilization.
The book which has the same name as one hundred-episode microdocumentary Chang’an meets Rome, includes 50 themes covering culture, society, architecture, music, art, commerce, military and so on. Scholars visit Xi’an and Rome, using historical relics and events to constantly compare, question and discover, and guide readers to explore and think deeper on Eastern and Western cultures.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE A TASTE OF EAST AND WEST
1 Warm Chang’an vs. Cool Rome // 2
2 Ultimate Pursuit for Cooked and Uncooked Delicacies // 10
3 The Flavor of Home // 16
4 Eastern and Western Noodles // 22
5 Indispensible Flavor // 28
6 Perfect Combinations // 34
7 Sweet Temptation // 40
8 Liquor vs. Wine // 46
9 Quick vs. Slow // 52
10 The Way of Harmony // 58
CHAPTER TWO URBAN WONDERS
11 Eight Rivers of Chang’an vs. Seven Hills of Rome // 66
12 Square vs. Round // 72
13 Millennia-old Fortifications // 78
14 Elevated Channels vs. Underground Tunnels // 84
15 Supreme Buildings // 90
16 Eternal Wonders // 96
17 Picturesque Gardens // 102
18 Bridge of Rome vs. Tower of Chang’an // 109
19 Water Views // 116
20 Super Projects // 122
CHAPTER THREE FASHIONS AND DESIGNS
21 The Power of Design // 130
22 Eternal Classics // 136
23 Chinese Elements // 141
24 Millennia-old Makeup // 147
25 Tableware in Elegant Designs // 153
26 Tales of Two Chairs // 159
27 Craftsmanship Spirit // 165
28 Dreams about Cars // 170
29 Dialogue with Design Master // 175
30 Home Furnishing // 180
3 CHAPTER FOUR VISUAL ARTS
1 Seeking the Truth of Art // 188
32 Ink-and-wash Painting vs. Oil Painting // 194
33 Visual Magic // 200
34 Eastern and Western Landscape Paintings // 207
35 Artists and Literati // 213
36 The Art of Mounting Paintings and Calligraphy // 219
37 Life Regained // 225
38 Stone vs. Clay // 230
39 Resemblance in Form vs. Resemblance in Spirit // 235
40 Perfection and Solemnity // 240
CHAPTER FIVE STATECRAFT
41 Rise of Empire // 248
42 I’m Not a Unicorn // 253
43 Literary and Military Merits // 259
44 Talent Recruitments // 265
45 Fight for Social Status // 271
46 One Hundred Handicrafts and Nine Markets // 277
47 Love for Family and Nation // 282
48 Rites, Music and Polytheism // 288
49 Care for the Elderly // 294
50 Eye on the World // 300
Experts’ Talk on Chang’an Meets Rome // 307
