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It is easy to have a quick look at China's past and present, but it takes time to gain a panoramic knowledge of China. The "Panoramic China" series is meant to assist readers, especially those overseas, in this respect. Each volume in the series focuses on a province, municipality or autonomous region, describing, with illustrations, the outstanding characteristics of each area from different perspectives.   

Henan Province lies in the central part of China, straddling the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River. Since ancient times it has been called Zhongzhou (Middle China) and acclaimed as "China's Centre". Its myths and legends told and retold for thousands of years, its wealth of historical remains and cultural legacy…all underline that Henan is a cradle of Chinese civilization and where the Chinese people have their roots. Henan is also the homeland of internationally renowned Shaolin kungfu, and the birthplace of the subtle Chen Taijiquan, which overcomes hardness with softness.
This insightful book first takes readers to the birthplaces of Shaolin kungfu and of taijiquan, instilling an understanding of the wonders of Chinese martial arts in their multiple forms; from there it traces the course of how Chinese civilization took shape and developed in Henan in all its richness and color, from the distant past right to the present day.