New users can click "International Business Daily" to follow. Recently, the best-selling book "The World of Song Cities - Tracing and Evolution of the Millennium Cultural Vein," written by the editorial team of Zhong Jianping, a publication directly under the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, and jointly published by China Architecture & Building Press and China City Press, has been hot-selling in Beijing. The book meticulously selects cities with Song Dynasty charm such as Kaifeng, Hangzhou, Shaoxing, Yangzhou, Suzhou, Fuzhou, Quanzhou, Putian, Jiujiang, Ji'an, Ganzhou, Jingdezhen, Fuzhou, Meishan, Huanggang, Chaozhou, Huizhou, Danzhou, Dingzhou, and Zhengding from across the country. It uses delicate prose to tell the stories of Song cities, outline the ancient architectural styles, and seek the millennial cultural vein.

Zhang Jinqiu, one of the first academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a master architect, commented in the preface: "The book's description of architecture is particularly brilliant, imbued with literary flair, making it a refreshing read." Shan Jixiang, Director of the Academic Committee of the Palace Museum, wrote in the preface: "Reading this book is like opening a door that transcends a millennium of time. I hope this book can ignite a fervent passion for the excellent traditional Chinese culture in more people."

According to Wang Haolei, the chief editor of the book, as a popular historical and cultural treatise, the book represents a new attempt in terms of its argument, topic selection, writing style, and editing. The book emphasizes theoretical aspects, explaining "what is the Song City," clarifying the basic concepts and connotations of the Song City, particularly in the theoretical exploration of the relationship between the division of Chinese history and the protection and inheritance of historical and cultural cities, which is valuable for its innovation and inspiration.

Emphasizing knowledge, the book values people as much as objects. It provides in-depth and meticulous interpretations and research on representative historical relics and architectural remains of the Song Dynasty, while also presenting and accurately commenting on related historical figures in a three-dimensional manner. For instance, Su Shi, regarded by the cursive script master Li Zhimin as a "versatile artistic giant," had a tumultuous career but why did he "win fans" in countless numbers? Emperor Huizong of Song, a highly talented artistic emperor, was an incompetent politician. When these two identities merged into one, was it a blessing for culture or a tragedy for the era? Wang Anshi, why was he called the "Stubborn Prime Minister"? The "Xining Reforms," which were unshakable by fate, ancestors, or public opinion, how did they end in regret?

Emphasizing readability, the book adopts the style of prose and essays, blending narration with commentary, highlighting key points, and weaving in relevant historical facts, knowledge anecdotes, poems, and songs. It also features carefully selected illustrations of Song Dynasty calligraphy and painting, Song porcelain, and Song woodblock prints, offering readers a visual, vibrant, and indescribable portrayal of the Song Dynasty's cultural heritage. For instance, as an ancient capital of eight dynasties, why did the Northern Song Dynasty choose Kaifeng as its capital—was it a personal preference or a historical necessity? Why did the Southern Song Dynasty refer to Lin'an (present-day Hangzhou) as "Xingzai" (temporary residence) instead of the capital, and what were the characteristics of its ancient city construction? Where does Fuzhou's "blessing of mountains and rivers" lie, how did it get the name "Rongcheng" (City of Banyan Trees), and what good practices does it have in heritage protection and传承?

Readers have expressed that this is an innovative, insightful, and rare good book that not only brings the Song-style famous city and historical figures to life but also ignites the passion for excellent historical culture. It is worth reading and sharing with children and friends.