It is easy to have a quick look at China's past and pressnt,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.

Foreword

Chapter Ⅰ Shanxi Merchant Courtyards

Southern Shanxi,Cradle of

Shanxi Merchants

Mansinons by Rivers and Mountatins

The Grand Merchant Coutryards of Central Shanxi

Chapter Ⅱ Business-savvy Shanxi

Bussiness Breeding-gruound

The Kaizhong Law

From Frontier Business to Inland Bussiness

From“The Banks of the Yangtze”to “Both Sides of the Great Wall”

Supplying the Military and Opening up the Frontier

Opening an International Tea Trade Route

The Rural Ancestors of Chinese Commerce

Chapter Ⅲ Merchant Courtyard Myths

Chapter Ⅳ Courtyards that Breathe Traditional Culture

Appendices