Lion and Dragon in Northern China

Set against the bustling harbor of Weihaiwei, this vivid portrait invites listeners into a corner of China that once lay at the very edge of the British Empire. Drawing on the author's own photographs and firsthand observations, the narrative weaves together everyday rituals, local folklore, and the subtle ways traditional belief intertwines with the rhythms of village life. From the lantern‑lit festivals of the first full moon to the quiet reverence of ancestral shrines, the book captures the textures of a community both rooted in ancient customs and touched by foreign presence.

Beyond the picturesque scenes, the work offers a broader lens on Chinese society by using this small district as a microcosm of the nation. Historical anecdotes about early 19th‑century naval visits and the subsequent colonial administration provide context for the cultural snapshots. Listeners will come away with a richer, more nuanced understanding of how geography, history, and belief shape the lives of ordinary people in northern China.