2017 Issue 2

The Middle Kingdom has its own take on Middle Earth. Novoland isn’t run by hobbits or orcs; you’re far more likely to see winged men or immortal warriors. But the schisms of Novoland also play out in reality, as the creators turned on one another, creating rival cliques. We take a look at the state of fantasy literature in China and where it’s headed in the future.

Also this issue, we take a leisurely ride on one of China’s famed green trains. The leisurely pace is mandatory—these very slow trains are a fixture in the memories of many Chinese but as they are phased out for faster models, their final stop may arrive more quickly than expected. We also look at the business of maternity matrons, as well as the hollowing out of China’s villages and the implications of leaving elderly residents behind.

In Diaspora, you’ll find a Chinatown within China, where overseas Chinese have shaped an enclave, and Made in China tells the tangled history of China’s wired radio. There’s plenty more in these pages and if you want more, check out our digital edition. In the meantime, sit back, relax and enjoy the spring weather.

封面故事：

四海八荒中有一个神奇的世界叫“九州”，它凝聚了一代青年作者的中国奇幻梦。他们从古代神话、传奇、话本和小说中汲取养分，创造出一个托尔金式的架空世界，也成就了一批读者心中的热血传奇。集体创作的形式和作品丰富的程度在世界奇幻史上也是前所未有的。十年以后的今天，IP与网文遍地开花，对于中国奇幻文学来说，是喜是忧？未来的道路又在何方？

主题故事：留守老人是城市化进程中无奈的产物。思念着外出打工的成年子女，还要照顾他们年幼的孙辈，谁来守候老人们的“夕阳红”？

主题故事：从北京开往承德的4471次列车是目前已经为数不多的绿皮车。硬座车厢里素昧平生的旅人不久都会敞开话匣子谈天说地。每个人的故事聚合起来就折射出了整个社会。这样的“移动公共论坛”却在渐渐消失。

主题故事：月入万余，供不应求，月嫂已经成为了一个抢手的新兴职业，本文带你观察火爆的行业背后。

三味书屋：作家骑桶人的短篇小说《飘浮在空中的兰若》颇有唐传奇遗风。奇异的人物和情节等你来解读。

在路上：莫干山下尘嚣远，偷得浮生半日闲：浙江德清县的山水与美食

采访、小说、书评、影评、艺术、语言……从国际视角欣赏中国文化，用地道英文讲述中国故事。有幽默，有泪水，有真知灼见……从封面到封底，想停都停不下来。

China is a story, we tell it.