Art allows us fascinating insights into foreign cultures and ideas. This is particularly true of Chinese landscape painting. With its tradition of more than 1,000 years, it reflects all of China's cultural and intellectual history. Its view of nature follows its own rules. What at first glance seems to be idyllic ink wash pictures are actually far more than romantic images of landscapes. Through subtle allusions and references the painters were able to convey a whole range of messages, from social positions to political opposition, all the way to philosophical observations and very personal feelings. This splendid illustrated volume unlocks these codes and juxtaposes important historical works with landscape paintings by internationally renowned modern and contemporary artists. The dialogue between past and pres-ent reveals surprising links, but also ruptures and conflicts.