Author says traditional culture offers way to deal with modern life

Writer Guo Wenbin calls himself a "volunteer of traditional culture" and gives lectures around the country. [Photo by Ding Shan/China Daily]

The start of the Lunar New Year is Guo Wenbin's busiest time of the year.

The writer, who focuses on traditional culture－especially festivals－receives an endless stream of calls during the period, seeking his comments or interviews.

"I feel bad having to spend the eve of the Lunar New Year disrupted by mobile messages and television galas," says Guo.

"Our ancestors wanted this period to be one for family get-togethers.

"I constantly call for shutting off mobile phones and televisions."

These items, besides close relatives, have become the highlights for most Chinese on the eve of the Lunar New Year.

Guo says celebrations like the Spring Festival are deeply implanted in people's cultural genes.

"And the ways we celebrate them help us gain strength and inspiration from our culture."

Now, as more people go to him for answers about traditional customs, he feels that the Chinese are leading disoriented lives.

"Here, the long-cherished values from our cultural traditions are the remedy," he says.

The Yinchuan-based writer, who is the winner of the Lu Xun Literature Prize, the head of the Ningxia Hui autonomous region's Writers Association and the chief editor of the literary magazine, Yellow River Literature, leads a simple life. He donates almost all his royalties to people in need.

Guo was in Beijing recently to work on a China Central Television documentary series, Memories and Nostalgia: The Stories of Ancient Chinese Villages. It's a 180-episode project. The third season is currently airing.