China Time

“I recommend this book to everybody! China Time by Jeff Pepper is a fun and informative book! General readers will find a wealth of fun facts and trivia about Chinese culture, organized around the theme of keeping track of time. Even people who are fairly knowledgeable about China are likely to learn a few things from Pepper’s encyclopedic yet readable overview.” - Dr. Bryan W. Van Norden, James Monroe Taylor Chair and Professor of Chinese and Japanese, Vassar College

“A wonderful book that makes accessible some of the most basic aspects of Chinese culture. Pepper systematically explains how time was divided up and how those divisions ramified throughout Chinese culture. Traditional time systems still underlie many activities in modern China, much to the confusion of foreigners. I wish I had had this book thirty years ago!”

- Dr. Peter Lorge, Associate Professor of Premodern Chinese History, Vanderbilt University, author of War, Politics and Society in Early Modern China

“This is a fascinating and deeply rewarding book. What began as an enjoyable read quickly became an invitation to explore the remarkable ways people in premodern China understood time, the universe, and humanity’s place within it. I found myself continually amazed by the author’s extraordinary depth of knowledge and the wealth of history, science, and culture woven into every chapter. Whether you are looking for an engaging introduction or a starting point for deeper exploration, this book offers both. My sincere appreciation to the author for sharing such an enlightening and inspiring work.” - Dr. Wei Zhou, Chinese teacher, Riverbend School

“China Time is a fascinating and highly engaging exploration of how the Chinese have measured and understood time throughout history, from minutes, days, months, and years to dynastic eras and historical epochs. Although many aspects of the traditional Chinese calendar and timekeeping system remain deeply embedded in Chinese culture and continue to shape contemporary life, Jeff Pepper goes far beyond simply explaining these concepts. He skillfully traces the historical development of Chinese timekeeping while weaving together rich cultural context, historical background, and captivating stories that bring this intricate subject vividly to life. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and expect to return to it often as a reference for my own teaching. Jeff Pepper has produced an outstanding work that makes a complex subject both accessible and memorable.” - Dr. Jie Zhang, Executive Director, Chinese Language Teachers Association; Associate Professor, University of Oklahoma

“I found China Time to be an exceptional resource. Jeff Pepper skillfully weaves together history, language, astronomy, philosophy, and cultural traditions into a clear and engaging narrative. Complex concepts become approachable without sacrificing depth, making this book equally valuable for educators, students, practitioners, and anyone seeking a richer understanding of Chinese civilization. It is a fascinating work that deepened even my own appreciation of the many ways time has shaped Chinese thought, medicine, and culture.” - Dr. Pen-Pen Chen, CEO, Penguistic Solutions

“I’ve spent years studying Mandarin, but I was surprised by how often China Time revealed the fascinating history behind ideas I thought I already understood. Whether you’re a student of Mandarin, a lover of Chinese history, or simply curious about one of the world’s oldest civilizations, China Time will leave you with a much richer appreciation for the culture, ingenuity, and worldview that continue to shape China today.” - Daniel Nalesnik, CEO, HackChinese.com