Di Murrell, author of the English version of Yixing Purple Clay Teapots, speaks at the event.

Phoenix Publishing & Media Group organized an event titled "My Stories with Symbols of Jiangsu: from Western Writers" on March 12, the first day of the 2024 London Book Fair, in London. Three authors of the "Symbol Jiangsu" series were invited to share their stories.

What are the cultural symbols of Jiangsu in the eyes of Western writers?

Three foreign writers - Di Murrell, author of the English version of Yixing Purple Clay Teapots, Jason Li, author of the English version of Huaiyang Cuisine, and David Edwards-May, author of the English version of Grand Canal, shared anecdotes from their participation in the creation and discussed the most representative cultural symbols of Jiangsu province in their minds.

Di Murrell mentioned that while writing Yixing Purple Clay Teapots, she read a lot of relevant materials, especially about the production location of purple clay teapots, and felt that she now understands China more than before. "Just looking at this small teapot feels very magical because it embodies the efforts of scholars and artists," she said.

Jason Li, author of the English version of Huaiyang Cuisine, shares his stories at the event.

Li shared that his favorite Huaiyang dish is sweet and sour spare ribs. Recalling his arrival in the UK 30 years ago when Chinese cuisine was scarce, he noted that it is much easier to find Chinese food now. When recommending books to British readers, he mentioned that the "Symbol Jiangsu" series introduces Chinese cultural symbols and provides an English-language practical guide to cooking Chinese cuisine, like the Huaiyang Cuisine pocket book.

David Edwards-May, author of the English version of Grand Canal, speaks at the event.

As the former president of Inland Waterways International, David Edwards-May drew many illustrations while writing the English version of Grand Canal. For example, he juxtaposed ancient Chinese canal routes with modern high-speed rail routes, vividly presenting more details about the canal's evolution.

Jiangsu is a province rich in culture, where cultural symbols converge. The "Symbol Jiangsu·Pocket Book" series selects the province's most representative and symbolically significant cultural resources, highlighting the humanistic heritage and expanding its cultural influence.

The series has published nine editions with nearly 100 varieties, including a selection of 15 editions. Since its debut at the London Book Fair in 2014, the series has been released and promoted multiple times at book fairs.