Scenes from City Life: Notes of the Russian Doctor V.V. Korsakov About Beijing at the Beginning of the 20th Century

Introduction. The aim of this study is to identify, systematize, and analyze individual stories about Beijing presented at the beginning of the 20th century in literary and journalistic works of Russian authors (using the example of the books of V.V. Korsakov). Currently, in domestic science is actively studying documents of personal origin, which make it possible not only to immerse in the atmosphere of life in the eastern city of the last century, but also to see it from the perspective of a representative of a different culture. Methods and materials. In this article, of paramount importance is the analysis of documents of personal origin, which directly reflected the culture and way of life of the inhabitants of the capital of the Qing Empire. In this article, as a historical source, the memoirs of the Russian doctor V.V. Korsakov, who became an eyewitness to the events that took place in China during the period under study, are used. Despite the wide informative possibilities, his literary heritage has not been the subject of separate, deep scientific research until now. During the study, comparative, analytical and systemic methods were used, which allowed for the most effective study of the documentary evidence of V.V. Korsakov and the description of the life of the Chinese and foreigners in the capital of China at the beginning of the 20th century. Analysis. Analysis of books by V.V. Korsakov showed that he was guided by the cognitive interest of contemporaries and selected facts that could emphasize the specifics of Chinese culture. His books are distinguished by a selection of diverse facts and everyday stories, including previously undescribed ones, and an accessible style of presenting the material. Results. The author’s commitment to a simplified Western approach to the study of Chinese culture, the lack of a system in the selection of stories about the traditions and everyday life of the Chinese people, and the presence of subjective assessments do not reduce the importance of this historical source for modern science. The results of the study may be in demand by specialists studying the problems of interethnic (intercultural) interaction, the traditions of Asian peoples (using the example of Chinese residents), and the history of Russian-Chinese relations. Authors’ contribution. The work was carried out in collaboration. Yu.G. Blagoder analyzed the texts of V.V. Korsakov’s memoirs and diaries and grouped the facts according to the thematic principle. Liu Liqiu revealed the degree of reliability of the characteristics of Beijing at the beginning of the 20th century, Chinese traditions, and events described by a Russian doctor who served in the Russian Spiritual Mission.