Jia Pingwa, as the vice president of China Writers Association, enjoyed a reputation in world literature circles. He has won many international awards like American Mobil Pegasus Prize for Literature, Prix Femina of France and Golden Palm Ordre des Arts et des Lettres of France etc, and he is one of the most famous Chinese writers all over the world.

By the depiction of the geography, history and customs in Shangzhou, this book reflects the influence of reform to the concepts of life, land and ethics of the peasants in Shanxi Province. His work is a embodiment of the fragrance of land as well as kindness of people.