Chinathe home of the bamboo plant in all its many varietiesboastsabundant bamboo resources.Over the long course of Chinese historythebamboo has been incorporated as an essential part of Chinese cultureandpoetry singing the praises of bamboo is an enchanting flower in the coun-trys blooming cultural garden. On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the International Network for Bamboo and RattanINBARthis books timely compilation and publica-tion will contribute to a more profound understanding of the fine traditional Chinese culture and the promotion of the ""bamboo spirit.