In the late Guangxu years, the death of Empress Dowager Cixi put the Beijing Ten Thousand Animals Garden into trouble and had to auction off the animals in the garden. A piece of news in the Beijing Daily aroused the interest of an American missionary. This dreamer-like missionary suddenly came up with the idea of building a grassland zoo in Chifeng. What a whimsical and brilliant idea.
The missionary set out from the capital for Chifeng with an elephant, a lion, two tiger-striped horses, five baboons, a parrot and a python. Along the way, they warmed and comforted each other. And the exotic girl with the ability to steal dreams, the boy who understands the language of animals, and the mysterious wolf transformation on the grassland are all closely or remotely related to the grassland zoo under the fetters of fate...
This is the story of a lonely man chasing his dreams.
This is a long dream that a small remote town once had.
Reader comments
If it weren't for Ma Boyong's name printed in the author column on the cover of this book, it would be difficult for you to imagine that this book "Prairie Zoo" was written by Ma Boyong. This "Prairie Zoo" is very different from Ma Boyong's other works. It is a fable with a fantasy color. When talking about the creation of "Prairie Zoo", Ma Boyong said that he "met" Hua Guoxiang through "Suiyuan Zhilue". "Suyuan Zhilue" mentions a missionary named Hua Guoxiang who preached in Guihua City - today's Hohhot. He brought a movie machine and showed movies to the herdsmen in the city. Later, missionary work became less important and everyone was obsessed with movies. This dreamy story gave Ma Boyong the idea to create a work based on this theme. Unfortunately, he never had the right opportunity until Ma Boyong read the history of the Ten Thousand Animals Garden in Beijing, saying that after Cixi's death, the Ten Thousand Animals Garden was unable to make ends meet and was forced to auction off all the animals. The two events were linked together, and the book "Prairie Zoo" was born. Hua Guoxiang, formerly known as Jack George, was a British priest who preached in Guihua City, Suiyuan. However, Hua Guoxiang's missionary work did not go well at first. Although the locals were friendly to Hua Guoxiang, they were not interested in the Bible. It was not until Hua Guoxiang asked a friend to transport the movie machine to Guihua City that the situation improved.
Faith and religion, redemption and forgiveness, ideals and reality, history and magic, human nature and bestiality, perception and compliance... All are intertwined and gathered in a small Noah's Zoo.
Every important character in the book has a very distinct mysterious color: Priest Korowai can follow the will of the Lord and his own heart even if he encounters great difficulties. He is ordinary, but his pure faith makes him extraordinary; the last white shaman, all things in the world coexist when she dances; Xiao Man, who cannot speak but communicates spiritually with animals; the fat monks at Mawang Temple are actually the incarnations of wolves; and even Rong Sandian, the leader of the horse bandits, has undergone an extreme transformation from evil to good. No one knows his mental journey... They protect Noah Zoo together like gods, but they end when they meet. There are also fantastic plots in the book, such as the baptism of Blessings, the grassland under the moonlight, the dance of Saren's dark clouds... It's like one dream after another, carved into the soul.
The ending is emotional. This miraculous zoo, which once brought wonderful dreams to the residents, was eventually reduced to ruins, which made people feel regretful, but then relieved. Just like the sentence "The sky on the grassland is very broad, every bird can fly as much as it wants." The priests and animals will surely be like the free birds, soaring in the sky, and will not be trapped by the shackles of the world.
I saw a sentence I liked on Zhihu: "The overthrow of the Prairie Zoo is the price of growing up. Just like those naked children, when they learn to speak, they will forget the dream about Noah's Zoo." I also suddenly realized why Xiaoman suddenly started to speak and lost the ability to communicate with animals. Fortunately, before he died, he found what he once had. In the book, I saw the purity of the soul, the piety of the soul, and the harmony of all things. After reading this book, I thought that when I stand on the real prairie one day, I will smell the breath of nature in the wind and feel the call of all things in the world.
I have always liked Teacher Ma's works very much. Recently, I finished reading "Prairie Zoo" after Taibai Jinxing is a bit annoying, Chang'an's Lychee, and The Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The biggest feeling is the sense of immersion. The picture is very strong, the refreshing perspective, the examination of society, and the portrayal of human nature. I am often inspired by the words in the book. As a compatriot in Inner Mongolia, I feel like I am immersed in the scenes in the story. All in all, it's a good book. Watch the next one: The Wind Rises in Longxi!
Through the depiction of the prairie zoo, a world full of imagination and mystery is constructed. Each strange creature has unique characteristics and life experiences, which are breathtaking. At the same time, the book is also full of thoughts and explorations about human nature, destiny and mission, which is thought-provoking. In addition, the plot of the novel is full of ups and downs, suspense and surprises, and readers are deeply attracted every moment. The author's writing style is beautiful and delicate, making the whole story more vivid and interesting. During the reading process, readers will be taken into an infinite fantasy space.
Very nice! The first half is a bit bland, but the plot gradually gets better in the second half. The intertwining of reality and illusion, reality and dreams, Buddhism, Shamanism and Christianity, humans and animals in the article... It turns out that such novels are very interesting! Whether it is the language and the rigor of expression as a historical novel, or how to get rid of anthropocentrism when writing about animals, I greatly admire the author. This is really a fantasy adventure, and the author writes it very well! Strongly recommended~
To be honest, before I read this book, I had no real understanding of the power of faith, especially this kind of religion. After reading it, I really have a great understanding of the power of faith. Everyone's blessings are different. The sky over the grassland is so wide that every bird can fly freely.
Grasslands and civilization, animals and discoveries, Father, Xiaoman and purity and authenticity, they are still the same complicated people. What they tell is a story, and what is revealed is the human heart! It's like a story about a person's appearance on the road to enlightenment. Facing innocence and silence, I felt so embarrassed for a moment! Maybe one day, I will suddenly wake up and realize that everything is true and there is goodness and beauty!
Small incisions, the treatment of animals in Wan Sheng Yuan, and the decline of the Qing Dynasty triggered the northward journey of missionaries with animals. The northward journey was not about seeing and hearing, but about various changes. All experiences are like dreams and illusions, but in everything you see people, things, and people's hearts! It allows people to see the purity of faith, the counter-evidence of animals to people, and the introspection and resistance of all kinds of people. It is quite heart-breaking to watch. Some good things are drifting away and can only appear in dreams that cannot be spoken... I hope you understand, I understand, cherish, cherish!
The text of this book is delicate and warm. Inspired by his heart, Priest Coroway overcame many difficulties and established a grassland zoo. There were people's help and animals' support for him. All things have spirits. As long as they treat it sincerely, the most ferocious animals will also perceive goodwill and release warmth. Although the zoo was destroyed in the end, it will always remain in people's hearts because it represents the beautiful dream of harmonious coexistence between man and nature, and this dream will flow forever in the years.
At first, I thought this book was just about how the zoo on the grassland was established. In fact, it is true, but it is also more than that. There are many religious beliefs and Chinese culture is inclusive... I finally understood the "diversity and unity" in the history book. I was also moved by the content in the book and felt a sense of sadness and joy.
Some places in the book are also intriguing. For example, the people in Chifeng are easily swayed by rumors, even if the rumors are outrageous or have been warned. Today, with the development of the Internet, the connections between various regions are becoming increasingly close and convenient, and various opinions are emerging one after another.
Finally, I exclaimed again, it's really beautiful (੭•͈ω•͈)੭๐♡.๐
I think of many Chinese Christians. Many of them don't really believe in God in their hearts, just because the original missionaries saved them or helped them.
The priest is really a character in this novel, and his persistence in his beliefs and principles is truly amazing.
I was really bored today, so I read this book. It was very good. Generous and sad, innocent and natural, human nature, animal nature and divinity have never been separated and will never be separated. It's so exciting. This is the Chifeng version of Youth Pi! The beginning of the story was calm and there were foreshadowings everywhere. After I was slowly attracted, I didn't think it was illusory at all, it seemed to be real. What's amazing is that the missionaries in black coats, white elephants, lions, zebras, baboons, snakes and parrots hovering in the sky under the moonlit night always appeared in my mind. They followed the missionary into the depths of the grassland and at the end of the red peak. This is a legendary story about a lovely missionary pursuing faith and firm belief!
No one knows where the missionary went in the end, but I think he and Wanfu, as well as the belief carried by Noah Zoo when it was first established, went to the real grassland to spread the real gospel, where there is freedom, faith, and happiness, where nature and all things coexist harmoniously, without human wanton interference and ignorant obedience.
Grassland Zoo----
Is it so magical?
This book may seem absurd, but in fact it contains hidden thoughts on human nature, faith and civilization. The perfect blend of reality and fantasy makes people want to watch it!
The zoo in our hearts when we were children may have been burned down by our own hands!
Wednesday, May 7, 2025, is the tenth day of the fourth lunar month. At 4:18, the weather is fine and we are in Huangdao.
This book is very interesting! The characters in the story are all very vivid, especially the American missionary. I admire his dreams and courage. He takes the animals to the grassland, just like we take our children on an adventure. There are difficulties on the way, but there is also warmth and fun. I feel like this book reminded me of traveling with my family, not necessarily that many amazing experiences, but great memories. I would recommend it to other dads and share the stories in the book.
With the mysterious prairie zoo as the background, it tells the story of a modern man who travels to ancient times, full of mystery, adventure and surprises. The plot of the whole book is compact and interesting, and the fate of the protagonists unfolds as the plot progresses, which is touching. The author has worked hard to create details, from scenes to characters, leaving a deep impression on readers. In addition, the book also discusses some social issues, such as protection, trust, etc., Which has a good enlightenment on the readers' inner world.
A wonderful journey that seems both real and illusory...
While watching the progress of the story, I wondered if Lord Ma was inspired by a short introduction and explanatory text, and wrote such a legendary story that happened in his hometown.
"On the silver-white dark night grassland, a missionary in black robes walked forward, followed by a group of elephants, lions, tiger-striped horses, baboons, parrots and pythons from afar. Above the night sky, countless invisible birds were flapping their wings, and the light clouds hovering around the moon were touched by the breeze. The shape is constantly changing, like a woman dancing, as if she is guiding the people and animals on the grassland. The earth is extremely quiet. Against the moonlight, every animal and person turns into a solemn black silhouette, walking across the horizon, past the huge moon, and towards the depths of the grassland. "
It is meant to die, it is meant to die from the beginning. Return your destiny to its original destiny. The vomiting and taunting Sanqing bells will keep echoing. Budgies are the soul of the grassland. The sandy land may have been grassland.
"Curiosity is a great quality. As long as it is not lost, whether you are a fisherman in Scandinavia or a primitive tribe in the South American rainforest, you will have the opportunity to ignite the spark in your heart."
Reading this book is like having a bizarre dream. When you finish reading it, the dream becomes
Like a beautiful and solemn dream nurtured by the grassland
The style of Prince Ma's book feels a little different. It has a very absurd feeling. It still describes various social situations based on small characters and events. The story of a missionary and several animals reflects thinking about people's cognition, and the herd effect is vividly displayed at the end.
This novel is suitable for director Ang Lee, and when it is filmed, it will be another "Life of Pi"
Paranoid, sacred, fantastic, magnificent, magnificent
He felt that rather than building the church on sand, it would be better to build it in people's hearts.
This is not Ma Boyong's most popular book, but it touches my heart the most.
At the end of the novel, although the missionary never found a baptized believer and the zoo was reduced to ashes in less than a year, he was always there, he was there, and people will never forget this stubborn and naive missionary.
Among Ma's novels, they are relatively pure literary works, transcending Prince Ma's usual formula, so they are good to read!
The parts of Prince Ma that do not involve the emotions of men and women are very interesting. This book is especially worth reading. The fantasy journey that is based on faith but has nothing to do with faith, the trust and salvation that transcends race, the collision and tolerance of various religions, seem incredible but reasonable. I especially like the description of scenery, the portrayal of characters, and the analysis of the heart, which are meticulous and three-dimensional. I plan to buy paper books for my children. How come there are so many exquisite and unique metaphors? They are worth learning.
There is grassland in everyone's heart
The story is very compact and very interesting
Some plots in the book reflect the current social situation. For example, at first, the public liked the zoo, but after being instigated, the reputation of the zoo took a turn for the worse.
People always have dreams, although reality always runs counter to dreams.
My favorite sentence is: The sky over the grassland is so wide that every bird can fly freely!
A book about faith and the harmonious coexistence of humans and animals. There is so much brilliance of humanity in this American priest.
If it weren't for Ma Boyong's name printed in the author column on the cover of this book, it would be difficult for you to imagine that this book "Prairie Zoo" was written by Ma Boyong. This "Prairie Zoo" is very different from Ma Boyong's other works. It is a fable with a fantasy color. When talking about the creation of "Prairie Zoo", Ma Boyong said that he "met" Hua Guoxiang through "Suiyuan Zhilue". "Suyuan Zhilue" mentions a missionary named Hua Guoxiang who preached in Guihua City - today's Hohhot. He brought a movie machine and showed movies to the herdsmen in the city. Later, missionary work became less important and everyone was obsessed with movies. This dreamy story gave Ma Boyong the idea to create a work based on this theme. Unfortunately, he never had the right opportunity until Ma Boyong read the history of the Ten Thousand Animals Garden in Beijing, saying that after Cixi's death, the Ten Thousand Animals Garden was unable to make ends meet and was forced to auction off all the animals. The two events were linked together, and the book "Prairie Zoo" was born. Hua Guoxiang, formerly known as Jack George, was a British priest who preached in Guihua City, Suiyuan. However, Hua Guoxiang's missionary work did not go well at first. Although the locals were friendly to Hua Guoxiang, they were not interested in the Bible. It was not until Hua Guoxiang asked a friend to transport the movie machine to Guihua City that the situation improved.
Faith and religion, redemption and forgiveness, ideals and reality, history and magic, human nature and bestiality, perception and compliance... All are intertwined and gathered in a small Noah's Zoo. Every important character in the book has a very distinct mysterious color: Priest Korowai can follow the will of the Lord and his own heart even if he encounters great difficulties. He is ordinary, but his pure faith makes him extraordinary; the last white shaman, all things in the world coexist when she dances; Xiao Man, who cannot speak but communicates spiritually with animals; the fat monks at Mawang Temple are actually the incarnations of wolves; and even Rong Sandian, the leader of the horse bandits, has undergone an extreme transformation from evil to good. No one knows his mental journey... They protect Noah Zoo together like gods, but they end when they meet. There are also fantastic plots in the book, such as the baptism of Blessings, the grassland under the moonlight, the dance of Saren's dark clouds... It's like one dream after another, carved into the soul. The ending is emotional. This miraculous zoo, which once brought wonderful dreams to the residents, was eventually reduced to ruins, which made people feel regretful, but then relieved. Just like the sentence "The sky on the grassland is very broad, every bird can fly as much as it wants." The priests and animals will surely be like the free birds, soaring in the sky, and will not be trapped by the shackles of the world. I saw a sentence I liked on Zhihu: "The overthrow of the Prairie Zoo is the price of growing up. Just like those naked children, when they learn to speak, they will forget the dream about Noah's Zoo." I also suddenly realized why Xiaoman suddenly started to speak and lost the ability to communicate with animals. Fortunately, before he died, he found what he once had. In the book, I saw the purity of the soul, the piety of the soul, and the harmony of all things. After reading this book, I thought that when I stand on the real prairie one day, I will smell the breath of nature in the wind and feel the call of all things in the world.
I have always liked Teacher Ma's works very much. Recently, I finished reading "Prairie Zoo" after Taibai Jinxing is a bit annoying, Chang'an's Lychee, and The Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The biggest feeling is the sense of immersion. The picture is very strong, the refreshing perspective, the examination of society, and the portrayal of human nature. I am often inspired by the words in the book. As a compatriot in Inner Mongolia, I feel like I am immersed in the scenes in the story. All in all, it's a good book. Watch the next one: The Wind Rises in Longxi!
Through the depiction of the prairie zoo, a world full of imagination and mystery is constructed. Each strange creature has unique characteristics and life experiences, which are breathtaking. At the same time, the book is also full of thoughts and explorations about human nature, destiny and mission, which is thought-provoking. In addition, the plot of the novel is full of ups and downs, suspense and surprises, and readers are deeply attracted every moment. The author's writing style is beautiful and delicate, making the whole story more vivid and interesting. During the reading process, readers will be taken into an infinite fantasy space.
Very nice! The first half is a bit bland, but the plot gradually gets better in the second half. The intertwining of reality and illusion, reality and dreams, Buddhism, Shamanism and Christianity, humans and animals in the article... It turns out that such novels are very interesting! Whether it is the language and the rigor of expression as a historical novel, or how to get rid of anthropocentrism when writing about animals, I greatly admire the author. This is really a fantasy adventure, and the author writes it very well! Strongly recommended~
To be honest, before I read this book, I had no real understanding of the power of faith, especially this kind of religion. After reading it, I really have a great understanding of the power of faith. Everyone's blessings are different. The sky over the grassland is so wide that every bird can fly freely.
Grasslands and civilization, animals and discoveries, Father, Xiaoman and purity and authenticity, they are still the same complicated people. What they tell is a story, and what is revealed is the human heart! It's like a story about a person's appearance on the road to enlightenment. Facing innocence and silence, I felt so embarrassed for a moment! Maybe one day, I will suddenly wake up and realize that everything is true and there is goodness and beauty! Small incisions, the treatment of animals in Wan Sheng Yuan, and the decline of the Qing Dynasty triggered the northward journey of missionaries with animals. The northward journey was not about seeing and hearing, but about various changes. All experiences are like dreams and illusions, but in everything you see people, things, and people's hearts! It allows people to see the purity of faith, the counter-evidence of animals to people, and the introspection and resistance of all kinds of people. It is quite heart-breaking to watch. Some good things are drifting away and can only appear in dreams that cannot be spoken... I hope you understand, I understand, cherish, cherish!
The text of this book is delicate and warm. Inspired by his heart, Priest Coroway overcame many difficulties and established a grassland zoo. There were people's help and animals' support for him. All things have spirits. As long as they treat it sincerely, the most ferocious animals will also perceive goodwill and release warmth. Although the zoo was destroyed in the end, it will always remain in people's hearts because it represents the beautiful dream of harmonious coexistence between man and nature, and this dream will flow forever in the years.
At first, I thought this book was just about how the zoo on the grassland was established. In fact, it is true, but it is also more than that. There are many religious beliefs and Chinese culture is inclusive... I finally understood the "diversity and unity" in the history book. I was also moved by the content in the book and felt a sense of sadness and joy. Some places in the book are also intriguing. For example, the people in Chifeng are easily swayed by rumors, even if the rumors are outrageous or have been warned. Today, with the development of the Internet, the connections between various regions are becoming increasingly close and convenient, and various opinions are emerging one after another. Finally, I exclaimed again, it's really beautiful (੭•͈ω•͈)੭๐♡.๐
I think of many Chinese Christians. Many of them don't really believe in God in their hearts, just because the original missionaries saved them or helped them. The priest is really a character in this novel, and his persistence in his beliefs and principles is truly amazing.
I was really bored today, so I read this book. It was very good. Generous and sad, innocent and natural, human nature, animal nature and divinity have never been separated and will never be separated. It's so exciting. This is the Chifeng version of Youth Pi! The beginning of the story was calm and there were foreshadowings everywhere. After I was slowly attracted, I didn't think it was illusory at all, it seemed to be real. What's amazing is that the missionaries in black coats, white elephants, lions, zebras, baboons, snakes and parrots hovering in the sky under the moonlit night always appeared in my mind. They followed the missionary into the depths of the grassland and at the end of the red peak. This is a legendary story about a lovely missionary pursuing faith and firm belief!
No one knows where the missionary went in the end, but I think he and Wanfu, as well as the belief carried by Noah Zoo when it was first established, went to the real grassland to spread the real gospel, where there is freedom, faith, and happiness, where nature and all things coexist harmoniously, without human wanton interference and ignorant obedience.
Grassland Zoo---- Is it so magical? This book may seem absurd, but in fact it contains hidden thoughts on human nature, faith and civilization. The perfect blend of reality and fantasy makes people want to watch it! The zoo in our hearts when we were children may have been burned down by our own hands! Wednesday, May 7, 2025, is the tenth day of the fourth lunar month. At 4:18, the weather is fine and we are in Huangdao.
This book is very interesting! The characters in the story are all very vivid, especially the American missionary. I admire his dreams and courage. He takes the animals to the grassland, just like we take our children on an adventure. There are difficulties on the way, but there is also warmth and fun. I feel like this book reminded me of traveling with my family, not necessarily that many amazing experiences, but great memories. I would recommend it to other dads and share the stories in the book.
With the mysterious prairie zoo as the background, it tells the story of a modern man who travels to ancient times, full of mystery, adventure and surprises. The plot of the whole book is compact and interesting, and the fate of the protagonists unfolds as the plot progresses, which is touching. The author has worked hard to create details, from scenes to characters, leaving a deep impression on readers. In addition, the book also discusses some social issues, such as protection, trust, etc., Which has a good enlightenment on the readers' inner world.
A wonderful journey that seems both real and illusory... While watching the progress of the story, I wondered if Lord Ma was inspired by a short introduction and explanatory text, and wrote such a legendary story that happened in his hometown. "On the silver-white dark night grassland, a missionary in black robes walked forward, followed by a group of elephants, lions, tiger-striped horses, baboons, parrots and pythons from afar. Above the night sky, countless invisible birds were flapping their wings, and the light clouds hovering around the moon were touched by the breeze. The shape is constantly changing, like a woman dancing, as if she is guiding the people and animals on the grassland. The earth is extremely quiet. Against the moonlight, every animal and person turns into a solemn black silhouette, walking across the horizon, past the huge moon, and towards the depths of the grassland. "
It is meant to die, it is meant to die from the beginning. Return your destiny to its original destiny. The vomiting and taunting Sanqing bells will keep echoing. Budgies are the soul of the grassland. The sandy land may have been grassland.
"Curiosity is a great quality. As long as it is not lost, whether you are a fisherman in Scandinavia or a primitive tribe in the South American rainforest, you will have the opportunity to ignite the spark in your heart."
Reading this book is like having a bizarre dream. When you finish reading it, the dream becomes
Like a beautiful and solemn dream nurtured by the grassland
The style of Prince Ma's book feels a little different. It has a very absurd feeling. It still describes various social situations based on small characters and events. The story of a missionary and several animals reflects thinking about people's cognition, and the herd effect is vividly displayed at the end.
This novel is suitable for director Ang Lee, and when it is filmed, it will be another "Life of Pi"
Paranoid, sacred, fantastic, magnificent, magnificent He felt that rather than building the church on sand, it would be better to build it in people's hearts. This is not Ma Boyong's most popular book, but it touches my heart the most. At the end of the novel, although the missionary never found a baptized believer and the zoo was reduced to ashes in less than a year, he was always there, he was there, and people will never forget this stubborn and naive missionary.
Among Ma's novels, they are relatively pure literary works, transcending Prince Ma's usual formula, so they are good to read!
The parts of Prince Ma that do not involve the emotions of men and women are very interesting. This book is especially worth reading. The fantasy journey that is based on faith but has nothing to do with faith, the trust and salvation that transcends race, the collision and tolerance of various religions, seem incredible but reasonable. I especially like the description of scenery, the portrayal of characters, and the analysis of the heart, which are meticulous and three-dimensional. I plan to buy paper books for my children. How come there are so many exquisite and unique metaphors? They are worth learning.
There is grassland in everyone's heart
The story is very compact and very interesting
Some plots in the book reflect the current social situation. For example, at first, the public liked the zoo, but after being instigated, the reputation of the zoo took a turn for the worse.
People always have dreams, although reality always runs counter to dreams. My favorite sentence is: The sky over the grassland is so wide that every bird can fly freely!
A book about faith and the harmonious coexistence of humans and animals. There is so much brilliance of humanity in this American priest.