Chinese Culture and Traditions

This section has pages covering all sorts of Chinese customs and traditions. We are continuing to add more pages to this section.

Culture Index- Festivals - New Year - Calendar 2018 - Customs - Religion - Ancestor veneration - Confucius - Daoism - Buddhism - Christianity - Islam - Women - Astrology - Stars - Feng Shui - Qi - Yi Jing - Dragons - Symbolism - Bird symbols - Animal symbols - Flowers and Fruit symbols - Color symbols - Nature symbols - Assorted symbols - Architecture - T'ai Chi - Name for China - Chess - Go - Mahjong - Inventions - Exams - Medicine - Rice - Food - Tea - Silk - Performance - Opera - Music - Jade - Porcelain - Kites - Torture - Weights & measures - Money

Traditional medicine in China

Culture

Thousands of years of seeking cures to illness in China has led to a wide range of traditional medicines and procedures being discovered. Nowadays traditional medicine is used for minor ailments and when western medicine fails.. Read more…

Quintessence of the Nation

Culture

Traditional Chinese Opera was the entertainment of all Chinese over many centuries. A long evening performance contains elements of drama, music, comedy, acrobatics and martial arts. Each region has its own distinctive form. Over time complex movements have been given specific meanings as a very sparse set is used open on three sides. The art form has inspired many Western composers to emulate the style.. Read more…

Owls

Culture

The owl is a bird of ill omen in China and is considered to be unlucky.. Read more…

Chinese Music

Culture

As in so many other cultural areas the musical heritage of China is extremely rich. A wide range of different musical instruments have been developed over thousands of years. Accomplishment with a musical instrument is still considered an important part of a child's education. The success of many Chinese players in the Western classical tradition suggests a long cultural appreciation of music.. Read more…

Chinese Poetry

Language

The Chinese language is ideally suited for writing poems. The long history of Chinese has allowed poems written over two thousand years ago to be appreciated even today. The characters provide a concise method for conveying impressions and emotion.. Read more…

Symbols and Motifs

Culture

Chinese arts and handicrafts are full of hidden symbols. Bats, goldfish, peonies and bees all give a specific meaning to a painting or decoration. Exploring the world of Chinese symbolism opens up a whole new layer of appreciation.. Read more…

The ancient art of Chinese Calligraphy

Language

The Chinese language is a treasure trove of history and traditions. This is not all that surprising as the language script has been in use for the past 4,000 years. There are more than a dozen identified script styles for writing Chinese. A good piece of calligraphy fetches as high a price at auction as a great painting.. Read more…

The early history of China from pre-history to 770BCE

History

Most of the ancient traditions of China had become established 3,000 years ago. The institution of Emperor, the written scripts and the key technologies (including silk) all come from China's distant past. The longevity and continuity of Chinese culture are the two key principles to understanding China - even today.. Read more…

Jade - China's precious gemstone

Culture

Jade is highly valued in China, and much of Asia, above gold and diamonds. The gemstone that is harder than steel can be carved into exquisite shapes. . Read more…

How to get on in China

If you are traveling to China it is essential to know the customs and general etiquette so that you do not unknowingly cause offense. Our customs page covers all areas including giving gifts, banquets, sealing business deals and how to behave in public. Any attempt at understanding Chinese sensibilities will create a good impression.
Read More…