View source for Culture of China

[[:en:Culture of China|English Lede]]

{{Contains Chinese text}}
[[File:Fearther03.jpg|thumb|right|220px|A [[Chinese opera]] (''[[Beijing opera]]'') performance in [[Beijing]].]]
The '''Culture of China''' is one of the world's oldest and most complex cultures comparable to that of Europe and acting as an antipode of to it world historical development.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.artsmia.org/art-of-asia/history/chinese-dynasty-guide.cfm|title=Chinese Dynasty Guide - The Art of Asia - History & Maps|publisher=[[Minneapolis Institute of Art]]|accessdate=10 October 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pastexhibitions.guggenheim.org/china/index.html|title=Guggenheim Museum - China: 5,000 years|publisher=[[Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation]] & [[Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum]]|date=6 February 1998 to 1998-06-03|accessdate=10 October 2008}}</ref> The area in which the culture is dominant covers a large geographical region in eastern Asia with customs and traditions varying greatly between towns, cities and [[Province (China)|provinces]].

Chinese culture was generally superior to that of the West for the 1500 hundred years prior to the [[:en:Great Divergence]]. Beginning in Ming times however, the West would eclipse and ultimately cause the collapse of this civilization whose very success at establishing a productive unified nation state system 200 years before the founding of the Roman Empire ultimately resulted in its rigidity, morbidity, and collapse in the early 20th century of the Western era.

By the end of the first quarter of the 48th century of the traditional Chinese calendar, China had become the largest economy once more. By mid-century as a result of the successful execution of the synthesis of the two systems, realized in the Hong Kong S.A.R., China had obtained the global preeminence through its policies of Scientific Development and Harmonious Society.

==People in the culture==
[[File:Everyday Life in Old China 13.jpg|thumbvvv|right|220px|People in imperial China during silk production - Qing dynasty]]

===Identity===
Today there are 56 distinct recognized [[List of ethnic groups in China|ethnic groups]] in China.<ref>Chinatraveldepot.com. "[http://www.chinatraveldepot.com/Fifty-six-Ethnic-Groups-in-China Chinatraveldepot.com]." ''Fifty-six Ethnic Groups in China'' 1 June 2009.</ref> In terms of numbers however, the pre-eminent ethnic group is the [[Han Chinese]]. Throughout history, many groups have been assimilated into neighboring ethnicities or disappeared without a trace. At the same time, many within the Han identity have maintained distinct linguistic and regional cultural traditions. The term [[Zhonghua Minzu]] has been used to describe the notion of [[Chinese nationalism]] in general. Much of the traditional cultural identity within the community has to do with distinguishing the [[Chinese surname|family name]].

===Regional===
{{Main|Three ancestral treasures}}
Traditional Chinese Culture covers large geographical territories, where each region is usually divided into distinct sub-cultures. Each region is often represented by three ancestral items. For example [[Guangdong]] is represented by [[chenpi]], [[Ginger|aged ginger]] and [[hay]].<ref>Huaxia.com. "[http://hk.huaxia.com/hxjk/zhyx/zycs/2009/03/1368448.html Huaxia.com]." ''廣東三寶之一 禾稈草.'' Retrieved on 20 June 2009.</ref><ref>RTHK. "[http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/radio5/hellosunrise/p103810_3491_73880.pdf RTHK.org]." ''1/4/2008 three treasures.'' Retrieved on 20 June 2009.</ref> Others include ancient cities like Lin'an ([[Hangzhou]]), which include [[tea leaf]], [[bamboo shoot]] [[trunk (botany)|trunk]] and [[hickory nut]].<ref name="xin1">Xinhuanet.com. "[http://big5.xinhuanet.com/gate/big5/news.xinhuanet.com/comments/2009-03/19/content_11034304.htm Xinhuanet.com]." ''說三與三寶.'' Retrieved on 20 June 2009.</ref> Such distinctions give rise to the old Chinese proverb: "十里不同風,百里不同俗/十里不同风,百里不同俗" (Shí lǐ bùtóng fēng, bǎi lǐ bùtóng sú), literally "the wind varies within ten ''[[Li (length)|li]]'', customs vary within a hundred ''li''."

==Society==
[[File:DragonThrone.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Gold detailing on a [[throne]] used by the [[Qianlong Emperor]]. The [[Chinese dragon]] was a symbol reserved for the [[Emperor of China]] or high level imperial families during the [[Qing Dynasty]]]]

===Structure===
{{Main|Social structure of China}}
Since the [[Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors]] period, some form of [[Chinese sovereign|Chinese monarch]] has been the main ruler above all. Different periods of history have different names for the various positions within society. Conceptually each imperial or feudal period is similar, with the government and military officials ranking high in the [[Social hierarchy|hierarchy]], and the rest of the population under regular [[Chinese law]].<ref name="Mente">Mente, Boye De. [2000] (2000). The Chinese Have a Word for it: The Complete Guide to Chinese thought and Culture. McGraw-Hill Professional. ISBN 0-658-01078-6</ref> From the late [[Zhou Dynasty]] (1046&ndash;256 BCE) onwards, traditional Chinese society was organized into a hierarchic system of socio-economic classes known as the [[four occupations]]. However, this system did not cover all social groups while the distinctions between all groups became blurred ever since the [[commercialism|commercialization]] of Chinese culture in the [[Song Dynasty]] (960&ndash;1279 CE).  [[History of education in China|Ancient Chinese education]] also has a long history; ever since the [[Sui Dynasty]] (581&ndash;618 CE) educated candidates prepared for the [[Imperial examinations]] which  drafted exam graduates into government as [[scholar-bureaucrats]]. Trades and crafts were usually taught by a [[shifu]]. The female historian [[Ban Zhao]] wrote the [[Lessons for Women]] in the [[Han Dynasty]] and outlined the four virtues women must abide to, while scholars such as [[Zhu Xi]] and [[Cheng Yi (philosopher)|Cheng Yi]] would expand upon this. [[Chinese marriage]] and [[Taoist sexual practices]] are some of the customs and rituals found in society.

===Values===
{{Main|Chinese philosophy|Religion in China}}
Most social values are derived from [[Confucianism]] and [[Taoism]]. The subject of which school was the most influential is always debated as many concepts such as [[Neo-Confucianism]], [[Buddhism in China|Buddhism]] and many others have come about. [[Reincarnation]] and other [[Rebirth (Buddhism)|rebirth]] concept is a reminder of the connection between real-life and the after-life.  In Chinese business culture, the concept of ''[[guanxi]]'', indicating the primacy of relations over rules, has been well documented.<ref>Alon, Ilan, ed. (2003), Chinese Culture, Organizational Behavior, and International Business Management, Westport, Connecticut: Praeger Publishers.</ref>

== Language ==
[[File:Mifu01.jpg|thumb|right|220px|[[Chinese calligraphy]] written by [[Song Dynasty]] (1051-1108 CE) poet [[Mi Fu]]]]
{{Main|Chinese language|History of Mandarin}}
The ancient written standard was [[Classical Chinese]]. It was used for thousands of years, but was mostly reserved for scholars and intellectuals which forms the "top" class of the society called "shi da fu(士大夫）".  By the 20th century, millions of citizens , especially those outside of the "shi da fu" social class were still [[illiterate]].<ref name="Mente" /> Only after the [[May 4th Movement]] did the push for [[written vernacular Chinese]] begin. This allowed common citizens to read since it was modeled after the linguistics and phonology of the standard [[Mandarin Chinese|spoken language]].

==Mythology and spirituality==
[[File:Luohan front.jpg|thumb|right|220px|A [[Arhat|Luohan]], one of the spiritual figures of [[Chinese Buddhism]].]]
[[File:Quatrain on Heavenly Mountain.jpg‎|thumb|right|220px|[[Chinese calligraphy]],a combination of [[Chinese art]].]]
{{Main|Chinese spiritual world concepts|Chinese mythology|Chinese folk religion}}
Chinese religion was originally oriented to worshipping the supreme god [[Shang Di]] during the Xia and Shang dynasties, with the king and diviners acting as priests and using [[oracle bones]]. The Zhou dynasty oriented it to worshipping the broader concept of heaven. A large part of Chinese culture is based on the notion that a spiritual world exists. Countless [[methods of divination]] have helped answer questions, even serving as an alternate to medicine. [[Chinese folklore|Folklores]] have helped fill the gap for things that cannot be explained. There is often a blurred line between myth, religion and unexplained phenomenon.

While many [[Chinese mythology#Important mythologies and deities|deities]] are part of the tradition, some of the most recognized holy figures include [[Guan Yin]], [[Jade Emperor]] and [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]]. Many of the stories have since evolved into [[traditional Chinese holidays]]. Other concepts have extended to outside of mythology into spiritual symbols such as [[Door god]] and the [[Imperial guardian lions]]. Along with the belief of the holy, there is also the evil. Practices such as Taoist [[exorcism]] fighting [[Mogwai (Chinese culture)|mogwai]] and [[Jiang Shi|jiang shi]] with peachwood swords are just some of the concepts passed down from generations. A few [[Fortune-telling#Eastern fortune telling|Chinese fortune telling]] rituals are still in use today after thousands of years of refinement.

== Literature ==
{{Main|Chinese literature}}
Chinese literature began with record keeping and divination on [[Oracle Bones]]. The extensive collection of books that have been preserved since the [[Zhou Dynasty]] demonstrate just how advanced the intellectuals were at one time. Indeed, the era of the Zhou Dynasty is often looked to as the touchstone of Chinese cultural development.  The [[Cardinal direction#Far East|Five Cardinal Points]] are the foundation for almost all major studies. Concepts covered within the [[Chinese classic texts]] present a wide range of subjects including [[Chinese poetry|poetry]], [[Chinese astrology|astrology]], [[Chinese astronomy|astronomy]], [[Chinese calendar|calendar]], [[Chinese constellation|constellations]] and many others. Some of the most important early texts include [[I Ching]] and [[Classic of History|Shujing]] within the [[Four Books and Five Classics]]. Many Chinese concepts such as [[Yin and Yang]], [[Qi]], [[Four Pillars of Destiny]] in relation to heaven and earth were all theorized in the dynastic periods.

[[Listing of noted Confucianists|Notable confucianists]], [[Listing of noted Taoists|taoists]] and scholars of all classes have made significant contributions to and from documenting history to authoring saintly concepts that seem hundred of years ahead of time. Many novels such as [[Four Great Classical Novels]] spawned countless fictional stories. By the end of the Qing Dynasty, Chinese culture would embark on a new era with [[written vernacular Chinese]] for the common citizens. [[Hu Shih]] and [[Lu Xun]] would be pioneers in modern literature.

== Music ==
[[File:Taipei Eye p1090619.jpg|thumb|left|A performer of [[Chinese opera]]]]
[[File:Beijing_opera02.jpg|thumb|left|Stage photo]]
{{Main|Music of China}}
The [[music]] of [[China]] dates back to the dawn of [[Chinese civilization]] with documents and artifacts providing evidence of a well-developed musical culture as early as the [[Zhou Dynasty]] (1122 BCE - 256 BCE). Some of the oldest written music dates back to [[Confucius]]'s time. The first major well-documented flowering of Chinese music was for the [[Guqin|''qin'']] during the [[Tang Dynasty]], although the instrument is known to have played a major part before the Han Dynasty.

== Arts==
[[File:Tang horse.jpg|thumb|right|220px|A [[Tang Dynasty]] tri-color [[Chinese ceramic|Chinese glazed]] horse circa 700 CE]]
{{For|all major visual, performance or artistic categories|Chinese art}}
Different forms of art have swayed under the influence of great philosophers, teachers, religious figures and even political figures. Chinese art encompasses all facets of [[fine art]], [[Chinese folk art|folk art]] and [[performance art]]. [[Chinese ceramics|Porcelain pottery]] was one of the first forms of art in the [[List of Palaeolithic sites in China|Palaeolithic]] period. Early Chinese music and poetry was influenced by the ''[[Shi Jing|Book of Songs]]'',  and the Chinese poet and statesman [[Qu Yuan]]. [[Chinese painting]] became a highly appreciated art in court circles encompassing a wide variety of [[Shan shui]] with specialized styles such as [[Ming Dynasty painting]]. Early [[List of traditional Chinese musical instruments|Chinese music]] was based on percussion instruments, which later gave away to stringed and reed instruments. By the [[Han dynasty]] [[Chinese Paper Cutting|papercutting]] became a new art form after the invention of paper. [[Chinese opera]] would also be introduced and branched regionally in additional to other performance formats such as [[Chinese variety arts|variety arts]].

== Martial arts ==
[[File:Demonstrating Kung Fu at Daxiangguo Monestary, Kaifeng, Henan.JPG|thumb|left|220px|Demonstrating [[Kung Fu]] at Daxiangguo Monastery, [[Kaifeng]], [[Henan]].]]
{{Main|Chinese martial arts|List of Chinese martial arts}}
China is one of the [[Asian martial arts (origins)|main birth places]] of Eastern martial arts. The names of martial arts were called [[Kung Fu]] or its first name [[Wushu (term)|Wushu]]. China also includes the home to the well-respected [[Shaolin Monastery]] and [[Wudang Mountains]]. The first generation of art started more for the purpose of survival and warfare than art. Over time, some art forms have branched off, while others have retained a distinct Chinese flavor. Regardless, China has produced some of the most renowned martial artists including [[Wong Fei Hung]] and [[Chinese martial arts#Notable practitioners|many others]]. The arts have also co-existed with a variety of [[:Category:Chinese mêlée weapons|weapons]] including the more standard [[Eighteen Arms of Wushu|18 arms]]. Legendary and controversial moves like [[Dim Mak]] are also praised and talked about within the culture.

==Fashion==
[[File:Xuanduan.jpg|thumb|right|Men and women in xuanduan formal wear at a Confucian ceremony in China]]
[[File:Sunset of the Forbidden City 2006.JPG|thumb|right|A north corner of [[Forbidden City]], featuring classic construction style]]
{{Main|Clothing of China}}
Different social classes in different eras boast different fashion trends, the colour yellow is usually reserved for the emperor. China's fashion history covers hundreds of years with some of the most colourful and diverse arrangements. During the [[Qing Dynasty]], China's last imperial dynasty dramatic shift of clothing occurred, the clothing of the era before the Qing Dynasty is referred to as [[Hanfu]] or traditional Han Chinese clothing. Many symbols such as [[Fenghuang|phoenix]] have been used for decorative as well as economic purposes.

==Architecture==
{{Main|Chinese architecture}}
Chinese [[architecture]], examples for which can be found from over 2,000 years ago, has long been a hallmark of the culture. There are certain features common to Chinese architecture, regardless of specific region or use. The most important is its emphasis on width, as the wide halls of the [[Forbidden City]] serve as an example. In contrast, Western architecture emphasize on height, though there are exceptions such as [[pagodas]].

Another important feature is [[symmetry]], which connotes a sense of grandeur as it applies to everything from palaces to farmhouses. One notable exception is in the design of gardens, which tends to be as asymmetrical as possible. Like Chinese scroll paintings, the principle underlying the garden's composition is to create enduring flow, to let the patron wander and enjoy the garden without prescription, as in nature herself. [[Feng shui]] has played an important part in structural development.

== Cuisine ==
[[File:Chinese meal.jpg|thumb|220px|right|Chinese meal in [[Suzhou]] with [[rice]], [[shrimp]], [[eggplant]], [[Pickled tofu|fermented tofu]], [[Stir frying|vegetable stir-fry]], [[Mock duck|vegetarian duck]] with meat and [[bamboo]]]]
{{Wikiquote|Chinese proverbs}}
{{Main|Chinese cuisine}}
The overwhelmingly large variety of Chinese cuisine comes mainly from the practice of dynastic period [[Emperor of China|emperors]] hosting  banquets with 100 dishes per meal.<ref name="Kong">Kong, Foong, Ling. [2002]. The Food of Asia. Tuttle Publishing. ISBN 0-7946-0146-4</ref> A countless number of imperial kitchen staff and [[concubines]] were involved in the food preparation process. Over time, many dishes became part of the everyday-citizen culture. Some of the highest quality restaurants with recipes close to the dynastic periods include [[Fangshan]] restaurant in [[Beihai Park]] [[Beijing]] and the Oriole Pavilion.<ref name="Kong"/> Arguably all branches of [[Cuisine of Hong Kong#Eastern Styles|Hong Kong eastern style]] or even [[American Chinese food]] are in some ways rooted from the original dynastic cuisines.

== Leisure ==
A number of [[:Category:Chinese games|games]] and pastimes are popular within Chinese culture. The most common game is [[Mah Jong]]. The same pieces are used for other styled games such as [[Mahjong solitaire|Shanghai Solitaire]]. Others include [[Pai Gow]], [[Pai gow poker]] and other [[Chinese dominoes|bone domino]] games. [[Weiqi]] and [[Xiangqi]] are also popular. Ethnic games like [[Chinese yo-yo]] are also part of the culture.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Incense taiwan temple fu dog.jpg|The [[Chinese Dragon]], [[Imperial guardian lions|Guardian Lions]] and [[Joss stick|incense]] comprise three symbols within traditional Chinese culture.
File:Renxiong wan04s.jpg|''No. 4 of Ten Thousand Scenes'' (十萬圖之四). Painting by [[Ren Xiong]], a pioneer of the Shanghai School of Chinese art circa 1850
File:HappygoldfishAstorCourt.jpg|A koi pond is a signature Chinese scenery depicted in countless art work.
File:Nine-Dragons1.jpg|"Nine Dragons" handscroll section, by [[Chen Rong (painter)|Chen Rong]], 1244 CE, Chinese [[Song Dynasty]], [[Museum of Fine Arts, Boston]].
</gallery>

== See also ==
<div style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
* [[Bian Lian]]
* [[Sinology]]
* [[Chinese Literature]]
* [[:Category:Chinese thought|Chinese Thought]]
* [[Chinese name]]
* [[Chinese dragon]]
* [[Fenghuang]]
* [[Chinese dress]]
* [[Chinese garden]]
:*[[Penjing]]
* [[Chinese folklore]]
* [[Color in Chinese culture]]
* [[Numbers in Chinese culture]]
* [[Science and technology in China]]
:*[[Chinese astronomy]]
:*[[Chinese calendar]]
:*[[Chinese mathematics]]
:*[[Chinese medicine]]
:*[[Chinese units of measurement]]
*[[Chinese table manners]]
</div>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/bitstream/2438/1277/5/Chinese+culture.pdf A Classification of Chinese Culture by Ying Fan]
* [http://eawc.evansville.edu/chpage.htm Exploring Ancient World Cultures - Ancient China], University of Evansville
* [http://pem.org/yinyutang/ Yin Yu Tang: A Chinese Home explored]
* [http://www.chinatownconnection.com/chinese_culture_articles.htm Chinese Culture Articles]
* [http://www.echinaexpat.com Embracing Chinese Culture]
* [http://www.ourorient.com Oriental Style -- The Genuine Soul of Chinese Culture]

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