While stepping into the new millennium, China tried to enthrall the
whole world with its unique culture, which is somewhat
characterized by dragon-shaped lanterns, Peking Opera, Chinese
Wushu or martial arts, and even chopsticks.
China, with at least 5,000 years of history, is now enthusiastic
about taking its culture on tour overseas.
In
addition, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) granted another four World Heritage
certificates to Chinese sites, bringing the total of World Heritage
sites to 27 in the country.
This ancient oriental country has developed Chinese style painting
for 10,000 years, musical instruments for 8,000 years, ceramics for
5,000 years and poetry for 3,000 years.
During the overall history of civilization, China was repeatedly
confronted with challenges from various kinds of cultures, both
from the East and West. After continuous dialogue with foreign
cultures, Chinese people always combined the outstanding parts from
foreign countries with those indigenous.
"Almost all the people in the world at any time were stunned by the
charisma of the Eastern culture which originates from a unique
philosophy," said historian Tang Yinbi.
Confucianism dominated the nation for more than 2,000 years.
Meanwhile, many Chinese talents, from ancient poets Qu Yuan and Du
Fu, modern literary laureates Lu Xun and Ba Jin, always showed
their utmost care and passion for society and ordinary people.
A
warm passion for nature also made the nation one of the world's
most romantic people.
With tolerance of various kinds of cultures in the world, the
Chinese people accepted Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and
Catholicism. Furthermore, the Chinese initiated their own religions
such as Taoism and Zenism.
Cultural traditions of China also influenced European people who
started their Renaissance in the 14th century. Lots of European
scientists and writers at that time said that they learned so much
from their Chinese counterparts.
Meanwhile, people of all ethnic groups residing in the country
learned from each other in order to make flourishing advancements
in the cultural field.
China's glorious cultural achievements jointly made by the people
are important spiritual links of the whole of Chinese people and
also the basis for peaceful reunification, said Chinese President
Jiang Zemin.
"The economic globalization will give rise to another round of
competition in the cultural industry," said Cheng Zhongying, a
culture scholar.
Many other scholars said that any single culture could hardly
dominate the whole world. The time-honored Chinese culture could
continue to play its active role in the coming centuries. Chinese
cultural workers are making endeavors to bridge Eastern and Western
cultures.
"While Western art focuses on actual visions, Eastern art stresses
the power of spirit," said Chen Yifei, a Chinese-American painter
who has gained international fame.
Well-known movie directors Zhang Yimou and Ang Lee, who was born in
Taiwan, vowed to show Chinese stories with the most advanced
Western movie techniques.
While sticking to the traditional core of the culture, China is
preparing itself to compete with other global giants in the culture
industry, which earns stunning profits for their respective
countries.
As
the country speeds up economic development, China is also ready to
win its due position in the global cultural arena.
(People’s Daily 12/06/2000)