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As China steps into the new millennium, she hopes
to enthrall the whole world with her unique culture, which is widely
known for its dragon-shaped lanterns, Peking Opera, wushu or martial
arts and even chopsticks.
With at least 5,000 years of history, China is eager to take her
culture on tour overseas.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
has helped out in this fostering of awareness of Chinese culture
by granting another four World Heritage certificates to Chinese
cultural sites, bringing the total of World Heritage sites in the
country to 27.
China has developed her own painting styles for 10,000 years, her
own musical instruments for 8,000 years, ceramics for 5,000 years
and poetry for 3,000 years.
During the overall history of civilization, China has been repeatedly
confronted with challenges from various different cultures from
the East and the West. In their interactions with foreign cultures,
Chinese people have always absorbed the best of foreign cultures
and subtly altered these outside elements to fit in with the Chinese
way.
"Almost every people in the world has at some time been charmed
by the charisma of Chinese culture with its unique philosophical
origins," said historian Tang Yinbi.
Confucianism dominated the nation for more than 2,000 years. While
all through the ages, many Chinese literary giants, from ancient
poets like Qu Yuan and Du Fu to modern laureates like Lu Xun and
Ba Jin, have shown their utmost care and passion for society and
ordinary people.
With their trademark trait of tolerance, the Chinese people have
embraced Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and Catholicism. They have
also developed their own religions such as Taoism and Zen Buddhism.
Looking inward, we see that the many ethnic groups in the country
also continue to learn from each other, bringing about many flourishing
advances in the cultural field.
China's cultural achievements are important spiritual links that
tie the Chinese people together and are also the basis for peaceful
reunification, said President Jiang Zemin.
"Economic globalization will give rise to another round of
competition in the cultural industry," said Cheng Zhongying,
a scholar.
Many other scholars have said that no single culture can dominate
the whole world, but the time-honored culture of China will continue
to play a more and more active role in world culture in the coming
centuries. Chinese cultural workers are already making endeavors
to bring Eastern and Western cultures into closer harmony.
"While Western art focuses on representation, Eastern art stresses
the power of the 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, have undertaken to tell Chinese stories using the most
advanced Western cinema technology.
While sticking to the traditional core of her culture, China is
preparing itself to compete with other global giants in the culture
industry, which earns stunning profits for the countries involved.
As the country speeds up economic development, China is also ready
to win its due place in the global cultural arena.
(Xinhua 12/08/2000)
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