Personal and Public Identities in China

Religion in China

• Chinese religion is a complex and diverse set of beliefs and practices that have evolved over thousands of years.

• It encompasses a wide range of spiritual and philosophical traditions, including Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, as well as various folk religions and ancestor worship.

• Confucianism emphasizes the importance of social order, morality, and education, while Taoism focuses on living in harmony with nature and the universe.

• Buddhism, which originated in India, was introduced to China in the first century CE and has since become an integral part of Chinese religious life.

• Folk religions and ancestor worship involve the veneration of local deities and ancestors, as well as the use of divination and other forms of spiritual practice.

• These traditions are deeply rooted in Chinese culture and continue to play an important role in the lives of many Chinese people today.

Education in China

• Education in China is highly valued and considered as a means to achieve social and economic success.

• The education system in China is divided into three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary.

• Primary education is compulsory and lasts for six years. Secondary education is divided into junior and senior levels, and lasts for six years.

• The tertiary education system in China is composed of universities, colleges, and vocational schools. The most prestigious universities are known as the C9 League.

• The Chinese education system is known for its emphasis on rote learning and memorization, which has been criticized for stifling creativity and critical thinking.

• The Gaokao, or National College Entrance Examination, is a highly competitive exam that determines admission to universities in China.

• The Chinese government has recently implemented reforms to modernize the education system and promote innovation and creativity.

• The education system in China is also facing challenges such as unequal access to education, high levels of academic pressure, and a shortage of qualified teachers.

• Despite these challenges, China has made significant progress in improving its education system and producing highly skilled graduates in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Chinese Personality

• Chinese culture is deeply rooted in Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, which have a significant influence on the Chinese personality.

• Chinese people value collectivism over individualism. They prioritize the needs of the group over their own needs.

• Respect for authority is an essential aspect of Chinese culture. Elders, parents, and teachers are highly respected and revered.

• Face-saving is a crucial aspect of Chinese culture. Chinese people avoid confrontation and try to maintain harmony in their relationships.

• Chinese people are hardworking and value education. They believe that hard work and education are the keys to success.

• Chinese people are reserved and tend to keep their emotions in check. They avoid public displays of affection and tend to be more formal in their interactions.

• Chinese people are deeply spiritual and believe in the concept of fate. They believe that everything happens for a reason and that their destiny is predetermined.

• Chinese people are known for their hospitality and generosity. They take pride in welcoming guests and treating them with respect and kindness.

• Chinese people are also known for their love of food. Food is an essential part of Chinese culture, and meals are often seen as a time for socializing and bonding.

Language and Cultural Identity in China

• Chinese is a group of related language varieties spoken by the Han Chinese people, the largest ethnic group in the world.

• It is the official language of China, Taiwan, and Singapore, and one of the six official languages of the United Nations.

• The Chinese language is written using characters, which are pictorial representations of words and concepts.

• There are over 50,000 characters in the Chinese language, but only about 20,000 are commonly used.

• Mandarin is the most widely spoken dialect of Chinese, with over 1 billion speakers worldwide.

• Learning Chinese can be challenging due to its tonal nature, where the meaning of a word can change depending on the tone used.

Chinese Characters

• Chinese characters are the written text that records the Chinese language and are one of the oldest scripts in the world.

  • These are based on pictograms, and shape, sound, and meaning are combined into one, becoming a unique square-shaped ideographic system.

  • The earliest and most mature Chinese characters found now are oracle bone scripts from the Shang Dynasty in China.

• From the development of oracle bone script to the Chinese characters used today, it has gone through the evolution process of big seal, small seal, subordinate script, kaishu, cursive, and xingshu.

  • In form, Chinese characters gradually changed from pictures to strokes, from pictorial to symbolic, and from complex to simple.

• The methods of making Chinese characters include "pictography", "referring to things", "meeting meaning", and "shape sound".

  • According to the ancient Chinese "Six Books," the method of making characters also includes "transfer notes" and "false borrowing."

  • Hieroglyphics refers to the use of lines or strokes of writing to draw the physical characteristics of the object to be expressed.

  • Huiyi characters are composed of two or more separate characters, which are combined to express the meaning of the word.

  • Transcription and borrowing are actually methods of using words.

• The smallest unit of composition for Chinese characters are strokes. When writing Chinese characters, they should be written in sequential order

  • The basic rule of stroke order is horizontal and then vertical, skimming first and then twisting, from top to bottom, from left to right, first outside and then inside, and then sealed, first middle and then both sides.

  • About 2,000 commonly used words can cover more than 98% of written expressions.

Chinese Calligraphy

• Calligraphy is the art of writing Chinese characters, and it is a unique plastic art formed in the process of the evolution and development of Chinese characters.

• The tools and materials of Chinese calligraphy are basically composed of pen, ink, paper and inkstone, and people call them the "Four Treasures of Wenfang".

  • Brush: Used for Chinese calligraphy writing. Nowadays, the best brush is the lake pen; produced in Huzhou, Zheijang.

  • Ink: Black color is commonly used in writing. Nowadays, Huimo is the most famous used ink.

  • Rice Paper: a white and soft paper, most commonly used for painting and calligraphy.

  • Inkstone: A tool used for grinding; Duanyan — the most famous inkstone in China.

• Elements of Calligraphy Art

  • Structure of the Word

  • Overall Layout

  • Method of Writing

  • Degree in Coloring

  • Rhythm

  • Styles

• Characteristics of Calligraphy Art

  • Styling: The art of calligraphy is the art of shaping beauty through the combination of dots and lines.

  • Abstraction: The reflection of the beauty of reality by the art of calligraphy is completed by the structure of dots, lines and glyphs. It is not as specific as painting to depict something.

  • Expression: The art of calligraphy is imbued with the thoughts and feelings of the calligrapher, reflects the character and taste of the author, and is an art of expression.

Chinese Beauty and Aesthetics

Chinese Architecture

• Chinese architecture is a unique and ancient style that has evolved over thousands of years.

  • It is characterized by its use of wood, stone, and other natural materials, as well as its intricate designs and attention to detail.

  • The Great Wall of China: It is a series of fortifications that stretches over 13,000 miles and was built to protect China from invaders.

  • The Forbidden City: It is a palace complex in Beijing that was the home of Chinese emperors for over 500 years.

  • The Temple of Heaven: It is a religious complex in Beijing that was used by emperors to pray for good harvests.

  • Other notable examples of Chinese architecture include the Summer Palace, the Terracotta Army, and the Potala Palace.

• Modern Chinese architecture is a blend of traditional Chinese design elements and modern Western architectural styles.

  • The country has seen a rapid development in its architecture in recent years, with many iconic buildings such as the Beijing National Stadium (also known as the Bird's Nest) and the Shanghai Tower.

  • These buildings showcase the country's ability to combine traditional Chinese elements such as the use of red and gold colors, curved roofs, and intricate patterns with modern materials and techniques.

  • The use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient designs is also becoming increasingly popular in modern Chinese architecture.

Perception of Beauty in Chinese Literature

• Beauty is highly valued in Chinese culture and is often associated with good fortune, success, and happiness.

• The traditional Chinese perception of beauty is influenced by Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.

  • Confucianism emphasizes the importance of inner beauty, such as moral character, intelligence, and virtue.

  • Taoism emphasizes the beauty of nature and simplicity, and encourages people to appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

  • Buddhism emphasizes the beauty of the mind and the importance of cultivating inner peace and harmony.

• In terms of physical beauty, the Chinese traditionally value features such as a small face, delicate features, and fair skin.

• Historically, foot binding was practiced in China as a way to enhance a woman's beauty, but it is now considered a harmful and outdated practice.

• In modern China, there is a growing emphasis on individuality and self-expression in terms of beauty standards, with many young people embracing Western beauty trends.

• However, traditional Chinese beauty standards still hold significant cultural influence and are often reflected in media and advertising.

Four Beauties of China

• The Four Beauties of China are an embodiment of beauty, grace, and cultural significance.

  • They are revered in Chinese history for their contribution to the arts and their impact on the society of their time.

• Xi Shi: A legendary beauty who lived during the Spring and Autumn period.

  • She was so beautiful that her beauty was said to cause the fish to forget how to swim and the birds to fall from the sky. H

  • er beauty was also used as a political tool to weaken the enemy state of Wu.

• Wang Zhaojun: A concubine of the Han Emperor.

  • She was known for her beauty and her ability to play the pipa, a traditional Chinese musical instrument.

  • Her beauty was so great that it was said to have caused the horses to neigh in admiration as she passed by.

• Diao Chan: A character from the Three Kingdoms period.

  • She was renowned for her beauty and her intelligence.

  • She was also known for her role in the downfall of the tyrant Dong Zhuo.

  • Her beauty was used as a weapon to incite jealousy and cause a rift between two powerful men.

• Yang Guifei: A Tang Dynasty imperial consort who was known for her beauty and her influence on the emperor.

  • She was also known for her love of music and poetry.

  • Her beauty was so great that it was said to have caused the flowers to bloom out of season.

• They represent the cultural significance of women in ancient China and their role in shaping the society of their time. Their stories and legacies continue to inspire and captivate people to this day.

Chinese Dining Etiquette and Chinese Cuisine

Food Culture in China

• China has one of the world's oldest and most diverse culinary traditions.

• Chinese cuisine is characterized by its emphasis on color, aroma, and flavor.

• The Chinese believe that food is not just a source of nourishment, but also a way to promote health and well-being.

  • They have a long history of using food as a means of socializing and building relationships.

• Chinese cuisine is heavily influenced by regional differences in climate, geography, and culture.

  • They have a strong tradition of using food as a way to celebrate festivals and special occasions.

• Chinese cuisine is known for its wide variety of ingredients, including meats, seafood, vegetables, and spices.

  • They have a deep respect for the art of cooking and place great importance on presentation and aesthetics.

• Chinese cuisine has had a significant impact on the development of other Asian cuisines, including Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese.

Chinese Dining Etiquette and Taboos

• Never stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice

• Do not tap chopsticks on the bowl or table

• Do not use your own chopsticks to pick up food from a communal plate

• Do not start eating or drinking before the host or the eldest person at the table

• Do not leave chopsticks sticking out of your mouth

• Do not blow your nose at the table

• Do not leave any food on your plate

• Do not take the last piece of food from a communal plate

• Do not pour your own drink, always pour for others first

• Do not use your fingers to pick up food from a communal plate

Types of Chinese Cuisine

• Chinese cuisine is a vast and diverse culinary landscape, with each region boasting its own unique flavors and cooking techniques. Here's a closer look at the eight types of Chinese cuisine and what sets them apart:

• Anhui cuisine (安徽菜 Ānhuī cài)/Hui cuisine (徽菜 Huī cài)

  • Hailing from the Anhui province, this cuisine is all about simplicity and using wild herbs to bring out natural flavors.

  • The dishes are often braised or stewed, and the cuisine is known for its use of bamboo shoots and mushrooms.

• Cantonese cuisine (广东菜 Guǎngdōng cài)/Yue cuisine (粤菜 Yùe cài)

  • Perhaps the most well-known type of Chinese cuisine, Cantonese food is all about using fresh ingredients and light seasoning to let the natural flavors shine through.

  • Steaming, stir-frying, and roasting are common cooking techniques, and seafood is a staple.

• Fujian cuisine (福建菜 Fújiàn cài)/Min cuisine (闽菜 Mǐncài)

  • This coastal cuisine is all about seafood and soups, and is known for its umami flavors.

  • The cuisine also features a lot of pickled vegetables and is often served with rice wine.

• Hunan cuisine (湖南菜 Húnán cài)/Xiang cuisine (湘菜 Xiāng cài)

  • If you like spicy food, Hunan cuisine is for you.

  • This cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of smoked and cured meats.

  • The dishes are often stir-fried, and chili peppers are a staple ingredient.

• Jiangsu cuisine(江苏菜 Jiāngsū cài)/ Su cuisine (苏菜 Sū cài)

  • This cuisine is all about delicate cooking techniques and using seasonal ingredients to create dishes that are both beautiful and delicious.

  • The cuisine is known for its soups and stews, and dishes often feature freshwater fish and shellfish.

• Shandong cuisine (山东菜 Shāndōng cài)/Lu cuisine (鲁菜 Lǔ cài)

  • Another coastal cuisine, Shandong cuisine is known for its seafood dishes and the use of onions and garlic.

  • The cuisine also features a lot of braised dishes and is often served with vinegar.

• Sichuan cuisine (四川菜 SìChuān cài)/Chuan cuisine (川菜 Chuān cài)

  • Famous for its spicy and numbing flavors, Sichuan cuisine is all about stir-frying and braising.

  • The cuisine features a lot of Sichuan peppercorns, which give dishes their signature tingly sensation.

• Zhejiang cuisine (浙江菜 Zhèjiāng cài)/Zhe cuisine (浙菜 Zhè cài):

  • This cuisine features fresh seafood and light, delicate flavors, with a focus on soups and stews.

  • The cuisine is also known for its use of bamboo shoots and lotus roots, and is often served with rice wine.

Internet in China

Government Surveillance in China

• China is known for its extensive government surveillance system, which is used to monitor and control the activities of its citizens.

• The government uses a variety of methods to monitor its citizens, including CCTV cameras, facial recognition technology, and internet censorship.

• The government has implemented a social credit system, which assigns citizens a score based on their behavior. This score can affect a person's ability to travel, get a loan, or even find a job.

• The government also monitors online activity, including social media and messaging apps. It has been known to censor content that is critical of the government or that promotes ideas that are not in line with the government's agenda.

• The government has been criticized for its surveillance practices, with many human rights organizations calling for greater transparency and accountability.

• Critics argue that the government's surveillance practices violate citizens' privacy and freedom of speech, and that they are used to suppress dissent and maintain control over the population.

• Despite these criticisms, the government has shown no signs of slowing down its surveillance efforts, and many experts believe that China's surveillance system will only continue to grow in the coming years.

Internet and Censorship

• China has one of the most extensive and sophisticated systems of internet censorship in the world, known as the Great Firewall of China.

• The Chinese government uses a combination of legal and technological measures to control and restrict access to online content.

• The government blocks access to websites and social media platforms that are deemed politically sensitive or harmful to national security.

• Popular websites such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are blocked in China, and Chinese alternatives such as Baidu, WeChat, and Weibo are heavily monitored and censored.

• The government employs a large number of internet police and monitors online activity to identify and punish individuals who violate censorship laws.

• The censorship system has been criticized for limiting freedom of speech and access to information, and for stifling innovation and economic growth.

• Despite the restrictions, many Chinese citizens use virtual private networks (VPNs) and other tools to bypass the Great Firewall and access blocked content.

• The Chinese government has recently tightened its control over the internet, with new laws and regulations that require companies to store user data within China and to censor content that is deemed illegal or harmful.

• The future of internet censorship in China remains uncertain, as the government continues to balance its desire for control with the need to promote economic growth and innovation.

Few ways the Chinese Government Censors Information Online

• The Great Firewall of China

  • The Chinese government has established this system of censorship and internet surveillance to prevent access to particular websites and online information deemed unsuitable or dangerous.

  • This is notorious for blocking a wide variety of websites, including social networking platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, in addition to news websites and other sites critical of the Chinese government.

• Keyword filters

  • Some terms and phrases on the internet are blocked or censored by keyword filters employed by the Chinese government.

  • This contains sensitive or controversial terms like "human rights", "Tiananmen Square" , and "Falun Gong"

• Content monitoring

  • A vast number of individuals are employed by the Chinese government to analyze and censor content online, including posts on social media, blogs, and internet forums.

  • The removal or blocking of any content deemed unsuitable or critical to the government.

• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

  • VPNs are frequently used to circumvent Chinese internet censorship, although VPN usage is itself banned in China.

  • The Chinese government has made attempts to prevent or restrict VPN access, making it more challenging for individuals to utilize these tools to circumvent censorship.

• Online platforms

  • The Chinese government has enacted legislation mandating that internet platforms filter material and deploy methods to monitor and restrict user activity.

  • This consists of social media portals, video sharing websites, and other internet platforms.

Social Media in China

• China has the world's largest population of internet users, with over 989 million people online.

• Social media platforms are widely used in China, with WeChat, Sina Weibo, and Douyin (TikTok) being the most popular.

• WeChat is an all-in-one app that allows users to chat, make payments, book appointments, and more.

• Sina Weibo is similar to Twitter and is used for microblogging and sharing news and information.

• Douyin (TikTok) is a short-video app that has gained immense popularity among young people in China.

• The Chinese government heavily regulates social media platforms and censors content that is deemed politically sensitive or harmful to society.

• Social media is also used by businesses in China for marketing and advertising purposes.

• Key opinion leaders (KOLs) or influencers are highly influential in China's social media landscape and are often used by brands to promote their products.

• Social media has also played a significant role in shaping public opinion and mobilizing social movements in China.