China is one of the Four Ancient Civilizations (alongside Babylon, India and Egypt), according to Chinese scholar Liang Qichao (1900). It boasts a vast and varied geographic expanse, 3,600 years of written history, as well as a rich and profound culture. Chinese culture is diverse and unique, yet harmoniously blended — an invaluable asset to the world.
Our China culture guide contains information divided into Traditions, Heritage, Arts, Festivals, Language, and Symbols. Topics include Chinese food, World Heritage sites, China's Spring Festival, Kungfu, and Beijing opera.
China's Heritage
China's national heritage is both tangible and intangible, with natural wonders and historic sites, as well as ethnic songs and festivals included.
As of 2018, 53 noteworthy Chinese sites were inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List: 36 Cultural Heritage, 13 Natural Heritage, and 4 Cultural and Natural Heritage.
China's Performing Arts
Arts and Crafts
China's Festivals
China has several traditional festivals that are celebrated all over the country (in different ways). The most important is Chinese New Year, then Mid-Autumn Festival. China, with its "55 Ethnic Minorities", also has many ethnic festivals. From Tibet to Manchuria to China's tropical south, different tribes celebrate their new year, harvest, and other things, in various ways.
Learning Chinese
Chinese is reckoned to be the most difficult language in the world to learn, but that also must make it the most interesting. It's the world's only remaining pictographic language in common use, with thousands of characters making up the written language. Its pronunciation is generally one syllable per character, in one of five tones. China's rich literary culture includes many pithy sayings and beautiful poems.
Symbols of China
Every nation has its symbols, but what should you think of when it comes to China? You might conjure up images of long coiling dragons, the red flag, pandas, the Great Wall… table tennis, the list goes on…
Top Recommended Chinese Culture Tours
- China's classic sights
- A silent night on the Great Wall
- Relaxing in China's countryside
- China's past, present, and future
- The Terracotta Amy coming alive
- Experience a high-speed train ride
- Feed a lovely giant panda
- Explore China's classic sights
- Relax on a Yangtze River cruise
- Walk on the the Great Wall.
- Make a mini warrior with a local family.
- Pay your respects at the pilgrim's holy palace.
