Chapter 1 A GREAT ORIENTAL NATIONOverview of Chinese History 3
Great Historical Events 22
Great Historical Figures 27
Supplementary Reading 37
Empress Wu Zetian 37
Silk Road 38
Useful Expressions 39
Chapter 2 Philosophical HeritageThe Fundamental Traits of the Chinese Nation 46
Traditional Chinese Worldviews and Values 47
Influential Ancient Thinkers and Philosophers 50
Excerpts from Chinese Philosophical Classics 77
Supplementary Reading 87
Neo-Confucianism 87
Neo-Confucianism outside China 90
The Story of Yue Fei 91
Useful Expressions 92
Chapter 3 Chinese Language and Classic LiteratureChinese Language 97
Chinese Character 98
Poetry 99
Fiction 108
Mythology 116
Supplementary Reading 119
Alone and Drinking under the Moon 119
Advent of Spring 120
Intoxicated under the Shadow of Flowers 121
Useful Expressions 122
Chapter 4 Traditional Chinese ArtsChinese Calligraphy 129
Chinese Paintings 132
Chinese Operas 136
Chinese Musical Instruments 142
Chinese Folk Arts 149
Chinese Gardens 154
Supplementary Reading 162
Calligraphy Set 162
Tri-color Tang Pottery 163
Useful Expressions 164
Chapter 5 Geographic LandscapeOverview of the Geographical Environment 173
Natural Heritage 177
Historical Sites 194
Supplementary Reading 204
The Confucian Temple and the Confucian Grove 204
Useful Expressions 206
Appendix 209
China's Properties Inscribed on the World Heritage List 209
World Cultural and Natural Heritage 210
World Natural Heritage 210
Chapter 6 Government and SocietyA Unique Form of Government 213
Population and Ethnic Groups 231
Supplementary Reading 242
Mazu and Mazu Culture 242
Legendary Story of Huangdi 244
The Chinese Dragon Culture 245
Useful Expressions 247
Chapter 7 China's Economy and ReformAn Overview of New China's Economy 253
The Reform and Opening Policies 256
New Development in China's Economy in the 21st Century 262
Chinese People's Livelihood 265
Changes of Chinese People's Lives:Facts and Figures 267
Supplementary Reading 272
Deciphering"Harmonious Society" 272
Six Trends for China's Non-public Economy 275
Useful Expressions 277
Chapter 8 Education and ScienceEducation in China 284
Scientific Development 290
Supplementary Reading 301
Imperial Examination System 301
Useful Expressions 303
Chapter 9 Folk CultureTraditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) 309
Martial Arts and Other Traditional Forms of Physical Exercises 321
Chinese Food and Drink 326
Traditional Holidays and Customs 335
Supplementary Reading 345
The Tomb Sweeping Day in Ancient Times 345
Today's Celebration of the Tomb Sweeping Day 345
Honoring Ancestors 346
Kites 346
Chopsticks 346
The Chinese Dress Adornments 347
Useful Expressions 349
BIBLIOGRAPHY 357