China, just as every big country, has a great number of unique traditions and customs, which are preserved by people, who live in this country. Culture includes elements, which built its identity and create a certain image. Accordingly, these elements might be as follows: food, religion, language, forms of art etc.
As for the language, it is believed to be one of the most difficult languages to learn and I completely agree with it. Chinese is the only remaining pictographic language and it includes quite a number of symbols representing different notions. Cuisine is represented by a variety of delicious dishes, such as shrimp with salt and garlic, frogs' legs, smoked duck, vegetables, roast pork, chicken, and many others. Moreover, they use many cooking methods for preparing dishes, among them are: steaming, crisping, baking, boiling, stewing, frying, simmering, and so on. What I like most of all, is the way Chinese people serve their tasty dishes. They arrange them on a variety of plates so that you want to try it as quick as possible.
In China there is a great variety of religions, such as Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, and many others. Concerning the question of religion, it’s quite a controversial one, as according to Chinese constitution people can practise any of the existing religions, but at the same time some religions are still considered to be illegal (Hsu 568).
What strikes me most is a variety in arts and customs. Its rich history has had a great impact on art. There are some musical instruments peculiar to Chinese culture, among them are: a vessel flute called xun, a plucked seven-string guqin. Besides, China has been known for sculpture and pottery since the earliest dynasties. As for the customs, one of the largest festivals, which is hold each year, is called Spring Festival and it is a celebration of the beginning of Chinese New Year. This year it will be celebrated on 8th of February. I really like this fascinating holiday. Usually the Chinese eat rice congee and mustard greens because they believe that it helps them to clean the body. Moreover, I am looking forward to seeing the colorful fireworks and dancers dressed as dragons (Wilkinson 203).
I am getting more and more interested in Chinese culture and will continue exploring it. As I know that there are so much special and unique features, which we should know about it.
Works cited
Duke, Michael S. "World Literature in Review: China." World Literature Today, Autumn 1999
Hsu, Immanuel Chung-yueh. The Rise of Modern China, 2000.
Wilkinson, Endymion Chinese History : A New Manual (2013).
