Passage 1.  Tang Dynasty, whose capital is Chang’an, is regarded by historians as a high point in Chinese civilization. Stimulated by the contact with India and the Middle East, the empire saw a great development in many fields. The Tang period was the golden age of literature and art. Served by a large class of Confucian literati selected through civil service examinations, the government system of Tang Dynasty was gradually perfected under the support of Confucian bureaucratic. By the middle of the eighth century A. D., the power of Tang Dynasty began to ebb.

Passage 2.  The concept of “face” can be described as someone’s social status or reputation in the eyes of others. Throughout a Chinese person’s life, he maintains and enhances his “face” with words and actions. It may be something as small as who gets into the elevator first or as big as the awarding of multimillion dollar contacts. Losing face equals/ means losing power or influence. Even to make someone lose face unintentionally is a serious dishonor and could mean the end of a relationship. Chinese people never criticize, ignore or make fun of a person in front of others, even jokingly. When discussing individual performance, they always emphasize good points before bad ones.

Passage 3.  Tea drinking in China is a ritual and a demonstration of the refined taste. While drinking tea, people also take delight in the essence of tea itself. Chatting over a pot of tea is a very popular way of pastime among Chinese. In the past, they would start the day with a visit to a well-known teahouse. Chinese teahouses would be the equivalent of French cafes and English pubs. People come here not just for tea, but also to discuss local news or to have furious political debates.

Passage 4.  A recent online survey found that 55 percent of young people in China thought they ware lacking enthusiasm for life, and 71 percent considered themselves under heavy pressure. Anxiety is a common phenomenon among young Chinese today. Brand-name cars, luxurious houses and living a privileged life are people’s driven goals. However, compared with the high housing prices, education expenses and medial costs, their income is too low with slow growth and they see little hope for escaping, so anxiety occurs.

Passage 5.  Traditional Chinese paintings constitute a unique school of art, a school that, in style and techniques is widely different from any other art school in the world. Traditional Japanese art may be the only exception, but it has to be remembered that it has been heavily influenced by the Chinese culture. The Chinese do paintings with brushes, dipping their brushes in ink or paint and then skillfully wielding them. Painters produce on the paper pictures with lines and dots-some heavy, and some light, and some deep, and some pale. In the hands of a good painter, brushes and ink are not only tools for drawing pictures, but also the symbol of his or her artistic pursuit.

Passage 6.  The twenty-four solar terms is a unique component and creative invention of the Chinese traditional calendar, first originating from the Yellow River area. It was used to indicate the alternation of seasons and climate changes in ancient China. The establishment of solar terms reflected our ancestors’ knowledge about climate changes during their long history of farming activities. Over years, it has played an important role in China’s agricultural and animal husbandry production even to this day.

Passage 7.  In the era of highly developed media culture, young people have more contact than ever with foreign culture. According to CNNIC statistics, by June 30, 2004, China had had 87milion Internet users, most of whom are young people. Coupled with the openness and diversity of modern society, young Chinese people now have to seek their culture orientation under the impact of Western culture. In fact, many aspects of the Western and Eastern lifestyle are so blended that many young people find it difficult to make those lifestyle distinguishable.

Passage 8.  Embroidery which had already reached a high level in the Qin and Han dynasties is a brilliant pearl in Chinese art. Embroidery is a traditional craft found in many styles in different parts of China. Some elaborate pieces require months or even years to be finished and call on the skills of several experienced craftspeople. In the costume culture, it occupies an important position in the treasure of the Chinese traditional arts and crafts, and is also an important part of Chinese culture. It represents the wisdom of Chinese people.

Passage 9.  Peking Opera has a history of more than 200 years in China. It started as a derivative of Hui Opera in eastern China and Han Opera in central China, absorbing valuable elements from two regional operas, Kunqu and HebeiBangzi. Since this performing art arose and flourished in Beijing, hence the name. Peking Opera is the most influential opera in China, claiming numerous enthusiasts in all segments of society. It can be often seen that amateurs of Peking Opera performers sing in street corners, parks or residential areas on fine days. Watching Peking Opera is one of the most popular events among overseas tourists to China.

Passage 10.  There are great differences between Chinese and Western eating habits. Unlike the West, where everyone has their own plate of food, in China the dishes are placed on the table and everybody shares. If you are being treated by a Chinese host, be prepared for a table of food. Chinese are very proud of their culture of cuisine and will do their best to show their hospitality. And sometimes the Chinese hosts use their chopsticks to put food in your bowl or plat. This is a sign of politeness.