Ten chief features of Chinese culture

Chinese culture is so substantive in content, so comprehensive in varieties, and it has so long a history. Which is also called Chinese civilization, the main is Han culture, and the concept of "cultural circle" is called "Han culture circle"". Chinese culture not only has a far-reaching impact on the Asia, but also all over the world.

There are several characteristics of Chinese culture.

Firstly, agriculture is economic foundation. From the development of the Chinese language, we have discovered many ancient characters which were names of agricultural products or natural botanical items. This reveals the significance of this legendary figure which in turn discloses the importance of agriculture in the Chinese tradition.

Secondly, hold the naturalistic view of life. In spite of the fact that China has gradually become modernized during the last one hundred years, this naturalistic view of life is still rooted deeply into the Chinese mind of the contemporary era. "Follow the natural way" or "let it be as it is" has become deeply rooted in the ordinary Chinese mentality, and serves as a guiding principle of the life of Chinese people, including all varieties of life style.

Third, develop the Process View of the Universe. In spite of a strong sense of permanence and a permanence and conservatism, Chinese thinkers have developed a process view of the world.

Forth, respect humanism. Humanism as the essence of Chinese culture is a well-known and firmly established fact without dispute among the sinologists or scholars in comparative culture.

Fifth, hold the thought of continuity between the supernatural and the human world. Worshipping another represents only one aspect of humanism in Chinese religious thought. Humanism in religious beliefs can be found in many other aspects of the culture.

Sixth, family relations and mutual dependence. Since the existence of the human race, family is probably the most fundamental social unit. But it has played an unusually significant role in Chinese culture. In Confucian ethics, it is one of the most important topics. And this relational concept of human situations perpetuates into the modern scene.

Seventh, respect for scholars and contempt for business men. Perhaps a very important characteristic of Confucian ethics is its downgrading of a profit-oriented personality. We find a statement in the: "The superior man sets his mind to justice, while the inferior man sets his mind to profit." A sharp distinction between justice and profit with the downgrading of the latter has since permeated the history of Chinese ethics. It is probably because of this, profit-minded business men, have never enjoyed any place of honor in the Chinese society.

Eighth, predominance of morality and under-development of law.

Ninth, Moderation and Harmony. This concept of moderation and harmony can account for some phenomena of Chinese culture and society. It has been noted that the Chinese attitude toward religion is one of eclectic.

Tenth, conservatism. Especially we respect Chinese traditional manners and customs.