Chinese Culture: A Comprehensive Mind Map197

Philosophy
* Confucianism (family, harmony, respect)
* Taoism (balance, spontaneity, natural world)
* Buddhism (renunciation, enlightenment, rebirth)
* Legalism (centralised authority, strict laws)
Religion
* Traditional: Chinese folk religion, including ancestor worship, nature spirits
* Major religions: Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, Islam
Literature
* Ancient classics: The Four Great Classical Novels, Tang Dynasty poetry
* Modern literature: Lu Xun, Mao Dun, Mo Yan (Nobel laureate)
* Calligraphy (art of beautiful writing)
Art
* Painting (ink wash, scroll paintings, silk embroidery)
* Music (traditional instruments, opera, folk songs)
* Dance (martial arts, traditional folk dances)
* Ceramics (porcelain, pottery)
* Architecture (pagodas, temples, palatial structures)
History
* Ancient dynasties: Xia, Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han
* Middle Ages: Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming
* Modern era: Qing Dynasty, Republic of China, People's Republic of China
Society
* Family structure (traditional emphasis on extended family)
* Confucian values (respect for elders, education, social harmony)
* Chinese cuisine (vast regional variations, emphasis on rice, noodles, vegetables)
* Tea culture (integral part of social and cultural life)
Clothing
* Traditional: Qipao (cheongsam), hanfu (ancient clothing)
* Modern: Western-inspired clothing with traditional elements
Festivals
* Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year)
* Spring Festival (honoring ancestors)
* Mid-Autumn Festival (family reunions)
* Dragon Boat Festival (commemorating a poet)
Language
* Mandarin (official language)
* Cantonese, Shanghainese (regional dialects)
* Chinese characters (thousands of logographic characters)
Martial Arts
* Tai Chi (mind-body practice, self-defense)
* Kung Fu (various styles with emphasis on combat)
* Wushu (sport version of martial arts)
Culture Shock
* Differences in communication style (indirectness vs. directness)
* Table manners (shared dishes, chopsticks)
* Social hierarchy (respect for age and authority)
* Language barriers (especially in rural areas)
Current Trends
* Globalisation and Western influences
* Modernisation of traditions
* Increasing economic and political power
* Cultural diplomacy and soft power

2025-02-08

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