Unit 1

Exploring China and Its Language

In this unit, we’ll discover the beauty of China, from its diverse landscapes, vibrant culture and
beautiful language. In which will help the students to broaden their knowledge and understanding
about China.
This unit is divided into three lessons: namely, discovering the beauty of China, immersing the
abundant Chinese culture and mastering the Chinese language.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the unit, students will:
1. Identified key cultural and geographical features of China;
2. Explained various aspects of Chinese culture;
3. Distinguished the pronunciation of initials, finals and tones;
4. Demonstrated the proper pronunciation of Mandarin word.

Lesson 2 Immersing the Abundant Chinese Culture

In this lesson, students will understand the Chinese culture, exploring the rich traditions, cultural
practices and vibrant festivals.

Chinese Festivals

China's vast territory and diverse ethnic groups have led to a rich tapestry of customs and
traditions related to food, clothing, shelter, transport, festivals, courtesies, sacrifices, religion,
weddings, and funerals. These customs have evolved over centuries, becoming integral to the culture
of various regions and ethnicities. Many of these traditions have merged into a shared Chinese culture,
with certain festivals and customs celebrated nationwide.

Spring Festival

The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year, is the grandest and most
vibrant festival in China. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year and is celebrated with
elaborate customs and festivities.

During the Spring Festival, homes and public spaces are adorned with red decorations, such as
Spring Festival couplets, lanterns, and paper cuttings. Red is a prominent color in Chinese culture,
symbolizing happiness, wealth, and prosperity. It is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good

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fortune. Streets and buildings are illuminated with red lanterns, and people often wear red clothing to
celebrate the occasion.

The festival is a time for family reunions. People return to their hometowns to spend time with
loved ones, engage in lively conversations, enjoy festive meals, and participate in traditional activities.
One of the most common greetings during this time is “Guò nián hǎo” (过年好), which means “Happy
New Year.” The term “Guò nián” (过年) refers to "passing a year," and is linked to the legend of "Nian,"
a fearsome monster that is frightened away by the color red and the sound of firecrackers. This
tradition of using red decorations and fireworks to drive away evil spirits has become a central aspect
of the festival.

A cherished tradition is the giving of red envelopes, or “hongbao” (红包), which contain money.
These envelopes are typically given by older family members to younger generations, symbolizing good
luck and the dispelling of evil spirits. With the rise of digital communication, traditional red envelopes
are often replaced by digital ones sent via messaging apps like WeChat. Digital red envelopes are
increasingly popular, with large ones often leading to festive games within group chats.

The Spring Festival features an array of traditional foods that are believed to bring good luck.
Some of the most notable include:

1. Dumplings - Symbolizing wealth.

2. Wonton - Associated with wealth and treasure.
3. Noodles - Representing longevity.
4. Spring Rolls - Symbolizing wealth and a fresh start.
5. Glutinous Rice Cake - Indicating a rise in career and salary.
6. Glutinous Rice Ball - Signifying reunion, harmony, and happiness.
7. Fish - Representing fortune.

These dishes are enjoyed throughout the holiday season, not only during the reunion dinner but
also at relatives’ homes and public celebrations.

In preparation for the New Year, homes are thoroughly cleaned to sweep away old misfortune
and make way for new luck. On New Year's Eve, decorations such as red paper cuttings, lanterns, and
Spring Festival couplets are put up. These couplets, written in classical Chinese, express good wishes
for the coming year and are placed on doors and windows.

Dragon and lion dances are a hallmark of the Spring Festival, taking place from the first day to the
fifteenth day of the New Year. These performances involve groups of people manipulating dragon and
lion costumes while drummers provide a rhythmic backdrop. The loud noises and vibrant movements
are believed to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck.

The Spring Festival is not just a celebration of the new year but also a reflection of the rich cultural
heritage and enduring traditions of China.

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 Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival, also known as Yuanxiao Festival, marks the end of the Chinese New Year
celebrations and is observed on the 15th day of the first lunar month. It is a time for family gatherings
and community festivities, celebrated with a variety of activities.

The Lantern Festival is rich in tradition and marks the first full moon of the lunar year. It
symbolizes the end of the Spring Festival and the beginning of the new year’s brightness and hope. The
festival, also known as Yuan Xiao Festival, was traditionally celebrated to ward off evil spirits and
ensure a prosperous new year.

The festival is renowned for its vibrant lantern displays. People across China light and exhibit
beautifully crafted lanterns of various shapes and sizes, creating a dazzling display of lights. Lantern
riddles are a popular feature, where riddles are written on lanterns and festival-goers try to solve them.

Another highlight of the Lantern Festival is the consumption of "Yuanxiao" (also known as
"Tangyuan"), which are glutinous rice dumplings. Yuanxiao are typically filled with a variety of
ingredients. Sweet fillings can include sugar, peanuts, walnuts, and sesame, while savory varieties may
contain minced meat or vegetables. The tradition of eating Yuanxiao dates back to the Eastern Jin
Dynasty and became popular during the Tang and Song Dynasties. These dumplings are enjoyed not
only for their taste but also for their symbolism of family unity and completeness.

In modern times, the Lantern Festival is celebrated with spectacular lantern displays and public
festivities. Cities host lantern festivals featuring intricate designs and colorful illuminations, attracting
large crowds. The festival is a joyous occasion marked by family reunions, public celebrations, and
traditional foods.

Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Double Fifth Festival, is celebrated on the fifth day of
the fifth month of the lunar calendar. It is a major Chinese festival with deep historical and cultural
significance.

The Dragon Boat Festival commemorates Qu Yuan, a revered poet and patriot from the state of
Chu during the Warring States period (475 B.C. to 221 B.C.). In 278 B.C., Qu Yuan drowned himself in
the Miluo River to protest the corruption of the ruling regime and to inspire his fellow countrymen.
According to legend, the local people raced in boats to try and save him, and later threw rice into the
river to prevent fish from eating his body.

The Dragon Boat Festival is most famously associated with dragon boat races. Teams of rowers
compete in long, narrow boats adorned with dragon heads and tails. These races are conducted to

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honor Qu Yuan and symbolize the historical attempts to rescue him. The energetic races are
accompanied by the rhythmic beating of drums, which adds to the excitement and celebration.

A central feature of the festival is the consumption of "Zongzi," glutinous rice dumplings wrapped
in bamboo or reed leaves. These dumplings can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as meat,
peanuts, egg yolk, and other fillings. The tradition of eating Zongzi is linked to the story of Qu Yuan, as
it is said that rice was thrown into the river to protect his body from being eaten by water creatures.

In addition to dragon boat racing and eating Zongzi, several other customs are observed. Many
families hang "Aicao" (wormwood) on their doors to ward off evil spirits and protect against illness.
Drinking or applying "realgar wine" is another tradition believed to dispel poisons and ensure good
health. The festival is also associated with various legends, including the story of the White Snake and
Green Snake, which are connected to the customs of Aicao and realgar wine.

The Dragon Boat Festival is a vibrant celebration of Chinese culture, combining historical
commemoration, exciting sports, and traditional foods.

Tomb Sweeping Day Festival

Tomb Sweeping Day Festival, also known as Qingming Festival, is one of the eight most important
traditional festivals in China. It usually falls around April 5 on the Gregorian calendar, but celebrations
can extend from 10 days before to 8 (or 10) days after the actual day. This festival has historical roots
that date back to ancient times, and it has evolved into a significant cultural event.

The origins of the Tomb Sweeping Day Festival can be traced back to the funerals of emperors,
generals, and ministers during ancient times. The rituals performed during these funerals became
popular among ordinary people, and the tradition of offering sacrifices to ancestors and sweeping
tombs gradually became a widespread custom. The festival is deeply rooted in the Shang Dynasty and
is primarily observed by the Han Chinese.

Tomb Sweeping Day is also known as Qingming Festival, which marks one of the 24 solar terms in
the Chinese calendar. The term "Qingming" signifies a time of clarity and brightness, reflecting the
transition from the cold of winter to the warmth of spring. During this period, nature comes alive with
blooming flowers and lush greenery, symbolizing the shift from yin to yang. The festival is considered
an opportunity to honor ancestors and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Traditions and Customs

Tomb Sweeping: The central activity of the festival is tomb sweeping, where people clean the
gravesites of their ancestors. This includes removing weeds, trimming tree branches, and tidying up the
area. Offerings are made to ancestors, and rituals are performed to show respect and gratitude.

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Offering Sacrifices: People present various sacrifices such as fruit, flowers, roast suckling pig, and sliced
boiled chicken. These offerings are meant to honor the deceased and ensure their well-being in the
afterlife.

Spring Outings: Traditionally, Qingming is also a time for spring outings. This practice dates back to the
Tang Dynasty and involves enjoying the natural scenery, participating in outdoor activities, and
appreciating the beauty of the season. People often go hiking, visit parks, and admire blooming flowers.

Regional Variations

Shanghai: In Shanghai, tomb sweeping and spring outings are prominent during the festival. Nearly 10
million people visit cemeteries each year to honor their ancestors. The festival also attracts many
visitors to nearby cities like Suzhou and Jiaxing, causing significant traffic congestion.

Southern Fujian: In regions like Quanzhou and Zhangzhou, tomb sweeping can occur at different times.
In Quanzhou, it aligns with the Tomb Sweeping Day, while in Zhangzhou, it may take place on the 3rd
day of the 3rd lunar month or around the Spring Festival. Hakka communities also follow their
traditional schedule for tomb sweeping.

Hong Kong: In Hong Kong, people gather at tombs to burn scented candles, paper money, and offer
sacrifices. Many locals prefer to sweep tombs a couple of weeks before the festival to avoid crowds,
not strictly adhering to the exact Tomb Sweeping Day.

Beijing: In Beijing, Tomb Sweeping Day includes not only tomb sweeping but also various springtime
activities. These include planting willows, flying kites, enjoying magnolias, and playing on swings. Locals
often engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing mountains, and strolling by the river, making
the festival a celebration of both tradition and the arrival of spring.

The Tomb Sweeping Day Festival is a time for honoring ancestors, celebrating the arrival of spring,
and participating in various cultural and communal activities.

Qixi Festival
Qixi Festival, also known as the Double Seventh Festival or Qiqiao Festival, is often considered
China’s Valentine’s Day. Celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, it is a day filled with
romance, rooted in an ancient Chinese love story about Niulang (the Cowherd) and Zhinu (the Weaver
Girl). The festival is a time for celebrating love and the art of needlework.
Qixi Festival is also known as the "Night of Sevens," and it is a celebration that includes traditions
and activities related to love, romance, and craftsmanship. In Chinese culture, Vega is the star
symbolizing Zhinu, who is a goddess known for her spinning and weaving skills. On this night, young
girls dress in their finest clothes and go to courtyards or gardens to showcase their needlework skills,
hoping to win the favor of Zhinu for greater skill.

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THE STORY OF NIULANG AND ZHINU
There was once a young cowherd by the name of Niulang and an old ox. Niulang, the cowherd, once
saved the ox when it was sick. In return, the ox introduces Niulang to a weaver fairy by the name of
Zhinü, who is the daughter of a powerful goddess – the goddess of heaven.
Zhinu and Niulang soon fall in love and get married without telling her mother. For a few years they
live a happy life together and even have two children: one boy and one girl.
However, one day, the goddess of heaven (Zhinu’s mother) finds out that Zhinu, her daughter, has
married a mere mortal. The goddess is furious and sends her celestial soldiers to bring Zhinu back to
heaven. Meanwhile, Niulang is very upset when he finds out that his wife was taken back to heaven.
Hearing the sad news, his friend the ox invites Niulang to kill him and put on his skin, so that he will be
able to go up to heaven to find his wife. Crying bitterly, Niulang kills the ox, puts on the skin, and
carries his two beloved children off to heaven to find Zhinu.
Just before he’s able to reach Zhinu, the goddess of heaven creates a huge river between them.
They are separated forever by the river that later became known as the Milky Way.
However, all hope is not lost, as Niulang and Zhinu’s love for one another moves all the magpies in the
land to take pity on them, and they fly up to heaven to form a bridge over the river, so that Niulang
and Zhinu can meet at the magpie bridge. Eventually, the goddess is also moved by their love and so
she allows them to meet on the magpie bridge on that day every year (the seventh day of the seventh
lunar month).

Mid Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, Mooncake Festival, or Autumn Moon
Festival, is one of the grandest and most cherished festivals in China. Celebrated on the 15th day of the
8th lunar month, it marks the midpoint of autumn, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest.

The festival is named for its timing, which corresponds with the full moon of autumn. In Chinese
culture, the full moon symbolizes unity and completeness. During this time, families come together to
celebrate, appreciate the moon, and enjoy a reunion dinner. The festival is also characterized by the
sharing of mooncakes, which are traditional pastries filled with sweet or savory fillings, symbolizing
family unity and harmony.

CHANG’E FLY TO THE MOON

The story of Chang E is the most widely accepted tale regarding the moon and the origin of
the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is said that in ancient times,there are ten suns existed and the extreme
heat made people’s lives difficult. There was a hero named Hou Yi, who, owing to his great strength,

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shot down nine of the ten suns. On hearing of this amazing feat and the hero who performed it, people
came from far and wide to learn from him. Peng Meng was among these people. Later, Hou Yi married
a beautiful and kind-hearted woman named Chang E and lived a happy life.
One day, Hou Yi came upon Wangmu (the queen of heaven) on the way to meet his old friend.
Wangmu presented him an elixir which will made him imortal and would cause him to ascend
immediately to heaven and become a god/goddess. Instead of drinking the potion himself, Hou Yi took
it home and presented it to Chang E to keep. Unfortunately, Peng Meng saw Hou Yi give the potion to
his wife and three days later, while Hou Yi was out hunting, Peng Meng rushed into the backyard and
demanded that Chang E hand over the elixir. Knowing that she could not win, she took out the elixir
and swallowed it immediately. The moment she drank it, she flew out of the window and up into the
sky. Chang E’s great love for her husband drew her towards the Moon, which is the nearest place to
the earth on the heaven.
On realizing what happened to his wife, Hou Yi was so grieved that he shouted Chang E’s name to
the sky. He was amazed to see a figure which looked just like his wife appeared in the Moon. He took
the food liked by Chang E to an altar and offered it as a sacrifice for her. After hearing that Chang E
became a goddess, folk people also offered sacrifices to Chang E to pray for peace and good luck.

Chongyang Festival

Chongyang Festival also known as the Double Ninth Festival and Senior’s Day, the Chongyang
Festival is celebrated on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, which in 2021 falls on October 14. The
name "Chongyang" combines the word "chong," meaning "double," with the number nine, which is
considered a Yang number in Chinese culture, representing masculinity and strength. This day is
notable for having two Yang numbers, reinforcing its association with positive energy and longevity.
The pronunciation of the number nine, "jiǔ," also resembles the word for "long-lasting," endowing the
festival with connotations of eternal life and enduring health.

During the festival, people engage in several traditional customs. One of the key traditions is
eating Chongyang cake, a steamed cake with two layers filled with nuts and jujube dates. The word for
cake in Chinese, "gao," sounds like "high," symbolizing elevation and progress. Thus, climbing
mountains on this day is seen as analogous to eating the cake, with both practices believed to promote
personal growth and improvement. Additionally, chrysanthemum wine is consumed, as
chrysanthemums symbolize longevity and vitality. Drinking this wine is thought to bring health benefits
and good fortune.

Mountain climbing is a significant activity during the Chongyang Festival. The tradition stems from
the belief that ascending high places can enhance one’s health and longevity, and it provides an
opportunity to appreciate the autumn landscape. People also pay homage to chrysanthemums, which
bloom at this time of year. Displaying or visiting gardens with chrysanthemums reflects their symbolic
connection to long life and prosperity.

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 The festival’s origins trace back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), initially observed as a time
to ward off evil spirits and promote health. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a day to honor the
elderly, acknowledging their contributions to society. Today, the Chongyang Festival blends traditional
customs with a focus on celebrating family values and well-being, highlighting its significance in
Chinese cultural heritage.

Winter Solstice Festival

The Winter Solstice Festival, also known as the Dongzhi Festival, is a significant traditional
celebration in China. It marks the winter solstice, the day when the northern hemisphere experiences
the shortest daylight and longest night of the year. This astronomical event occurs approximately
fifteen days after the Great Snow, making it one of the coldest days of the year.

The Winter Solstice Festival symbolizes the turning point towards longer days and the eventual
arrival of spring. Celebrated on December 21st in 2021, this festival is a time for families to come
together and enjoy a hearty meal, reflecting the hope and anticipation for warmer, brighter days ahead.
It is a period to fortify oneself against the cold and to embrace the gradual return of sunlight.

One of the central customs of the Winter Solstice Festival is the eating of dumplings. Dumplings
hold a cherished place in Chinese culinary tradition and are considered a symbol of unity and
prosperity. There is a popular saying in China: “There is no better food than dumplings,” highlighting
their cultural significance. The preparation and sharing of dumplings during this festival not only
provide warmth and nourishment but also reinforce family bonds and communal spirit during the cold
winter months.

The Winter Solstice Festival embodies the essence of renewal and hope, celebrating the resilience
of the human spirit in the face of winter's challenges while looking forward to the rejuvenation of
spring.

Tea Art

China is the home of tea and remains the world's largest tea producer. According to legend, tea
was discovered over 4,500 years ago by Shennong, an ancient tribal chief known as the "God of
Agriculture." Shennong, who is often depicted with horns on his head and a missing front tooth, was
reputed to have personally tested various plants and herbs to determine their properties. One day,
after consuming many different substances, he became dizzy and sought rest beneath a tree. As he
rested, a refreshing fragrance carried on the breeze caught his attention. He noticed bright green
leaves falling from the tree and, feeling thirsty, decided to chew on one of them. Initially bitter, the
leaf's taste soon turned fresh and sweet. As he chewed, he experienced a revitalizing effect that

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alleviated his dizziness. Examining the leaves, Shennong found their distinct toothed edges and veins,
and he named them “tea” (Cha).

Chinese tea culture encompasses the methods of tea preparation, the tools used, and the various
occasions for tea consumption in China. The saying "firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, and tea"
highlights tea’s essential role in daily life. Historically, tea drinking has been integral to Chinese life,
distinguishing itself from Western and Japanese tea practices. Chinese tea culture is known for its
depth and richness, blending material and spiritual aspects.

Since the Tang Dynasty, tea has profoundly influenced various facets of Chinese society, shaping
poetry, painting, calligraphy, religion, and medicine. Over thousands of years, the Chinese have not
only developed extensive knowledge of tea production but have also enriched its spiritual and artistic
dimensions. Chinese tea culture thus represents a harmonious blend of practical knowledge and
cultural heritage, celebrated for both its physical and spiritual significance.

Calligraphy
Chinese calligraphy is a revered art form that transforms Chinese characters into visual
masterpieces through variations in pressure and speed applied with a pointed brush. This art form
emphasizes emotional expression and serves as a mental exercise, requiring coordination between the
body and mind to select the most suitable style for conveying the content of a passage.
The term "calligraphy" originates from the Greek words for "beautiful writing." In Chinese,
calligraphy is not just a form of writing but an artistic practice that integrates the spoken languages of
China. It is commonly displayed on walls in offices, shops, hotels, and homes, reflecting its widespread
appreciation.

Chinese calligraphy is distinguished from other forms of calligraphy, such as Mongolian or Arabic,
by its unique techniques and styles. It is a broad term that encompasses various writing styles, each
with its own set of rules and aesthetic principles. Practicing Chinese calligraphy involves a deep
understanding of the characters' features and meanings, as well as their strokes and components,
transforming them into art pieces.
As a unique performing art, Chinese calligraphy captures the essence of life through dynamic, fluid
movements. The main elements of this art form include the ink brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. The
brush strokes and the rhythm of writing, combined with the medium of silk or paper, create a vivid
representation of time and space in motion. Chinese calligraphy is celebrated not only for its visual
beauty but also for its ability to convey the artist’s inner energy and emotions.

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 Painting

Chinese painting, known as “dan qing” or “guo hua” (meaning "national painting"), is traditionally
created on silk or paper and often framed as a scroll. This art form uses brushes, ink, and paint,
following a set of established rules and artistic conventions passed down through generations.

With a rich history spanning thousands of years, Chinese painting reflects the cumulative efforts
of both Han Chinese and ethnic minorities. Over time, this has resulted in a distinctive system of
painting characterized by diverse artistic styles and forms. Chinese painting has significantly influenced
not only Oriental art but also the global art community.

The origins of Chinese painting can be traced back to the Neolithic Age, where early forms of
colored pottery and rock paintings emerged. These primitive works, though simple in technique,
demonstrated an early mastery of portrait painting and a desire to capture the essence of animals and
plants, reflecting the people’s aspirations and hopes for a better life.

Chinese painting is deeply embedded in the cultural identity of the Chinese nation. It balances the
artistic form with the spirit of the subject depicted. Using tools such as the writing brush, ink, and rice
paper, Chinese painting develops a unique theoretical system that values imagination and simplicity.
These techniques not only highlight the beauty of Chinese art but also contribute to the global art
treasury, showcasing its distinctive charm and cultural depth.

Paper Cutting
Paper cutting is one of the old popular Chinese arts. Early in the Han and Tang Dynasties, women
began to widely have headwearwith flower and bird shapes, which were cut from gold and silver foils
or colorful silk.
Paper cutting is a kind of folk art that cuts and carves patterns on paper with scissors or knives,
which is used for decoration or cooperate with other folk activities.
There are two kinds of paper cutting; the single color and the multi-color. There are also two types
of cutting and engraving; cutting with scissors and engraving with knife. Though it has different
technique but the purpose are all the same.
Different locations, varied cultures and changes of times have all contibuted to the diversifocation
in styles of the Chinese paper-cut. The paper-cuts in Northeast China, Shaan’xi, Shanxi and Shandong
are bold, heroic, simple and unsophisticated, anamorphic and exaggerated. Clumps, faces and lines are
often used for outlining. On the composition of a picture, the characters of personalities are vivid,
simple and bright, and the colors are deep and gorgeous;whereas paper-cuts in Anwei, Jiangsu,
Zhejiang, Fujian and Guangdong emphasize practicality. Engraved with gold and painted with bright
colors, they are elegant gentle and lively, emphasizing the sense of decoration; Yuxian County of Hebei
Province has developed a school of its own in paper-cuts with its uniqe charming stippling art; whereas

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paper-cuts from Tianjin and the Miao Nationality of Guizhou Province have their own perspective
position among Chinese paper-cuts with their unique artistic forms.

Peking Opera

Peking Opera, also known as Beijing Opera, is the most prominent form of Chinese opera,
blending music, vocal performance, mime, dance, and acrobatics. It originated in Beijing during the
mid-Qing dynasty and reached its fully developed form by the mid-19th century. This art form
encapsulates the essence of Chinese culture, presenting dramatic plays through four primary artistic
methods: singing, dialogue, dancing, and martial arts. Singing enhances the emotional depth of the
performance through varied tones, while dialogue complements the singing with musical and rhythmic
elements. Dancing involves intricate body movements that require exceptional skill, and martial arts
incorporate traditional Chinese combat techniques into the performance.

Over the centuries, the roles in Peking Opera have evolved into four major types: Sheng, Dan, Jing,
and Chou. The Sheng represents the principal male role, while the Dan encompasses all female roles.
The Jing is characterized by elaborate facial makeup and is typically a forceful character requiring a
strong voice and exaggerated gestures. The Chou is a clownish role, often playing secondary characters,
and traditionally represents both humor and the ability to ward off evil spirits. The Chou roles are
further divided into Wen Chou, which includes civilian characters like merchants and jailers, and Wu
Chou, which includes minor military figures.

Peking Opera Masks

Peking Opera masks, an integral part of the performance, are essential for conveying the
character's disposition and fate. The colors used in the facial makeup are symbolic: red signifies loyalty,
bravery, and integrity; black represents a bold and forthright character or impartiality; blue denotes
steadfastness, fierceness, and shrewdness; green indicates impulsiveness, aggression, and
stubbornness; yellow conveys fierceness, ambition, and a cool-headed demeanor; white suggests
treachery, suspicion, and cunning; and gold and silver are reserved for gods and spirits. These masks
have their roots in ancient practices where masks were used in religious rituals.

Peking Opera masks feature three main attributes: a blend of beauty and grotesqueness, an
indication of the character’s personality, and a standardized pattern for design. The makeup varies
significantly between roles; the Sheng and Dan generally have simpler designs, while the Jing and Chou
often have more elaborate makeup, with Jing masks being particularly intricate. For the Chou role,
minimal makeup is used, primarily to create the clownish appearance.

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 Chinese Kung Fu

Chinese martial arts, commonly known as Kung Fu (or Gung Fu) and Wushu, encompass a diverse
range of fighting styles that have evolved over centuries in China. These martial arts are practiced for
various reasons, including physical conditioning, self-defense, and cultural enrichment. Today, Chinese
martial arts are celebrated as one of China's four national treasures, alongside traditional Chinese
medicine, Peking Opera, and calligraphy. They continue to hold significant cultural and practical value,
enjoying widespread popularity among people of different ethnic groups across China.

Kung Fu is a comprehensive system of fighting techniques that has developed through a long
historical tradition. Despite its focus on combat, Kung Fu is rooted in the principles of virtue and peace,
emphasizing personal development and self-discipline rather than aggression or violence. This
philosophy has been a cornerstone of martial arts practice for generations.

The practice of Kung Fu includes a variety of elements: intricate movement sets, diverse boxing
styles, weapon techniques, and specific fighting stunts. Originally developed for self-defense, Kung Fu
has also gained recognition for its benefits in physical fitness and body conditioning. Its continued
practice today reflects both its historical significance and its modern applications in health and
wellness.

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