节日和风俗
每年农历七月初七是中国的情人节（Valentine\'s Day )。关于这个节日有一个美丽的传说：王母娘娘（the Queen of Heaven )最年幼的女儿“织女”爱上了人间的男子“牛郎”，王母反对仙女与凡人相爱，就用银河（Milky Way)将他们隔开。但牛郎和织女的爱情感动了人间的喜鹊（magpie)，每年七月初七这一天，喜鹊会搭起一座鹊桥让这对情侣相见。而如今在这一天，年轻的女子常在月下向织女祈祷，期望得到美满的姻缘。
The seventh day of the seventh month in the lunar calendar is Chinese Valentine\'s Day.There is a beautiful legend about this festival: Zhi Nu, the youngest daughter of the Queen of Heaven, fell in love with Niu Lang, a cowherd on earth.Zhi Nu\'s mother was opposed to the love between a fairy and a human, so she separated the two lovers with the Milky Way.However, their love story moved the magpies on earth.Those magpies gather together annually on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month to form a “magpie bridge”，so that the couple can meet each other once in a year.Today, on this day, young girls often pray to Zhi Nu in the moonlight, wishing for a happy marriage.农历五月初五的端午节(the Dragon Boat Festival)是个盛大的节日。它的另一名称——“重五节”就来源于这个日期。这个节日根据一个广为流传的故事，演变为纪念战国时期(the Warring States Period)楚国伟大爱国诗人屈原的日子。如果事实果真如此，那么端午节已经有大约2500年的存史了。端午节最盛行的活动是赛龙舟和吃粽子（rice dumpling)。自2008年以来，端午节在中国巳不仅仅是一个传统节日,还是公共假期。
The Dragon Boat Festival is a grand festival celebrated on the 5th day of 5th month of the Chinese lunar calendar.This is the source of the alternative name of Double Fifth Festival.According to a widely stated story, the festival developed to commemorate the great patriotic poet Qu Yuan of Chu State in Warring States Period.If that is true, Dragon Boat Festival has a history of about 2,500 years.The most popular activities of Dragon Boat festival are racing dragon boats and eating rice dumplings.Since 2008，Dragon Boat Festival has been celebrated not only as a festival but also a public holiday in China.端午节(Dragon Boat Festival)是中国的传统节日之一，为每年农历五月初五。它与春节、清明节和中秋节并称为中国汉族的四大传统节日。端午节的来源有多种说法，但最被人们接受的是为了纪念著名爱国诗人屈原。这一天的习俗有吃粽子、赛龙舟、喝雄黄酒（realgar wine)等。从2008年起，端午节正式列入国家法定节日，这既有助于弘扬传统文化，又能适应人们的需要。
Dragon Boat Festival is one of Chinese traditional festivals.It\'s on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.It is known as one of the four major traditional festivals of Han Chinese together with the Spring Festival, the Qingming Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival.A number of theories exist about its origins, but the best accepted one is that it\'s for memorizing the famous patriotic poet Qu Yuan.On this day, people have the customs of eating zongzi(rice dumpling), racing dragon boats and drinking realgar wine, etc.In 2008, it was recognized as a public holiday in mainland China for the first time which cannot only help spread this traditional culture but also meet the need of people.赛龙舟(Dragon boat racing)是端午节的一项重要活动，在中国南方尤为流行。关于这项运动的由来，有一种说法是为了纪念中国古代的著名爱国诗人屈原。龙舟的大小和样式多种多样，但一般都带有装饰性的龙头和龙尾。赛龙舟不仅是一种体育和娱乐活动，它更能体现人们心中的集体主义和爱国主义精神。赛龙舟现已被列入国家级非物质文化遗产名录(National Intangible Cultural Heritage List)。 Dragon boat racing is an important activity of Duanwu Festival (also known as Dragon Boat Festival), and is particularly popular in the south of China.As for its origin, one version is that it is held in memory of Qu Yuan, a famous patriotic poet in ancient China.The dragon boats vary in sizes and styles, but they are generally rigged with decorative Chinese dragon heads and tails.Dragon boat racing is not only a kind of sports and recreational activities, but also reflects the spirit of people’s collectivism and patriotism.Dragon boat racing is now among the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List.清明是我国二十四节气(the twenty-four solar terms )之一，一般是在每年的4月4日至6日前后。人们庆祝清明节大约始于东周时代，距今已有两千五百多年的历史。清明过后，气温逐渐上升，雨水也增多，表明了这是农民开始安排农耕活动的关键时期。同时，清明也是郊游的大好时节，人们去户外踏青，并开展一系列消遣和体育活动。更重要的是，清明时节也是一个纪念祖先和已故亲人的日子。
Qingming is one of the twenty-four solar terms in China, typically falling on April 4-6 each year.The celebration for the Qingming Festival can be traced back to the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, with a history of over 2,500 years.After Qingming time, the temperature begins to rise up and rainfall increases, indicating that it is the crucial time for the farmers to arrange their farming activities accordingly.Meanwhile, it is the high time for spring outing, when people go out for fresh air, kinds of recreations and sports activities.More importantly, Qingming is also a period to honour and to pay respect to one\'s deceased ancestors and family members 每年农历的正月十五是元宵节。早在两千多年前的西汉时期(the Western Han Dynasty),元宵节就已经成为一个具有重要意义的节日。在这天，人们制作各种漂亮的灯笼、设计有趣的灯谜；同时多种表演，如舞龙灯、舞狮子、踩高跷（walking on stilts)等也会上演。和其他中国传统节日一样，元宵节也有特定的食品，叫“汤圆（glue pudding) ”。汉语中，汤圆和“团圆”发音相似，代表着家庭团圆、和谐和快乐。
The Lantern Festival falls on the 15th day of the 1st lunar month.As early as more than 2,000 years ago, in the Western Han Dynasty, it had become a festival with great significance.On the Lantern Festival, Chinese people craft many types of beautiful lanterns and create many interesting lantern riddles.At the same time, performances such as dragon lantern dance, lion dance and walking on stilts will be staged.Just like China’s other traditional festivals, the Lantern Festival also has its own special dish— “Tangyuan, a glue pudding”.Tangyuan has a similar pronunciation with “tuanyuan (reunion)” in Chinese, representing reunion, harmony and happine for the family.灯谜(lantern riddles )是指写在彩灯上面的谜语。灯谜一般由三部分组成，即谜面、谜目(hint)和谜底。在灯谜中凡是谜面上有的字，在谜底中不能再出现。 灯谜里充满着智慧，因此猜谜底显得很有趣，这也使得猜灯谜成为元宵节的一项不可缺少的活动。灯谜在中国源远流长，可以毫不夸张地说，灯谜体现着中国人民无穷的智慧。
Lantern riddles are riddles that are written on the lanterns.Generally, a lantern riddle consists of three parts, namely the riddle, the hint and the answer.Any character that appears in the riddle cannot be in the answer again.Lantern riddles are full of wisdom, thus working out them can be much fun, which makes gueing riddles an eential part of the activities in the Lantern Festival.The lantern riddle has a long history in China, and it is no exaggeration to say that it is a reflection of infinite wisdom of the Chinese people.春节是中国最重要，也是最热闹的古老节日之一。春节象征着团结、兴旺以及对未来寄予新的希望。据记载，中国人过春节已有四千多年的历史。中同是个多民族的国家，各民族（nationality）过春节的形式各有不同。但是无论在中国的哪个地方，人们都会在春节期间全家团圆，吃年糕(New Year cake)，饺子以及各种丰盛的饭菜。人们张灯结彩，燃放鞭炮，并互相祝福。
In China, the Spring Festival is one of the most significant and lively ancient festivals, which symbolizes unity, prosperity and new hopes for the future.It is recorded that the custom of celebrating the Spring Festival has lasted for more than 4,000 years.As a multi-ethnic country, different nationalities in China have various ways of celebrating the Spring Festival.However, wherever in China, people will have a family reunion during the festival, eating New Year cakes, dumplings and various hearty meals, decorating the houses with lanterns and festoons, setting off firecrackers and bleing each others.对联（Chinese couplet)也叫“对子”，由两句形式相通、内容相连的语句组成。第一部分称作“上联”，贴在右侧，第二部分，即“下联”则贴在左侧。两行字不仅字数要一致，而且相同位置上的字必须对仗工整（antithetic in form),平仄协调（harmonious in tone )。按用途不同，对联可以分为很多种，在新年贴的对联也叫“春联”，表达了人们的美好祝福与愿望，也为新年增添了节日气氛。
The Chinese couplet is also called “Duizi”.It consists of two sentences which are identical in form and interrelated in meaning.The first line is called “upper couplet”，which is put up or hung on the right side, and the other is called “lower couplet” which is placed on the left side.Not only are the two lines required to have an equal number of characters, the words stand in the same position in each of the two sentences must be antithetic in form and harmonious in tone.For different purposes, there are different couplets.The couplet for the Spring Festival is called “Chunlian”，which conveys the bleing and good wishes of the people and enhances the festive atmosphere of the New Year, too.压岁钱（lucky money )是中国春节习俗中不可缺少的一项元素，是每个孩子过年时都热切期盼的礼物。除夕夜，家中的长辈会给予未成年的孩子一定数额的钱，称之为“压岁钱”,据说压岁钱可以使孩子平平安安地度过新的一年。在中国， 给压岁钱的风俗源远流长，流传至今。它是长辈送给孩子的护身符（amulet), 代表着长辈对孩子的美好祝福，可以保佑孩子在新的一年里健康吉利。
As an indispensable element of the Spring Festival customs in China, lucky money is a gift that every kid eagerly looks forward to during the Spring Festival.On Chinese New Year\'s Eve, the underage kids can receive a certain sum of cash from the elders in their family, which is called “lucky money”.It is believed that lucky money can ble the kids to have a safe and peaceful new year.The custom of giving lucky money has a long history and spreads up to now in China.It is an amulet the elders give their kids, representing the elders\'fine wishes for the kids and bleing them with health and good fortune in the New Year.守岁Staying up late (\"Shousui\") 守岁意味着除夕夜不睡觉。年夜饭后，家人聚坐一起，愉快聊天，等待春节的到来。 Shousui means to stay up late or all night on New Year\'s Eve.After the great dinner, families sit together and chat happily to wait for the New Year\'s arrival。
年夜饭New Year Feast 春节是与家人团聚的时间。年夜饭是所有家庭成员聚在一起“必须”的宴会。除夕宴会上吃的食物根据不同的地区各不相同。在中国南方，习惯吃“年糕”(糯米粉制成的新年糕点)，因为作为一个同音字，年糕意味着“步步高升”。在北方，年夜饭的传统饭是“饺子”或像月牙儿形的汤圆。 Spring Festival is a time for family reunion.The New Year\'s Feast is \"a must\" banquet with all the family members getting together.The food eaten on the New Year Even banquet varies according to regions.In south China, It is customary to eat \"niangao\" (New Year cake made of glutinous rice flour) because as a homophone, niangao means \"higher and higher every year\".In the north, a traditional dish for the feast is \"Jiaozi\" or dumplings shaped like a crescent moon.春节打扫房屋这个非常古老的习俗甚至可以追溯到几千年前。灰尘在传统上与“旧”联系在一起，所以打扫房屋和扫除灰尘意味着辞“旧”迎“新”。春节的前几天，中国的各家各户都打扫房屋，扫地，清洗日用品，清除蛛网和疏浚沟渠。人们兴高采烈做所有这些事情，希望来年好运。
To clean houses on the New Year Even is a very old custom dating back to thousands of years ago.The dust is traditionally aociated with “old” so cleaning their houses and sweeping the dust mean to bid farewell to the “old” and usher in the “new”.Days before the New Year, Chinese families clean their houses, sweeping the floor, washing daily things, cleaning the spider webs and dredging the ditches.People do all these things happily in the hope of a good coming year.发红包(red packet)是中国春节的一种习俗。红包作为礼物，是乂母、祖父母或其他长辈给孩子的、用红色纸袋包起来的钱。红包外面通常都有象征财富和运气的图案。中国人喜欢红色，认为红色代表能量、幸福和好运。过年时送红包给孩 子们，是送给他们美好的祝愿和好运。孩子们收到红包，意味着他们又可以度过 安全、平和的一年。一般来说，红包里包多少钱取决于一个人的收入。
Giving red packets is a custom during the Spring Festival in China.As a gift,red packets are the money wrapped in red paper bags presented to kids by their parents, grandparents or other elders.Symbols of wealth and luck usually decorate the cover of the red packets.Chinese people love the red color and regard it as representing energy, happine and good luck.Giving red packets to kids during the Spring Festival is to send good wishes and luck to them.Kids\'receiving the red packets implies that they will have another safe and peaceful year.Generally,the amount of money wrapped in the red packets depends on the giver\'s income.庙会(the temple fair)是中国民间的一种社会活动，通常在节日或某些特定的 日子里，在寺庙里或寺庙附近的空旷之处举办。有的则只在春节期间举办。尽管 在不同的地方举办的庙会时间不同，但其基本内容是相似的。在庙会期间，来自 四面八方的农民和商人都带着自己的农产品来进行交易。民间艺术家搭起舞台， 表演唱歌、跳舞、讲故事等。老百姓高高兴兴地来观看表演，买小吃或其他有趣 的物品。
The temple fair is a social activity in the Chinese folk.It is usually held in a temple or in the open place near the temple during festivals or some specified days.Some temple feirs are only held during the Spring Festival.Although temple fairs in different places are held in different time, their basic contents are similar.During the time of temple fairs, farmers and traders come from all directions, with their own agricultural products for transactions.Folk artists set up the stages for performing singing, dancing, stoiy telling, etc.Ordinary people happily come to watch performances and buy snacks or other interesting goods.“春运(Transportation during the Spring Festival Period )”被认为是规模最大的年度迁徙。这是个特殊的时期，这时的中国面临着极高的交通负荷，从而导致巨大的交通问题，特别是在铁路服务方面。在春节临近的时候，数以百万计远离家乡工作或学习的人要赶回家与家人团聚。这个长久以来的传统是春运高峰的主要原因。还有一个原因，这个假期是每年两个为期一周的长假中的一个，对许多人来说是一个外出旅行的完美时机。 Transportation during the Spring Festival Period is considered to be the largest annual migration.It is the special period when China faces an extremely heavy traffic load,which results in great transportation problems，especially on the railway services.Millions of people working or studying far away from their hometowns will come back home to reunite with their families as the Chinese Spring Festival approaches.This long-held tradition is the main reason for the rush.The other is that the holiday is one of the two long holidays of one week in the year, and for many people,it\'s a perfect travel time.每年农历九月初九，人们会庆祝重阳节（the Double Ninth Festival)。《易经》 (The Book of Changes)认为数字“九”是阳数，故重九也叫重阳。登高是最受欢迎的重阳节传统之一。九月天空高远，空气新鲜，在这样的日子登高有助于保 持身体健康。吃重阳糕(double-ninth cake)跟登高有关。重阳糕作为节日食品最初 用来庆祝秋收，后来发展成登高、吃重阳糕的习俗，寓意是我们的生活将越来越好。由于“九九”谐音“久久”，重阳节如今已被赋予薪的涵义—老人节。
On the ninth day of the ninth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, people celebrate the Double Ninth Festival.Nine is a yang number (a traditional Chinese spiritual concept) in The Book of Changes, so Double Ninth is called Chongyang.Climbing the mountains is one of the most popular traditions on that day.In September the sky is high and the air is fresh, and climbing the mountains is helpful to keep physical fitne.The tradition of eating double-ninth cakes is aociated with climbing the mountains.As a kind of festival foods, the double-ninth cake was first used to celebrate the autumn harvest.Later, it developed into the custom of climbing the mountains and eating double-ninth cakes, which means that our life will become better and better.Because double ninth sounds like longevity (jiujiu in Chinese), the Double Ninth Festival nowadays has been given a new meaning-Seniors\' Day.重阳节，由于它是在中国农历九月初九这一天，所以又被称为重九节，至今有约两千年的历史。在中国古代，重阳节是一个重要的节日，这一天要举行各种庆祝活动，如:登高、赏菊（chrysanthemum )、插茱萸（cornel)、吃重阳糕等。登髙是重阳节的主要习俗。古人认为，在这一天登高可以避祸免灾。近年来，这个古老的节日被赋予新的含义，逐渐成为开展各种敬老活动、一年一度的“老年节”。
Chongyang Festival，falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, because of which，it is also named as the Double-ninth Festival, which has a history of some 2,000 years.As an important festival in ancient China, Chongyang Festival was celebrated by holding various activities, such as climbing mountains, appreciating chrysanthemums, wearing cornel and eating Chongyang cakes.Climbing mountains is a major custom in Chongyang Festival.Ancient people thought climbing mountains on this day could help them avoid misfortune and prevent disasters.In recent years, a new meaning has been given to the old festival，and it gradually becomes an annual Seniors’ Day, on which various activities are held in honor of senior people.每年的农历八月十五为中秋节，是月亮在一年中最圆、最亮的一天。中秋节的历史非常悠久。自古以来，历代皇帝都遵循着春季祭日、秋季祭月的传统。到唐代，中秋节开始作为固定节日；宋朝时，这一节日更为盛行。至明清，中秋节已成为一个与春节、清明节和端午节并列的重大节日。在中秋节这天，人们会在月下观赏祭拜，寄托个人情怀。
The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, when the moon is the fullest and brightest of the whole year.This festival has a very long history.In ancient China, emperors followed the tradition of offering sacrifices to the sun in spring and to the moon in autumn.By the Tang Dynasty, the Mid-Autumn Festival had been fixed as a holiday, which became even grander in the Song Dynasty.In the Ming and Qing dynasties, it grew to be a major festival of China together with the Spring Festival, the Qingming Festival and Dragon Boat Festival.On this day, people enjoy the full, bright moon, worship it and expre their thoughts and feelings in the moonlight.中秋节(the Mid-Autumn Festival)对中国汉族和少数民族来说都是个传统的节日。拜月的习俗可以追溯到古代夏商时期(the Xia and Shang Dynasties)。按照中国的农历，八月为秋季的第二个月，古时称为中秋。农历八月十五这天，月亮满圆，于是中国人将这天定为中秋节。圆形对中国人来说意味着家庭团聚，因此中秋节也是个家庭团聚的节日。这天，儿女们会带着自己的家人到父母家团聚。已 经定居海外的人有时会回来探望父母。
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a conventional festival for both the Han and minority nationalities in China.The custom of worshipping the moon can be traced back to the ancient Xia and Shang Dynasties.According to Chinese lunar calendar,the 8th month is the second month in autumn and ancient people called it Mid-Autumn (Zhongqiu in Chinese).On the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, the moon is extremely round and the Chinese people mark it Mid-Autumn Festival.The round shape to Chinese means family reunion, therefore the Mid-Autumn Festival is also a holiday for members of a family to get together.On that day, sons and daughters will bring their family members back to their parents\'home for a reunion, and people who have already settled overseas sometimes will come back to visit their parents.腊八节(the Laba Festival)在农历最后一个月的第八天庆祝，标志着春节庆祝 活动的开始。“腊”指“腊月（the 12th lunar month)”，是农历第十二个月，“八”指的 是数字8。腊八节通常在1月中旬。大多数汉族人遵循腊八节喝腊八粥（Laba rice porridge)的习俗。腊八粥最早在宋朝传入中国。据史料记载，一些大型寺庙会为穷人提供腊八粥来表达对佛祖(Buddha)的虔诚。明朝时，腊八粥成为皇帝在此节日赏赐群臣的神圣食物。
Laba Festival is celebrated on the eighth day of the last lunar month, marking the beginning of celebrating the Chinese Spring Festival.La means the 12th lunar month and ba means the number eight.The date usually falls in mid-January.The majority of people from Han nationality has followed the tradition of eating Laba rice porridge on the Laba Festival.Laba rice porridge was first introduced to China in the Song Dynasty.According to historical records, some large temples would offer the poor Laba rice porridge to show their faith to Buddha.In the Ming Dynasty, it became a holy food that emperors would use to award their officials on the festival.
传统文化
中国人的姓名通常姓（family name)在前，名（given name)在后。中国有10多亿个名字，所以人们即便在随意场合也可能会连名带姓地介绍自己，这是很寻常的。历史上，人名的受欢迎稈度会随着时事而变化。例如，文化大革命(Cultural Rcvolution)期间，“红”颇受欢迎，因其代表“革命”。20世纪80年代改革开放时期，“致富”成为一个名字，因其意为“变得富有”。
In China the family name is usually in front of the given name.It isn\'t unusual for a man to introduce himself by his family name with given name even in casual situations because there are more than a billion given names.The Chinese given name has a history of changing with popularity depending on what events were going on.For instance, during the Cultural Revolution Hong (the color red) was very popular as it presents revolution.During the reform and opening up in the 1980s, Zhifu became one given name as it means “getting rich”.
中国传统认为孝顺(filial piety)是我们在父母有生之年应该一直秉承的、最 重要的美德。成为孝子是任何一个中国人首要的责任，这意味着要尽可能完全服 从父母，关怀父母，不惜任何代价满足他们的需求。中国传统认为孝顺还有一些 其他特征，如父母过世后，长子需要一手操办葬礼；儿子必须确保家里的香火(family line)得以延续。
According to Chinese tradition，filial piety is the most important virtue to be cherished throughout one\'s parents\' lifespan.Being a filial child is the uppermost duty of any Chinese and it means showing complete obedience to parents，taking care of them，and meeting their demands at any cost as poible as one can.Chinese tradition takes a view that filial piety has some other features, too.For example，the eldest son is required to perform all the rituals after the death of his parents; the son has to ensure that the family line will continue.农历(lunar calendar)已使用了数千年。今天，我们依然用农历来表示中国的传统节日。农历由中国古代的朝代衍生而来。现今使用的农历形成于公元前104年，汉朝汉武帝（Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty）统治时期。该农历被称为太初历（taichu calendar）,跟今天使用的农历是一样的。农历中的每一年都以一种动物来命名，如2012年是“龙年”。共有12种动物，每12年循环一次。
The lunar calendar has been used for thousands of years.Today the traditional Chinese festivals are still lunar calendar festivals.The lunar calendar originated in the Chinese ancient dynasties.The current calendar was created during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty in 104 BC.This calendar,which was called the taichu calendar,is the same lunar calendar as the one used nowadays.Each year in the lunar calendar is named after an animal.For example,2012 was the year of the dragon.There are 12 animals.Every 12 years the cycle repeats itself.中国象棋(Chinese che)是中国宝贵的文化遗产之一，它是中国古代智慧的结晶，下象棋也是一种有助于磨练性格、培养品味的运动。在各种棋盘游戏中， 象棋和围棋(go game)都由古时的宋朝人发明，如今在全国都广受欢迎。象棋是一种双人对弈的战略性棋盘游戏。游戏代表了两军之间的战斗，目标是捕捉敌人的将军。虽然它起源于亚洲，但今天在全球都有中国象棋倶乐部。
The Chinese che is one of the valuable cultural heritages of China.It is the fruit of Chinese ancient wisdom and playing che is also a helpful exercise for tempering one\'s character and cultivating one\'s taste.Among various kinds of board games, both Chinese che and go game were invented by ancient people in the Song Dynasty and now enjoy great popularity over the country.Chinese che is a strategic board game between two players.The game represents a battle between two armies; its object is to capture the enemy\'s general.Although it has its origin in Asia, the Chinese che clubs spread all over the world today.“功夫(Kungfu)”是对中国武术(martial art)的通俗叫法。中国功夫不是单纯的拳脚格斗，而是中华民族传统文化的体现，是独一无二的“武文化”。中国功夫因其悠久的历史、丰富的内涵(connotation)以及浓厚的神秘色彩而越来越为中外所瞩目。中国功夫在世界上的影响日渐广泛，不仅出现了大量中国功夫题材的中外影视作品，更有越来越多的外国人开始喜爱并学习中国功夫。
Kungfu is a common name for Chinese martial art.While Kungfu does not simply refer to fighting using hands and feet, it is the embodiment of the Chinese traditional culture and the unique “martial art culture”.Kungfu is drawing more and more attention at home and abroad for its long history, rich connotation and deep mysterious color.Kungfu\'s influence in the world is increasingly widespread.There are a large number of Chinese and foreign films on the theme of Kungfu, and more and more foreigners begin to love and learn Kungfu.中医(Traditional Chinese Medicine)的范畴很广，包括一系列具有相同基本概 念的医学实践。这个概念起源于中国古代，已经历了数千年的发展。中医诊法包 括把脉（measure the pulse)，检查舌头、皮肤、眼睛，以及询问饮食、睡眠习惯和其他方面。中医蕴含的理念及其复杂性向研究中医如何奏效的研究者提出了挑战。这些研究大多数集中在针灸(acupuncture)和中药等特定形式的疗法上。
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) includes a broad range of medicine practices sharing common basic concept which originated in ancient China and has :evolved over thousands of years.TCM diagnosis includes measuring the pulse,inspecting the tongue, skin, eyes and asking about the eating and sleeping habits of :the patient as well as many other things.TCM\'s complexity and underlying conceptual foundations present challenges for researchers seeking evidence on how it works.Most researches focus on specific treatment modalities, primarily I acupuncture and Chinese herbal remedies.打麻将(mahjong)有时被描述成现实生活的翻版，既需要策略，也需要运气。 在中国玩麻将通常还需要下或大或小的赌注(bet)。一个世纪前，麻将主要是富人 的消遣(pastime),但如今已被认为是大众游戏。麻将在20世纪20年代引人美国，一股麻将热潮随之而来。学习打麻将最好的方式是与朋友坐在一起，让他们示范 玩一次，把麻将牌面向上，看大家怎么玩。
Playing mahjong, which is sometimes described as a metaphor of real life， needs a mix of strategies and luck.Typically in China，it also involves placing large or small bets.A century ago，it was mainly a pastime for wealthy people，but today it is considered a game of the people.When it was first introduced to the U.S.A.in the 1920s，a craze of mahjong ensued The best way to learn playing mahjong is to sit with friends and ask them to play a demonstration game: ask them to turn their pieces upwards and watch what everybody is doing.太极拳（Taijiquan)是一种中国武术内家拳（the internal styles of Chinese martial art)。它基于以柔克刚(the soft overcoming the hard)的原理，发端于中国古代，最开始是一种武术和自卫方式。随着时间的推移，人们开始通过练太极拳来改善健康状况、增加福祉(well-being)。练习者用意念慢慢地、轻轻地移动身体, 同时深呼吸，因此有时被称为移动冥想(meditation)。中国人通常会在清晨到附近的公园练习太极拳。
Taijiquan is one of the internal styles of Chinese martial art.It is based on the principle of the soft overcoming the hard and originated in ancient China as a martial art and a means of self-defense.Over time, people began to exercise it to improve their health and well-being.Practicers move their bodies slowly，gently and with thought while breathing deeply，so it is sometimes referred to as “moving meditation”.Chinese commonly practice Taijiquan in nearby parks in early morning.汉语是一种很古老的语言。大量文献记载说明，汉字起源于新石器时代(the Neolithic Age)仰韶文化时期，最早的汉字已有近4000年的历史。汉字在其漫长的发展史中演化出不同的书写形式，例如篆书(seal script)、隶书(official script)、楷书(regular script)和行书(cursive handwriting )。中国书法家笔下的汉字往往以字形的夸张取得艺术效果，例如一些旅游胜地的石刻碑文。
Chinese is a very old language.A host of documental records shows that Chinese characters originated in Yaoshao Culture Period of the Neolithic Age, and its earliest characters date back to nearly 4,000 years ago.During their long history of development, Chinese characters have evolved into many different script forms, such as seal script, official script, regular script and cursive handwriting.Chinese calligraphers usually render their Chinese characters in a way that is exaggerated in form to yield artistic beauty, such as those in stone inscriptions seen at some tourist resorts.唐朝是中国古代最繁荣、兴旺、灿烂、光荣的时期。因此，中国人穿的传统服装就被称为“唐装(Tang suit)”。实际上，“唐装”并不是唐朝的服装。它的起源可以追溯到清朝，由马褂(Chinese jacket)演变而来。唐装的颜色多种多样，最常见的是红色、深蓝色、金色和黑色。唐装上一种常见的设计是使用汉字来表达好运和祝福。今天，仍然有很多人会在传统的节日里穿唐装。
The Tang Dynasty was the most thriving, prosperous, splendid and glorious period in ancient China.As a result, the traditional clothing worn by the Chinese is called “Tang suit”.Actually, \"Tang suit” is not the clothing of the Tang Dynasty.Its origin can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty, evolving from Chinese jacket.Tang suit is made in different colors, the most common are red, dark blue, gold and black.One common design is the usage of Chinese characters to convey good luck and wishes.Today,there are still many people who would wear Tang suit during traditional festivals.水墨画(ink wash painting)是一种毛笔画。基本水墨画只使用深浅不一的黑色墨水。唐朝时，水墨画得到发展。人们普遍认为是王维将颜色加入到当时的水墨画中。水墨画的目标不仅仅是复制物体的外观，还要捕捉它的灵魂。要想画一匹马，水墨画家必须了解马的肌肉和骨骼，更要了解马的气质(temperament)。要想画一朵花，水墨画家并不需要完全描摹它的花瓣和颜色，重要的是传达它的活力和芳香。
Ink wash painting is a type of brush painting.Only black ink is used for the painting of basic ones, in various concentrations.During the Tang Dynasty,ink wash painting got developed.Wang Wei is generally credited as the painter who applied color to existing ink wash paintings.The goal of ink wash painting is not simply to reproduce the appearance of a subject,but to capture its soul.To paint a horse,the ink wash painting artist must understand its temperament better than its muscles and bones.To paint a flower,there is no need to perfectly portray its petals and color,but it is eential to convey its liveline and fragrance.中国木雕(wood carving)有着悠久的历史，是中国传统艺术之一。人们认为现存最早的木雕大约是在三千年前的战国时期雕刻完成的。在中国，木雕主要分成三个类别：建筑雕刻、家具雕刻和艺术品雕刻。中国的木雕以其令人印象深刻的细致构造和主题之美受到了全世界的欣赏。今天，我们可以在私人画廊里看到传统木雕，也可以在长江两岸整个区域的宅邸装饰上看到它。
Chinese wood carving is one of Chinese traditional arts with a time-honored history.The earliest existing wood carving is believed to be made during the Warring States Period about three thousand years ago.Wood carving in China constitutes three major categories: architecture carving, furniture carving and artworks carving.Chinese wood carving is appreciated worldwide for its impreively detailed structures and the beauty of its themes.Today,traditional wood carvings can be seen in private galleries and also on the decorations over residential areas on both sides of the Yangtze River.中国的印章篆刻(seal carving)始于古代，贯穿于整个秦朝。篆刻的印帝最初是作为皇帝的玉玺(imperial seal)来使用的。皇家的印章被称为玺(Xi)并且只能由皇室成员使用。秦朝之后，更多不同种类的印章出现了。它们作为个性化的印戳用于私人用途。这些非官方定制的印戳被称为印（Yin)。在唐朝，由于迷信(superstition),印章的名称被改称为宝，理由是玺的发音与另一个表示“死亡”意思的汉字类似。
Chinese seal carving first appeared in ancient times and was used throughout the Qin Dynasty.It was initially employed as an imperial seal named Xi.These imperial seal carvings were used only by the royalty.Following this dynasty, more different kinds of seals appeared and were used by private folks as personalized stamps.These non-official stamps were called Yin.During the Tang Dynasty, the seals was renamed Bao as a result of superstition since the pronunciation of Xi is similar to that of another Chinese charactcr which means death 黄梅戏（Huangmei Opera)源于湖北省黄梅县的采茶歌曲，连同京剧、越剧 (Yue Opera)、评剧(Ping Opera)和豫剧(Yu Opera)是中国的五大戏曲。它最初是以一种简单的载歌载舞的戏剧形式出现的。后来，随着饱受洪水灾害的灾民，黄梅戏传到了安徽省安庆市。它吸收了徽剧和当地歌舞的元素，发展到了今天的形式。黄梅戏以一种淸新的风格反映了普通居民的生活，受到了群众的喜爱。
Huangmei Opera was originated from tea picking songs in Huangmei county, Hubei province.It is one of the Five Operas in China together with Beijing Opera, Yue Opera, Ping Opera and Yu Opera.It first appeared as a simple drama of song and dance.Later, it was spread to Anqing city, Anhui province by immigrating victims of floods.Absorbing elements of Anhui Opera and local songs and dances, Huangmei Opera was developed to the present form.It enjoys great popularity among the maes by reflecting the life of ordinary people in a fresh style.十二生肖(the twelve Chinese Zodiacs)是中国传统文化的重要组成部分，它们源于自然界的11种动物和一个民族图腾(totem)。十二生肖代表动物的性格特点各不相同。到了龙年或虎年，人们常说“生龙活虎”；马年人们会说“马到成功”；猪在中国人的眼里是“宝”的意思；牛是勤劳（diligence )的象征，这一点在鲁迅的诗句“俯首甘为孺子牛”中有着完美的体现。
The twelve Chinese Zodiacs, including eleven animals in the nature and a national totem, play an important role in the Chinese traditional culture.The twelve symbolic animals have their own characteristics.In the Year of Dragon or the Year of Tiger, people will say shenglonghuohu—full of vim and vigor; in the Year of Horse, people will say madaochenggong—to gain an immediate succe.In Chinese eyes, pig is a “treasure”.Ox is a symbol of diligence, which is well presented in the verse by Lu Xun一an outstanding writer in China, “head bowed, like a willing ox I serve the children”.
算盘(abacus)是一种手动操作计算辅助工具形式。它起源于中国，迄今已有2600多年的历史，是中国古代的一项重要发明。在阿拉伯数字（Arabic numerals )出现前，算盘是世界广为使用的计算工具。现在，算盘在亚洲和中东的部分地区继续使用，尤其见于商店之中，可以从供应中国商品和日本商品的商店里买到。在西方，它有时被用来帮助小孩子们理解数字，而一些数学家喜欢体验一下使用算盘计算出简单算术（arithmetical)问题的感觉。
An abacus is a form of manually operated counting aid.It has originated in China over 2,600 years ago.It is one of the most important inventions of ancient China.The abacus used to be the most widely used calculation tool before the appearance of Arabic numerals.At present, abacuses continue to be used in parts of Asia and the Middle East, especially in the shops, and they are available in stores which stock Chinese or Japanese goods.In the West, it is sometimes used to help young children grasp numbers, and some mathematicians enjoy experimenting with the abacus to work out simple arithmetical problems.中医(Traditional Chinese Medicine )有五千多年的历史，是中国古代劳动人民几千年来对抗疾病的经验总结。中医将人体看成是气、形、神的统一体，以“望、闻（auscultation and olfaction)、问、切”为其独特的诊断过程。 中医使用中药、针灸(acupuncture)以及许多其他治疗手段，使人体达到阴阳调和。阴阳和五行是中医的理论基础。五行是自然界中的五种基本物质，即金、木、水、火、土。
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history of more than 5,000 years.It is a summary of the experience of the working people over many centuries of struggle against diseases.TCM considers human body as a unity of QI, XING and SHEN.The diagnostic proce of TCM distinguishes itself by “observation，auscultation and olfaction, inquiry and pulse diagnosis”.TCM uses traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture and many other treatment means to make human body be harmony between YIN and YANG.The concepts of YIN-YANG and WU XING laid a theoretical foundation for TCM.WU XING refers to five basic substances in the nature, that is, metal, wood, water, fire, and earth.太极拳(Tai Chi)是一系列缓慢的动作，旨在修炼身心。它就像是一种舞蹈，却不需要你随音乐起舞，而是需要你向内看,聆听内心的节奏。它创自数千年前，原本是一种武术（martial art)—一种自卫的技艺。然而，它的武术方面如今不太流行了。目前全世界成千上万人练习它，主要是由于它对于人类健康的神奇作用。它将身体动作与平静、冥想的（meditative)心理状态结合起来，所以也被称作“冥想运动(meditation in motion) ”。
Tai Chi is a series of slow movements which are aimed at trainning us physically and mentally.It is just like a dance that requires you to look inside and dance to the internal rhythms instead of music.It was created thousands of years ago as a martial art and specifically as a defensive art.However, nowadays its martial aspect is not that popular.It is practiced by thousands of people around the world mostly because of its miraculous effects on human\'s health.It is often called “meditation in motion” because it combines the body\'s movements with the calm and meditative state of mind.据说，中国的舞狮(lion dance)起源于南北朝（the Southern and Northern Dynasties)时期，至今已有一千多年的历史了。狮子代表欢乐和幸福。在中国古代，从新年的第四天到第十五天，舞狮团会从一个村子舞到另一个村子。狮子本身包含一个头和一个身体。两个功夫武术家(Kung Fu martial artists)可以组成一头狮子。两名参与者必须都要有扎实的功夫才能表演。舞狮的过程中还配有音乐。狮子的每种情绪和动作都有自己的节奏。
It is said that the lion dance in China originated in the Southern and Northern Dynasties with a history of more than one thousand years.The lions represent joy and happine.From the fourth day to the fifteenth of the New Year, lion dance groups would tour from village to village in ancient China.The lion itself consists of a head and a body.Every lion was made up of two Kung Fu martial artists qualified with a solid skill in Kung Fu.During the lion dance, music is played and each of the lion\'s moods and moves has its own rhythm.中国象棋属于二人对抗战略性棋盘游戏，是最受欢迎的棋盘游戏之一。在中国古代，象棋被列为士大夫们的修身之艺，现在则被视为一种益智的活动。象棋由两人轮流走子，以“将死”对方的将（帅）为胜。象棋棋盘共有64格，中间的“河界”将之分为两个“敌对”的部分。每人各有棋子16枚，包括1枚将、2枚马、2枚车(chariot)、2枚象（相）、2枚士、2枚炮和5枚丢(pawn )。 一般而言，执红色棋子的一方先走子。
Chinese che, known as Xiangqi, is a strategy board game for two players.It is one of the most popular board games.In ancient China, Chinese che used to be listed as a way for scholar-officials to cultivate their moral characters, while now it\'s regarded as a kind of activities to develop intelligence.The two players move by turn in the game with the objective of checkmating the opponent\'s general or king.The board itself has 64 squares and has a “river” in the middle that divides the board into two opposing parts.Each player has 16 pieces, including 1 general (king), 2 horses, 2 chariots, 2 elephants (bishops), 2 guards, 2 cannons and 5 pawns.Generally speaking, the player with the red pieces moves first.清朝末期，雕刻精美、描绘华丽的折扇大量在中国广东生产，后被西方商人青睐。运往欧洲和美国后成为西方贵妇的重要时尚配件（acceories)。中国折扇的材质多为镂雕精巧的象牙、珍珠贝壳、漆木（lacquer)。扇面上描绘了众多清朝官员及夫人的形象。因为具有神秘的东方情调，当时西方中上层贵妇人手一把，以此来炫耀自己的财富和高贵。
During the late Qing Dynasty, a large number of Chinese fans exquisitely carved and gorgeously painted were produced in Canton (now called Guang dong).These fans later were in good graces of western merchants.After they were shipped to Europe and America, they became fashionable acceories for noblewomen.The materials used to make Chinese fans were mostly exquisitely carved ivory, pearls and shells and lacquer.These Chinese fans showed many figures of Mandarins and their consorts.Mysterious oriental sentiment as they presented, each lady in upper-middle cla family at that time owned a Chinese fan to show off her wealth and nobility.“泥人张”是中国北方流传的一种民间彩塑，深得当地百姓喜爱。它创始于清代(the Qing Dynasty)末年，至今已有180多年的历史。“泥人张”的创始人叫张明山，生于天津，家境贫寒，从小跟父亲以捏泥人（clay figure)为业。张明山的泥人，有民间故事中的人物，也有小说、戏曲中的角色，有现实生活中的劳动人民，有正面人物，还有反面人物。因此，他的作品具有浓厚的趣味性。
The “Clay Figure Zhang” is a kind of folk painted sculpture which is popular in Northern China, and deeply appreciated by local people.Its appearance can be dated back to late Qing Dynasty, having a history of more than 180 years until now.The “Clay Figure Zhang” was founded by Zhang Mingshan, who was born in Tianjin.He had been living his life by making clay figures with his father since childhood because of the poverty of his family.Zhang\'s clay figures are based on the figures in folk stories together with characters in novels and traditional Chinese operas and working people in real life.Those figures can be positive or negative.Therefore, his works are of great interestingne.年画(New Year painting)是最受中国家庭欢迎的民间手工艺术形式之一。年画一般在春节时张贴。因年画在新的一年到来后才会被换，故称“年画”。年画是中国民间美术中较大的一个艺术门类，它始于古代的“门神画（door-god picture) 据说贴在家门上可以辟邪。同时，年画还可以美化居家环境，增添节日的喜庆气氛，为家人带来幸福和欢乐，表达了民众向往美好生活的愿望。
The New Year pictures are one of the most popular folk handcraft arts among Chinese families.Generally, they\'re posted during the Spring Festival.Because they will be replaced after another New Year\'s arrival, hence their name is New Year pictures.The New Year picture in China is a large category of folk art, originating from the door-god pictures, which is believed to exorcise evil spirits when posted on the door of a house.At the same time, the pictures can beautify people\'s homes, enhance the festive atmosphere and bring happine and joy to the family, and expre their hopes for a better life.中国结(the Chinese knot)是中国的一种传统而典型的民间手工编织装饰品。在汉语中,“结”寓意团圆、友好、和平和爱等，所以中国结经常被用来表达美好的祝愿。每个中国结通常只用一根丝线或丝绳编结而成，每一个结根据其形状和意义命名。编织中国结的主要材料是各种线，线的种类包括丝、棉、麻(linen)、尼龙(nylon)等。中国结兼具实用性和装饰性，充分反映了中国文化的魅力。
The Chinese knot is a kind of traditional and typical folk hand-woven decoration in China.In Chinese language, “jie (a knot)” means reunion, amity, peace and love, etc., so the Chinese knot is often used to expre good wishes.Each knot is usually woven with only one silk cord or silk rope, and named according to its shape and meaning.Chinese knots are mainly made of various cords which can be silk, cotton, linen or nylon and so on.The Chinese knot is both practical and decorative, fully reflecting the charm of Chinese culture.皮影戏（shadow play), 一门古老的中国传统民间艺术，是世界上最早由人配音（dub )的活动影画艺术。这门古老的艺术流行范围极为广泛。千百年来，给祖祖辈辈的人带来了许多欢乐的时光。皮影戏所用的幕影原理，以及表演形式，对近代电影的发明和发展也起到了重要的先导作用。几年前，皮影戏被列入联合国教科文组织人类非物质文化遗产名录(UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists)。
Shadow play, an ancient traditional folk art in China, is the earliest art of motion shadow pictures dubbed by people in the world.This ancient art has been very popular.It has provided the Chinese people for generations with a lot of joyous time for thousands of years.The principle of curtain shade and ways of performance adopted by shadow play played an important leading role in the invention and development of the modem movies.Several years ago, shadow play was listed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists.中国杂技(acrobatics)是一门结合了身体力量和技巧的表演艺术。它是最受中国人欢迎的艺术形式之一。杂技在中国已经存在了两千多年。早在战国时期(the Warring States Period )就已经出现了杂技的雏形(embryonic form )。到了汉代，杂技或“百戏”进一步丰富了其内容和种类。古往今来，杂技表演融入了许多不同的表演艺术，例如传统戏剧、舞蹈和武术（martial art)的优点，作为回报，它也为后者提供了灵感。
The Chinese acrobatics is a performing art which combines physical strength and skills.It is one of the most popular art forms welcomed by the Chinese people.The acrobatic art has existed in China for more than two thousand years.As early as the Warring States Period, there appeared embryonic form of acrobatics.By the time of the Han Dynasty, the acrobatic art or “Baixi” was further enriched both in contents and varieties.Acrobatic performances through the ages have incorporated strong points of many different performing arts such as traditional operas, dance and martial art, and provided the latter with inspiration in return.京剧脸谱(Peking Opera facial makeup )是具有民族特色的一种特殊的化妆方法。由于每个历史人物或某一种类型的人物都有一种大概的类型，就像唱歌、奏乐都要按照乐谱（music score ) 一样，所以称为“脸谱”。关于脸谱的来源， 一般认为脸谱来自假面具。京剧脸谱是广大戏曲爱好者非常喜爱的一门艺术， 国内外都很流行，被大家公认为是中国传统文化的标志之一。
Peking Opera facial makeup is a kind of special makeup method with national characteristic.Since every historical figure or a certain type of person has an approximate style, like singing, playing music according to the music score, it\'s called “facial makeup”.As to the facial makeup\'s origin, it is generally considered that it\'s from mask.As one of the favorite arts of the traditional opera lovers at home and abroad, Peking Opera facial makeup has been regarded as one of the symbols of Chinese traditional culture.京剧(Peking Opera)已有200多年的历史，是中国的国剧。与其他地方戏相比，京剧享有更高的声誉，但其实京剧融合了多种地方戏的元素。京剧演员的脸谱（facial makeup)和戏服都很精美，相形之下布景则显得十分简单。京剧表演者主要应用四种技能：唱、念、做、打。在古代，京剧大多是在户外演出的，因此演员们形成了一种极具穿透力的唱腔，以便每个人都能听到。
Peking Opera, as the national opera of China, has a history of more than 200 years.Compared with other Chinese local operas, Peking Opera enjoys a higher reputation; but actually it absorbs many elements of other local operas.The facial makeups and costumes of the performers are usually very delicate;by contrast, the backdrops are quite plain.During the performance, the performers mainly utilize four skills: singing, speaking, acting and acrobatic fighting.In ancient times, Peking Opera was mostly performed in the open air, so the performers developed a piercing style of singing that could be heard by everyone.京剧是世界上最古老的戏剧艺术形式之一。从唐代起，京剧的表演者被称为 “梨园弟子(theatrical performer)\"。在清代，它在老百姓中也开始流行。表演是在茶馆、饭馆，甚至是在临时搭建的舞台上进行的。每个演员的脸上画着夸张的图案，代表每个人物的性格、角色和命运。这种技艺可能源于古代的宗教和舞蹈。熟悉京剧的观众可以通过观察人物的脸部描绘和服装来了解故事。
Beijing opera is one of the oldest opera art forms in the world.Since the Tang Dynasty,performers of Beijing opera were referred to as \"theatrical performers\".During the Qing Dynasty,it became fashionable among ordinary people.Performances were watchcd in tearooms, restaurants, and even on makeshift stages.Exaggerated designs are painted on cach performer\'s face to symbolize a characters personality,role,and fate.This technique may have originated from ancient religions and dance.Audiences who are familiar with the opera can know the story by observing the characters\' facial paintings as well as their costumes.书法(calligraphy)在中国的传统艺术领域占有非常重要的位置。书法已经历时2000多年了。它有五种主要的书写方式，每种都有不同的书写技法。练习书法需要文房四宝(Four Treasures of the Study)。书法被认为是一种需要内心平静的艺术形式。今天，尽管出现了各种各样的现代书写方式，但人们仍然经常将书法作为一种业余爱好进行练习。如今，书法在西方也越来越受欢迎。
In China,calligraphy occupies a very important position in the field of traditional art.Calligraphy has a history lasting for more than 2,000 years.There are five main ways of writing and each needs different techniques.To practice calligraphy requires the Four Treasures of the Study.Calligraphy is considered to be an art form requiring inner peace.Today,although various modern ways of writing have come up,calligraphy is still practiced often as a hobby.Nowadays,it has also become more and more popular among westerners.中国独有的文书工具(calligraphic tools),即笔、墨、纸、砚(ink stone),被称为“文房四宝\"(Four Treasures of the Study)。从名称上，我们不难看出中国的书法家和画家珍视它们的程度。尽管这四种工具已经发生了演变，人们仍然相信，如果不使用传统的文房四宝，中国艺术作品就出不了杰作。其他东方国家也继承了中国的这个传统，比如日本。也许这就是为什么日本书法和绘画与中国书法和国画很相似的原因。
Chinese particular calligraphic tools include brush,ink,paper and ink stone,which are known as \"Four Treasures of the Study”.We can easily tell how Chinese calligraphers and painters value them from the name.Despite the evolution of the four tools,it is believed that no Chinese artwork can be a masterpiece without using the traditional four treasures.Other oriental nations such as Japan has inherited this Chinese tradition.Maybe that\'s why Japanese calligraphy and Japanese painting resemble Chinese calligraphy and Chinese painting.相声(cro talk)是一种中国曲艺(Quyi)表演艺术，它起源于华北地区的民间说唱曲艺，在明朝即已盛行。大多数的相声来自于我们的日常生活。还有一些改编自民间笑话、历史人物、事件和文字游戏。最著名的相声表演艺术家有马三立、侯宝林、马季、姜昆等。相声在一代又一代表演者的努力下，一直是深受知识分子和平民喜爱的国民艺术。
Cro talk is one of Chinese Quyi performing arts.It originated from the folk vocal art and has enjoyed a popularity since the Ming Dynasty.Most of the cro talks come from our daily life.There are also some adapted from folk jokes,historical figures,events and word games.The best-known performers are Ma Sanli,Hou Baolin,Ma Ji,Jiang Kun,etc.Cro talk has been a national art popular among both highbrows and lowbrows with the efforts of performers generation after generation.汉字有成千上万个，尽管其中的大多数差别很细微，且只在历史文献中出现过。研究表明，日常使用的汉字大概有三至四千个。大多数早期汉字是象形字(pictographs),用简单的图画来代表字，但现代汉字中象形文字已经很少了。许多现代汉字是两个或两个以上简单文字的组合。汉字也可以因为其线条和点的排列组合方式被看成是一门抽象艺术(abstract art）。
There are tens of thousands of Chinese characters,though most of them are only slightly different from each other and only seen in historical documents.Studies show that normally three to four thousand characters are used on a daily basis.Most of earlier Chinese characters were pictographs-simple pictures used to mean words, but few modern Chinese characters are pictographs.Many modern Chinese characters are a combination of two or more simple characters.Chinese characters may also be considered to be an abstract art because of how the characters are made up of lines and points.瓷器(porcelain)是一种由精选的瓷土(porcelain clay)或瓷石(pottery stone)、通过工艺流程制成的物件。尽管瓷器由陶器（pottery)发展而来，然而它们在原料、轴(glaze)、烧制温度方面都是不同的。比起陶器，瓷器质地更坚硬，器身更通透，光泽也更好。瓷器在英语里叫做china,因为第一件瓷器就是在中国制造的。瓷器促进了中国和外部世界之间的经济文化交流，并深刻地影响着其他国家的传统文化和生活方式。
Porcelain is a material made from well-chosen porcelain clay or pottery stone through technological procees.Although porcelain is developed from pottery,the two are different in raw material, glaze and firing temperature.Compared with pottery, porcelain has tougher texture,more transparent body and finer luster.It is called china in English because it was first made in China.Porcelain promotes economic and cultural exchanges between China and the outside world, and also profoundly influences the traditional culture and lifestyle of other countries.刺绣(embroidery)是用针和线或纱线(yarn)在织物或其他材料上进行装饰的手工艺。刺绣最常用在无檐帽、有檐帽、外套、毛毯、礼服衬衫、长筒袜、髙尔夫球衫上。令人感到吃惊的是:在刺绣的发展过程中，从起初到后来更精美的阶段，让人感觉不到也说不出来有什么材质或技术的变化。另一方面，我们发现后来很少能达到早期作品中的技术成就和髙水准的工艺。
Embroidery is the handicraft of decorating fabric or other materials with needle and thread or yarn.It is most often used on caps, hats, coats, blankets, dre shirts, stockings, and golf shirts.It is a striking fact that in the development of embroidery there are no changes of materials or techniques which can be felt or interpreted as advances from a primitive to a later, more refined stage.On the other hand, we find a technical accomplishment and high standard of craftsmanship in early works are rarely attained in later times.孔雀舞(peacock dance)是傣族(Dai ethnic group)最广泛流传的古代舞蹈之一，同时也是傣族最受喜爱的舞蹈。对傣族来说，孔雀象征着好运、幸福、美丽和诚实，所以跳孔雀舞是为了歌颂美好的生活，表达对幸福生活的美好的祝愿。孔雀舞主要在傣历的新年-泼水节（the Water-splashing Festival)、关门节(the Gate Closing Festival)、开门节(the Gate Opening Festival)和一些重要的宗教活动上表演。他们通过跳优雅的孔雀舞来祈求和平与幸福。
The peacock dance is one of the most wide-spread ancient dances and also the best-loved dance of the Dai ethnic group.To the Dai people, the peacock is a symbol of good luck, happine, beauty and honesty.So to perform this dance is to present a eulogy of good life and expre good wishes for a happy life.It is mostly performed on the New Year (Water-splashing Festival) of the Dai calendar, at the Gate Closing Festival,the Gate Opening Festival and some important religious events.They pray for peace and happine with graceful peacock dancing.剪纸(paper cutting)有着悠久的历史，是传统的民间艺术形式。它可以追溯到东汉时期。在中国的传统文化中，剪纸可以反映生活的许多方面，如繁荣、健康或收获。虽然其他艺术形式，如绘画，也可以显示类似的景象，但剪纸仍然以它的魅力脱颖而出。今天，剪纸主要用做装饰。中国人认为门上的红色剪纸可以给全家人带来好运和幸福。剪纸在中国的传统节日，特别是春节（the Spring Festival)期间更常见。
Paper cutting is a traditional folk art form with a long history.It can be dated back to the Eastern Han Dynasty.In traditional Chinese culture, paper-cuts can reflect various aspects of life such as prosperity, health or harvest.Although other art forms, like painting, can also show similar scenes, paper-cuts still stand out for its charm.Today, paper-cuts are chiefly used as decorations.Chinese people believe that the red paper-cuts on the door can bring good luck and happine to the whole family.The paper-cuts are more often seen during traditional Chinese festivals, particularly in the Spring Festival.对联(couplet)是由富有诗意的两句话组成，通常是押韵的(rhymed)。人们用所能掌握的最好的书法水平将它们写在红色竖纸条上。上联（the first line of a couplet)贴在前门的右侧，下联贴在前门的左侧。此外，横批(the horizontal scroll)是横着贴在门框上的。对联是中国独特文化的一部分。它也是一个同时与中国语言和文字相关的艺术。今天,对联常被用作中国传统节日的装饰。
The couplet is comprised of a pair of lines of poetry that are usually rhymed,which are written on vertical slips of red paper in the best calligraphic style one can master.The first line of a couplet is posted on the right side of the front door.The second line of a couplet is posted on the left of a couplet side of the front door.In addition,the horizontal scroll is posted acro and on top of the doorframe.Couplet is a part of Chinese unique culture and also an art related to both the Chinese,language and Chinese characters.Today,it is often used as a decoration during traditional Chinese festivals.古时在中国风筝也称作“鸢(hawk ) ”。春秋战国时期(the Spring and Autumn Period ),东周哲人墨子(Mo-tse)曾“费时三年，以木制木鸢，飞升天空”，但这只木鸢只飞了一天就坏了。墨子制造的这只“木鸢”就是世上最早的风筝， 已有2400多年的历史。唐代时，风筝传入朝鲜、日本及其他周边国家。十三世纪末，风筝的故事首次被意大利探险家马可·波罗带到欧洲，至此，中国风筝便逐渐开始传到世界各地。
In ancient time, kites were also called “Yuan (a hawk)” in China.In the Spring and Autumn Period, Mo-tse, a philosopher in the Eastern Zhou Dynasty spent three years making a wooden glede that could fly in the sky, but it broke down only in one day.That wooden glede Mo-tse made has a history of over two thousand and four hundred years, which was claimed to be the first kite in the world.In Tang Dynasty, kites were introduced to Korea, Japan and other surrounding countries.Stories of kites were first brought to Europe by Marco Polo, an Italian adventurer, towards the end of the 13th century.Since then, the Chinese kite was gradually introduced to the whole world.中国人很喜欢红色，甚至称自己为“赤子”。红色在中国象征着权力和喜庆。很多朝代的官服是红色的；在清代，官帽上深浅不同的红色代表了不同的官位。公文的标题通常也用红色，这就是它们被称为“红头文件（red-head documents) ”的原因。另外，用于婚礼的双喜字是红色的。春节期间，老人们 也会给小孩子们发红包，当做新年的礼物和祝福 We Chinese like the color of red, and even we call ourselves as Chizi, which means a patriot.In China, red represents the power and happine.Official robes of many dynasties were red.In the Qing Dynasty, different shades of red on the official caps showed different rankings.Headlines of official documents are often printed in red.For that reason, it’s called “red-head documents”.In addition, the Chinese character signifying double happine used for weddings is red.During the Spring Festival, elder people will give Hongbao to the children as gifts and wishes for the new year.国画是中国文化遗产的重要组成部分。不同于西方画，它是用毛笔(Chinese brush)和墨汁在宣纸(xuan paper)上作画的。精通这门艺术需要不断重复的练习， 需要控制好毛笔，需要对宣纸和墨汁有一定的认识。绘画前，画家必须在脑海里有一个草图并根据他的想象力和经验进行绘画。许多中国画家既是诗人，又是书法家。他们经常会在自己的画上亲手添加诗作。
Chinese painting is an important part of the country\'s cultural heritage.It distinguishes itself from Western painting in that it is drawn on xuan paper with the Chinese brush and Chinese ink.To attain proficiency in this art, it is neceary to have a good control of the brush, and certain knowledge of xuan paper and Chinese ink besides repeated exercises.Before painting, the painter must have a draft in his mind and draw according to his imagination and experience.Many a Chinese painter is at the same time a poet and calligrapher who often adds a poem with his own hand on the painting.灯笼（lantern)又称为灯彩，起源于1800多年前的西汉时期。在古代，灯笼的主要作用是照明。现在，灯笼综合了绘画艺术、剪纸(paper cutting )、纸扎、刺缝（seam)等工艺，已经变成了一种供收藏与欣赏的传统工艺品。每逢佳节庆典到处都可以看到灯笼，特别是元宵节和中秋节，人们都挂起象征团圆意义的红灯笼，来营造一种喜庆的氛围。后来在中国灯笼就成了喜庆的象征。
Lanterns, also known as colored lights, originated from the Western Han Dynasty of more than 1,800 years ago.They were mainly used for lighting in ancient times, while nowadays they have already become a kind of traditional art and craft for collection and appreciation, combining various kinds of crafts, such as painting, paper cutting, paper crafts and seam.On festivals and celebrations, lanterns can be seen almost everywhere;especially on the Lantern Festivals and the Mid-Autumn Festivals, red lanterns are hung to expre the meaning of reunion and create a joyous atmosphere.Later on, lanterns have become the symbol of happine in China.旗袍（qipao）是一种雅致的中国服装，源于中国的满族（Manchu Nationality）。在清代，旗袍是王室女性穿着的宽松长袍。上世纪 20 年代，受西方服饰影响，旗袍发生了一些变化。袖口（cuffs）变窄，袍身变短。这些变化使女性美得以充分展现。
如今，旗袍经常出现在世界级的时装秀上。中国女性出席重要社交聚会时，旗袍往往是她们的首选。很多中国新 也会选择旗袍作为结婚礼服。一些有影响的人士甚至建议将旗袍作为中国女性的民族服饰。
Qipao is an elegant type of Chinese dre that originates from the Manchu Nationality.In the Qing Dynasty, it was a loose gown worn by females of the royal family.In 1920s，it underwent some changes due to the influence of western dre.Its cuffs became narrower and the length was shortened as well.Such changes allow the beauty of female to be fully displayed.Nowadays Qipao is not only frequently seen on world-cla fashion shows, but also the first-choice dre for Chinese women to attend some important social gatherings.Moreover, many Chinese brides choose it as their wedding gowns.Some influential figures even have suggested making Qipao a national dre for Chinese women.汉朝是中国历史上最重要的朝代之一。汉朝统治期间有很多显著的成就。它最先向其他文化敞开大门，对外贸易兴旺。汉朝开拓的丝绸之路通向了中西亚乃至罗马。各类艺术一派繁荣，涌现了很多文学、历史、哲学巨著。公元l00年中国第一部字典编撰完成，收入9 000个字，提供释义并列举不同的写法：英间，科技方面也取得了很大进步，发明了纸张、水钟、日晷(sundials)以及测量地震的仪器。汉朝历经400年，但统治者的腐败最终导致了它的灭亡。
The Han dynasty is one of the most important dynasties in Chinese history.There are lots of remarkable achievements during the reign of the Han dynasty.Being the first dynasty to open the door to other cultures, it excelled in foreign trade.The Silk Road opened in the Han dynasty led to Central and Western Asia, even Rome.With all sorts of art schools flourishing, there appeared many great works in literary, history, and philosophy.In 100 AD, China\'s first dictionary was completed, which included 9 000 characters, providing definitions and different ways to write the characters.During that period, the science and technology had also made great progre, with paper, water clocks, sundials and instruments used to measure earthquakes invented.Though the Han dynasty had a history of 400 years, the corruption of its rulers finally contributed to its collapse. 美食
中国菜(Chinese cuisine)享誉世界，是世界美食的明珠，并被推崇为全球最为健康的食物。菜系(cooking style)繁多，烹饪方法也不尽相同。其四大要素—色、形、香(aroma)、味，决定了菜的好坏，是判断其水平的标准。中国东北菜的口味变化多端，色彩丰富，造型美观。而南方菜的特点是口味清淡、颜色亮丽，保 留了食材的原始味道。
Chinese cuisine, as a pearl of world cuisine, is famous and recommended as the healthiest food in the world.It has various cooking styles and its cooking techniques are also diverse.Chinese cuisine features four elements—color, shape,aroma and taste, which decide how good it is and they are the criteria of judging its ,quality.Northeastern Chinese cuisine’s taste features varied taste, rich color and beautiful shape.While in the southern China, the food features light taste, bright color and remains the original flavor of the food materials.汤圆（sweet soup ball)是中国的一种传统食物。它最初在隋朝被称为元宵 (Yuanxiao)，曾被用来指代元宵节（the Lantern Festival)，元宵节是一个以吃汤圆或元宵的形式来庆祝的节日。汤圆至今已经有700多年的历史了。这种深受人们喜爱的食物最早出现在宁波。随着不断的发展和完善，逐渐形成了这种有着特殊味道，由糯米(glutinous rice)做皮、猪油(lard)做馅儿的宁波汤圆。
Sweet soup ball is a kind of traditional food in China.Originally named Yuanxiao in the Sui Dynasty，it was ever used to refer to the Lantern Festival，a day celebrated by eating sweet soup balls and rice glue balls.Sweet soup ball now has a history of over 700 years.This food，much favored by people，first appeared in Ningbo.Through its continuous development and improvement, the unique flavor of Ningbo sweet soup balls made of glutinous rice with lard stuffing has gradually come into being.饺子，是一种以面为皮（wrapper)的充馅食物，它是中国北方比较传统的食物，饺子深受中国汉族人民的喜爱。中国人过春节和其他节日，饺子是必不可少的。相传是我国古代名医张仲景发明的。“饺子”得名的原因非常简单，“饺子”音同“交子”，是新旧交替之意，因为春节标志着新的一年的开始，人们选择吃饺子来表达他们对新年的美好祝愿。尽管时代变了，但是这一传统却保留了下来。 Jiaozi, or dumpling is a kind of food stuffed with filling inside a wheat wrapper.As a quite traditional food in Northern China, it is very popular among Han Chinese.Jiaozi is absolutely neceary when the Chinese people celebrate the Spring Festival and other festivals.It is said that jiaozi was invented by China\'s famous ancient doctor Zhang Zhongjing.The reason for naming the food as “jiaozi” is very simple: because “jiaozi” is homophonous to the Chinese phrase “change of year”，which means the transition from the old to the new.As the Spring Festival marks the start of a new year, people choose to eat jiaozi to expre their best wishes for the New Year.This tradition has remained unbroken despite the change of times.火锅中，重庆火锅（hotpot)最著名，也最受欢迎。重庆人认为以麻辣 (peppery and hot)著称的火锅是当地特色。人们喜欢围在用木炭(charcoal)、电热或天然气加热的火锅旁边吃边聊美味和有营养的食物。人们可以选择辣汤、清汤以及鸳鸯（combo)锅底，再将肉片、鱼片、各种豆腐产品和蔬菜加进火锅，之后蘸上特制酱料即可食用。在寒冷的冬天里，吃火锅成为一件惬意十足的事情。
Chongqing hotpot is the most famous and popular of all hotpots.In the eyes of people in Chongqing, hotpot noted for its peppery and hot taste is a local specialty.People enjoy gathering around a hotpot heated with charcoal, electricity or natural gas and chatting over the delicious and nutritious food.You have a choice of spicy, pure or combo for the soup, into which you may add thin sliced meat, fish, various bean curd products and vegetables, and dip them into a special sauce before eating.It is a very delightful experience to eat hotpot in the cold winter.北京烤鸭是北京的招牌菜，它的独到之处在于不仅味道鲜美，而且含有丰富的营养价值，被誉为“天下美味”，驰名中外。北京烤鸭需经过约45分钟的烤制，烤出的鸭子以皮质酥脆（crispy skin)、肉质鲜嫩为特色，这是其受欢迎的最大原因。在众多的北京烤鸭店中最知名的两个是全聚德和便宜坊，这两家烤鸭店都已经有上百年的历史了。
As a specialty of Beijing cuisine, Beijing roast duck is unique in not only delicious taste, but also rich nutritional value.Acclaimed as the “No.1 Delicacy under Heaven”，it has won fame both at home and abroad.It takes about 45 minutes to roast a duck.The roasted duck is characterized by crispy skin and tender meat, which form the biggest reason for its popularity.The most famous brands among popular roast duck restaurants are Quanjude and Bianyifang, both of which have a history of several hundred years.中国是具有先进酿酒技术的国家之一。关于酒的发明有许多种说法，最著名的是杜康的传说。据说杜康一天把装有谷子（millet)的竹筒落在了树上。十四天后偶然看见被他遗忘的竹筒，惊奇地发现筒里的谷子全变成了芳香的美酒。从此，他开始酿酒。因此，他的名字经常与酒联系起来，这一点在曹操的诗句中也有所体现:“何以解忧，唯有杜康。”
China is one of the leading countries in wine-making in the world.There are many legends concerning the invention of alcohol.The most popular one is about Du Kang.It is said that Du Kang lost his bamboo tube, which was full of millet, on the tree one day.Fourteen days later he saw the tube by accident, and surprisingly found that the millet had turned into fragrant alcohol.Since then, inspired by this discovery, he began to make the alcohol.And for that reason, his name is often aociated with alcohol, which is illustrated in Cao Cao\'s verses-“What can relieve my worries? Only Dukang.”
筷子（chopsticks )是中国古人发明的一种具有鲜明民族特色的进食工具(tableware),是反映中国饮食文化特色的重要组成部分。中国人使用筷子的历史可追溯到商代，距今已有三千多年。筷子可谓是中国国粹，既轻巧又灵活，在世界各国餐具中独树一帜，被西方人誉为“东方的文明”。凡是使用过筷子的人，不论中国人或是外国人，都因其使用方便、物美价廉而赞叹不绝。
Chopsticks, invented by ancient Chinese people, are a kind of tableware with distinct national features, being an important component that reflects the characteristics of Chinese diet culture.The history of using chopsticks in China dates back to the Shang Dynasty, more than 3,000 years ago.Chopsticks, the quinteence of Chinese culture, whose lightne and flexibility develop a school of its own among various tableware all over the world, are praised as “Eastern Civilization” by the westerners.All those people who have ever used chopsticks, no matter Chinese or foreigners, marvel at their convenience, excellent quality and reasonable price.中国传统的待客之道要求饭菜丰富多样，让客人吃不完。中国宴席上典型的菜单包括开席的一套凉菜及其后的热菜，例如肉类、鸡鸭、蔬菜等。大多数宴席上，全鱼被认为是必不可少的，除非已经上过各式海鲜。如今，中国人喜欢把西方特色菜与传统中式菜肴融于一席，因此牛排上桌也不少见。沙拉也已流行起来，尽管传统上中国人一般不吃任何未经烹饪的菜肴。宴席通常至少有一道汤，可以最先或最后上桌。 甜点和水果通常标志宴席的结束。
The traditional Chinese hospitality requires that the foods served are so diverse that guests cannot eat up all the dishes.A typical Chinese banquet menu includes cold.1．翻译第一句时，可将“中国传统的待客之道”处理为句子的主语，将“饭菜丰富多样”处理为宾语，将“让客人吃不完”处理为结果状语。
2．第二句中，“其后的热菜”可参考译文采用被动语态followed by dishes served at the beginning, followed by hot dishes, such as meat, poultry,vegetables, and so on.At most banquets, the whole fish is considered to be eential,unle various kinds of seafood have been served.Nowadays, Chinese people would like to combine Western specialties with traditional Chinese dishes.Therefore, it is not rare to see steak being served, either.Salad has also been catching on, although traditionally Chinese people generally dc not eat any food without cooking.There is usually at least a bowl of soup, served either at the beginning or in the end of the banquet.Deerts and fruit usually mark the end of the banquet.hot dishes，也可翻译为独立主格结构作伴随状语，即with the hot dishes followed；“例如肉类、鸡鸭、蔬菜等”是对“热菜”的举例说明，用such as引导。
3．第三句中的“全鱼被认为是……”可用被动语态，“必不可少的”可译为eential或indispensable，“除非……”表明该句包含一个条件状语从句，可用unle引导。
4．第五句包含一个让步状语从句，表示“尽管”含义的让步状语从句常见的引导词有though，although，despite等；“流行”的表达方式有很多，如prevalent，popular，fashionable，catch on等。因此，本句也可以译为Despite the fact that traditionally Chinese people don’t like to eat any dishes without cookin9， salad has also been popular。
5．翻译第六句中的“可以最先或最后上桌”时可处理为独立主格结构。最后一句的翻译相对简单，“标志……的结束”可用短语mark the end of…来表达。
历史人物
李清照是中国宋代一位著名的女词人(ci poete)。她的词作集称为《漱玉词》 (Shu Yu Lyrics),该名字来源于李清照济南故居前的漱玉泉。李清照在孩提时期受到了良好的教育，在早年就显示出了她的文学才华。靖康之变（Jingkang Incident)后，她和丈夫赵明诚从山东省来到江苏省南部。无家可归的境遇和悲惨的生活也在她后来的诗歌和词作中有所体现。她写出了战争带给女性的灾难，也写下了大量的爱国主义诗歌和词作品。
Li Qingzhao was a well-known ci poete in the Song Dynasty of China.The collection of her ci poems is called Shu Yu Lyrics, which took its name from the Shuyu Spring in front of her former residence in Jinan.Li Qingzhao had received good education when she was a child and showed her literary talent in her early years.After Jingkang Incident, she and her husband Zhao Mingclieng came to the south of Jiangsu from Shandong province.The homele and miserable life was also revealed in her later poems and ci poems.She depicted calamities caused by wars to the women and wrote down quite a large number of patriotic poems and ci poems.华佗是中国东汉(the Eastern Period)和三国时期(the Three Kingdoms Period)著名的医生。他擅长各个医学领域，尤其是外科手术。他被后人称为“外科圣手”（Surgeon Master)”和“外科鼻祖(Founder of Surgery)”。他是一个受过良好教育的人，熟悉古典文学。然而，他拒绝了高官的推荐，决定做一名给老百姓治病的医生。他在开处方和治疗疾病方面技术精湛。此外，他的名字总是和外科手术相联系，因为他被认为是中国第一个外科医生。
Hua Tuo was a renowned Chinese doctor during the Eastern Han Dynasty andthe Three Kingdoms Period.He was good at all fields of medicine，particularly at surgical operations.He was regarded as the “Surgeon Master” and the “Founder of:Surgery”，He was a well-educated man and was familiar with claical literature.However, he refused the recommendation by high officials，and decided to become a doctor to cure the diseases of the common people.He was highly skilled in writing out prescription and curing illne.In addition，his name is always mentioned in relation to surgeiy, as he was considered the first surgeon in China.郑和是一位伟大的中国探险家和舰队指挥官。他主要进行了七次探险活动， 为中国皇帝(Chineseemperor)探索了世界，并在新的区域建立了与中国的贸易联系。永乐帝（Emperor Yongle)想向世界其他国家展示中华帝国（the Chinese Empire)的荣耀与权力，同时还想与世界其他国家建立贸易联系。于是他任命郑和为首席特使(ChiefEnvoy),命他成立一个舰队去探索世界。郑和指挥了一个大型舰队，第一次航海时估计有超过200艘船，将近28000人。
Zheng He was a great Chinese explorer and fleet commander.His seven main expeditions explored the world for the Chinese emperors and established the trade links between China and new areas.The Emperor Yongle wanted to show off the glory and power of the Chinese Empire to the world.He also wanted to establish the busine relations with other countries.So, he appointed Zheng He as the Chief Envoy and asked him to set up a fleet to explore the world.Zheng He commanded a large fleet, whose first voyage was estimated to have over 200 ships and nearly 28,000 men 花木兰是中国著名古诗《木兰辞》中描绘的一位替父从军的英雄。因木兰的父亲年事已高，不能经受奔波劳苦，木兰又没有兄长可以代替老父，于是她把自己乔装成男子代父从军。虽然这个故事是否真实不得而知，但是千百年来，花木兰作为孝顺的典范而深受中国人的尊敬。1998年，美国迪士尼公司将花木兰的故事改编成了动画片，受到了全世界的欢迎。 Hua Mulan is a heroine who joined the army for her father, according to what is described in a famous Chinese ancient poetry The Ballad of Mulan.Mulan\'s father is too old to bear suffering from the bitterne, and she doesn\'t have an elder brother to go and fight instead of the old father.So Mulan decides to disguised herself as a man to join the army for her father.Hua Mulan has been highly respected as a filial model by the Chinese people for hundreds of years, even though it is unknown whether the story has any factual basis.In 1998，her story was adapted into an animated cartoon by Disney of the United States, and the cartoon was very popular all over the world.孔子(Confucius)是我国古代著名的思想家、教育家，儒家学派(Confucian School)的创始人。相传孔子有弟子三千，贤弟子72人，孔子曾带领部分弟子周游列国14年。在中国五千年的历史上，对华夏民族的性格、气质 (temperament)产生最大影响的人就算是孔子了。他正直、乐观向上、积极进取。他一生都在追求真、善、美，一生都在追求理想的社会。他品格中的优点，几千年来影响着中国人，特别是影响着中国的知识分子。
Confucius is a famous ideologist, educator, and the founder of Confucian School in ancient China.It\'s said he has 3,000 disciples, 72 out of whom are excellent ones, and he has led some disciples to visit various states for 14 years.During 5,000 years\' history of China, it\'s Confucius who has exerted the greatest impact on Chinese nation\'s characteristic and temperament.He is upright, optimistic, active and enterprising, striving for truthfulne, kindne and beauty, and seeking for an ideal society all his life.The shining points in his characteristics have been influencing the Chinese people, especially the Chinese intellectuals for thousands of years.孟子(Mencius)是战国时期(the Warring States Period )伟大的思想家、教育家。孔子去世100年后，孟子传授并发展了孔子的学说，他的哲学思想与孔子是一脉相承的。孟子认为人性本善，是社会的影响引发了道德的堕落，因此十分重视道德教育。孟子的母亲在他的生命中扮演了重要的角色，她曾三度迁居，只为了帮助她的孩子找到一个合适的成长环境。
Mencius is a great ideologist and educator in the Warring States Period.A hundred years after Confucius died, Mencius taught and expanded Confucian doctrine.His philosophical thinking has its origin in Confucius\'thoughts.Mencius believes that human nature is eentially good, and it is society\'s influence that causes the degradation of morality.For that reason, he attaches great importance to moral education.Mencius\'mother plays an important role in his life.She moved home three times only to find an environment that she felt was suitable for the child\'s upbringing.赢政（前259年〜前210年），庄襄王之子，秦朝的开国皇帝。他13岁继承秦王王位，21岁亲理国事。在公元前221年，秦始皇统一了全国，建立了中国历史上第一个中央集权的(centralized )封建国家。秦始皇在位期间统一了文字、货币和度量衡等；他所开创的皇权制度，在中国历史上一直延续了两千多年。然而，秦始皇为了控制人民和加强专制统治（autocratic rule), 采取了许多残忍的手段，其中最著名的就是“焚书坑儒”。
Ying Zheng (259 B.C.-210 B.C.), the son of King Zhuangxiang, is the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty.He ascended the throne at 13, and took over with state affairs himself at 21.In 221 B.C., Qin Shi Huang unified the country and established the first centralized feudal state in Chinese history.Qin Shi Huang unified the Chinese characters in writing, currency, and measures for length, capacity and weight.The imperial power system set up by him lasted for more than 2,000 years in Chinese history.However, in order to control people and strengthen the autocratic rule, Qin Shi Huang took many brutal means.The most famous one is “Fen Shu Keng Ru”，that is to burn books and bury Confucian scholars alive.黄帝（Yellow Emperor)被认为是中华文明的奠基人和祖先。他生活在大约4000年前。他是黄河中部流域一个最强部落的神秘首领。在该时期，许多部落在黄河附近定居。部落之间相互征战以获取更多耕地。持续不断的战争给人民带来诸多苦难。黄帝决定结束这种情势。他制定出一套道德规范(ethical code)，训练他 的军队。他和他的军队征服了黄河流域的一大片区域，成为了部落联盟(tribal union)的首领。
The Yellow Emperor is considered to be the founder of Chinese civilization as well as its ancestor.He lived about four thousand years ago.He was the mystical chief of one of the strongest tribes in the middle valley of the Yellow River.During this period many tribes came to settle around the Yellow River.They fought with each other to get more farmland.The constant war caused much suffering to the people.The Yellow Emperor decided to put an end to this situation.He worked out an ethical code and trained his army.With his army, the Yellow Emperor conquered a wide area along the Yellow River.He was made chief of the tribal union.徐志摩是20世纪著名的现代浪漫主义诗人。他毕业于北京大学，而后去剑桥大学(Cambridge University)学习政策和经济。经过两年在剑桥的学习，他深受欧洲和美国诗人的影响。1922年他回到中国，后来成为了现代诗歌运动的领导者。他的生命很短暂，但却为世界和中国文学作出了重大贡献。他是中国第一批成功将西方浪漫主义形式引入中国现代诗歌的作家之一。他的诗歌是世界文学的瑰宝。
Xu Zhimo was a famous modern romantic poet of 20C.He graduated from Peking University and then went to the Cambridge University to study policy and economy.After two years studying in Cambridge University,he was deeply influenced by the poets of Europe and America.In 1922 he went back to China and later became a leader of the modern poetry movement.Though he lived quite a short life,he made a great contribution to the world\'s and Chinese literature.He was one of the first Chinese writers to succefully introduce Western romantic form into the modern Chinese poetry, and his poetry is a treasure of the world literature.鲁迅是作家周树人的笔名，生于1881年，其家庭有深厚的儒家背景(Confucian background)。由于家道中落，鲁迅的童年充满了苦难。1904年，他去了日本仙台学医，但很快意识到中国对“精神医学”的需要远远超过治疗身体疾病的需要。因此，鲁迅在1906年回到东京,决定放弃医学,投身于教育和文学事业。他一直被视为中国20世纪最伟大的现代作家。毛主席称他为“中国文化革命的主将”。
Lu Xun is the pen name of the writer born as Zhou Shuren in 1881 in a family with a deep Conflician background.Owing to the decline of his family fortunes,Lu Xun’s childhood was filled with hardship.In 1904, he went to Sendai, in Japan,to study medicine,but he soon realized that China needed far more\"spiritual medicine”,than treatment for physical ills.Therefore, he returned to Tokyo in 1906，and decided to give up studying medicine and devote himself to education and literature.Lu Xun has been considered as China\'s greatest modern writer during the 20th century.Chairman Mao called him \"commander of China\'s cultural revolution\" . 景点
中国是一个文化历史悠久的(time-honored )国度，也是一个礼仪(ceremony and decorum )之邦。每当客人来访，都需要泡茶给客人喝。在给客人奉茶之前，你应该问问他们都喜欢喝什么类型的茶，并采用最合适的茶具奉上。奉茶期间，主人需要仔细留意客人的茶杯里的茶量。通常，若是用茶杯泡的茶，在茶喝完一半之后就应该加开水，这样，茶杯就一直都是满的，茶的芳香（bouquet)也得以保留。
China is a country with a time-honored civilization and also a land of ceremony and decorum.Whenever guests visit, it is neceary to make and serve tea to them.Before serving tea, you may ask them for their preferences as to what kind of tea they fancy, and serve them the tea in the most appropriate teacups.In the course of serving tea, the host should take careful note of how much water remains in the guests\'cups.Usually, if the tea is made in a teacup, boiling water should be added into the cup when half of the tea in it has been consumed; and thus the cup is kept filled and the tea retains the same bouquet.丝绸之路(the Silk Road)是世界上最伟大、最重要的贸易通路之一。它是连接中国和欧洲、东方和西方的陆路通道。丝绸之路始于公元前2世纪，汉高祖(Han Emperor)派遣张骞出使西域的时期。丝绸之路极其分散，很少有商人走过整个道 路。大部分地区地形崎岖或有敌对势力的存在，使得丝绸之路非常危险。因此丝 绸和其他商品的供应经常受到限制。 The Silk Road is one of the greatest and most important trade routes.It is the overland route that connects China and Europe, the East and the West.The Silk Road began in the 2nd century BCE when Han Emperor gave Zhang Qian the diplomatic miions of visiting the Western regions.The Silk Road was largely scattered and very few merchants ever croed the whole route.Most of the areas along the road were rugged or with hostile forces, which made the route quite dangerous.Therefore, the supply of silk and other goods was often limited.在古代，著作和铭文(inscription)通常写在竹片或丝绸上。但丝绸昂贵，竹片太重，使用起来都不方便。后来蔡伦开创了用树皮造纸的方法。传统上人们认为 他是纸张和造纸术的发明者。尽管公元前2世纪中国就已经有了早期的纸，但蔡 伦促成了纸张的首次重大改进，并通过添加至关重要的新材料使造纸过程标准 化。蔡伦发现了造纸材料的组合方式，发明了造纸术。这项发明使蔡伦闻名于世， 甚至使他在有生之年就已经得到了认可。
In ancient times, writing works and inscriptions were generally written on :tablets of bamboo or on pieces of silk.But silk being costly and bamboo heavy, they were both not convenient to use.Then Cai Lun initiated the method of making paper with the bark of trees.Traditionally, he is regarded as the inventor of paper and the technique of papermaking.Although early forms of paper had already existed in China since the 2nd century BC, he fostered the first significant improvement and standardization of papermaking by adding eential new materials into papers composition.Cai found the composition of paper and invented the technique of papermaking.Cai was reputed for this invention in the world, and even in his own lifetime he was already given recognition for it.黄河(the Yellow River)是中华民族的摇篮。她孕育了一代又一代的中国人，但她的洪水也给人们带来了灾难。勤劳的中国人民世代都在努力治理黄河水。大禹是4000多年前中国著名的治水家。大禹继承了他父亲曾经治水的经验，经过大 量的调查和研究，发现了引发洪水的原因。大禹工作很努力。他致力于治水13年。作这段时间里，他没有回过家，甚至三过家门而不入。
The Yellow River is the cradle of the Chinese nation.She has fostered generations of Chinese but she has also brought troubles with her floods.The diligent Chinese people have been struggling to control the water of the river for generations.Da Yu was a famous expert on water regulation in China more than 4,000 years ago.Da Yu inherited the experience from his father, who once controlled the floods, and after plenty of investigations and researches, he found the cause of the floods.Da Yu worked very hard.He had been working on controlling the floods for 13 years constantly.During this period he did not go back his home, even stopping by without going into his house for 3 times.北京是中华人民共和国的首都，也是全国的政治和文化中心。大约70万年前，北京人（Peking Man)出现在北京西南48公里的周口店地区。十世纪初期，北京成为辽代（the Liao Dynasty)的第二个都城。从那时起，北京先后成为金、元、明和清四朝的首都，直至1911年。1949年10月1日，毛主席在北京向全世界宣布了中华人民共和国的成立。北京人口超过2000万，大约1000万人住在城里，其他人住在郊区。
Beijing, the capital of the People\'s Republic of China, is the nation\'s political and cultural center.Some 700,000 years ago, Peking man appeared at Zhoukoudian, 48 kilometres southwest of Beijing.At the beginning of the 10th century, it became the second capital of the Liao Dynasty.From then on, Beijing had been the capital of the Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties until 1911.On October 1st, 1949, Chairman Mao proclaimed to the whole world the founding of the People\'s Republic of China in Beijing.Beijing has a population of over 20 million; about 10 million live in the city proper and the rest on the suburbs.西湖位于杭州市中心的西部，是江南三大名湖之一。由于西湖的缘故，杭州自古就被誉为“人间天堂”。西湖就像镶嵌（inlay)在广袤大地上的一颗璀燦的明珠，以其秀丽的风景、闻名的古迹、灿烂的文化和丰富的特产而闻名。宋代大文豪苏轼在西湖留下了“欲把西湖比西子，淡妆浓抹总相宜”的千古绝唱；白娘子的传奇故事(The Legend of White Snake )也给西湖增添了一层神秘色彩。
The West Lake, located in the western area of Hangzhou\'s center, is one of the top three lakes in the regions south of the Yangtze River.Because of it, Hangzhou has been acclaimed as “a heaven on earth\'，since ancient times.The West Lake is like a shining pearl inlaid on the vast land, renowned for its beautiful scenery, well-known historical sites, brilliant culture, and plentiful local specialties.The literary giant Su Shi in Song Dynasty left a poetic masterpiece through the ages there: The West Lake is like the beauty Xi Shi, who is always charming with either light or heavy make-up (rainy or shiny).The Legend of White Snake also brings the West Lake an air of mystery.故宫(The Palace Museum )，旧称紫禁城(Forbidden City )，是明、清两朝（the Ming and Qing Dynasties)的皇宫，位于北京市市中心，前通**，后倚景山公园，东近王府井街市，西临中南海。故宫是无与伦比的古代建筑杰作，也是世界现存规模最大、保存最完整的古代皇宫建筑群，1987年被联合国教科文组织(UNESCO)评为世界文化遗产。故宫是中华民族的骄傲所在，也是全人类的珍贵文化遗产。
The Palace Museum, once called Forbidden City, is the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.Located in central City of Beijing, it faces Tian’anmen Square in the front, with Jingshan Park at its back, Wangfujing Street at its east, and Zhongnanhai at its west.The Palace Museum is an unprecedented masterpiece of ancient construction and the world’s largest and best-preserved architectural complex of ancient imperial palace at present.It was listed as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO in 1987.It’s an invaluable cultural heritage of all human beings as well as the pride of the Chinese nation.长城(the Great Wall)又被称作“万里长城”，不仅是中华文明的瑰宝，也是中国古代人民智慧的结晶。长城是世界文化遗产（world cultural heritage)之一，更是中华民族的象征。其在建筑上的价值，足以与其在历史和战略上的重要性相媲美。长城现存的遗址有很多处，其中北京的八达岭长城是驰名中外的景区，也是明代长城最具代表性的一段，每年都会接待来自世界各地的许多游客。
The Great Wall, which is also called “wan li chang cheng” in Chinese language, is not only the treasure of Chinese civilization, but also the masterpiece made by the ancient Chinese people.The Great Wall is not only one of the world cultural heritages, but the symbol of the Chinese nation.Its architectural value is comparable to its historical and strategic importance.Among the numerous remains of the Great Wall, Badaling in Beijing is the most popular destination that has won fame both at home and abroad.It can also be regarded as the most representative section of the Wall ever constructed during the Ming Dynasty.Every year it attracts many tourists from all over the world.四合院(the quadrangle )是中国的一种传统合院式住宅。一个标准的四合院通常由一个庭院及其四周独立的房屋构成。不同方位的房屋有着不同的名称。坐北对着庭院入口处的称为正房（main house)，东西两边的称为厢房(side house)，坐南朝北的称为倒座房(reversely-set house)。长辈或一家之主住正房，晚辈住厢房。倒座房可以用作厨房、储物间、客厅或书房。四合院如今已经成为观光景点，并为世界各地的游客所熟知。
The quadrangle is a traditional courtyard residence in China.A standard quadrangle usually consists of a courtyard with independent houses along its four sides.Houses in different directions have their own names.The house on the north facing the courtyard’s entrance is called the main house; the house which lies on the east or west is called the side house; and the one stands on the south is called reversely-set house.The older generation or the head of the household lives in the main house, while the younger generation lives in the side houses.The reversely-set house can be used as a kitchen, a storeroom, a sitting-room or a study.The quadrangle has now become a tourist attraction and is well-known to tourists from all over the world.北京城的胡同长短不一，风格各异。最长的是东交民巷胡同，全长近3千米。最短的是一尺大街胡同，从头到尾仅有25米。最宽的是灵境胡同，目前最宽处可达30多米。最窄的是钱市胡同，最窄处仅40厘米，需侧身通过。弯道最多的是九湾胡同，弯曲之处（curves)不下13处,走在其中，很容易迷路。历史最悠久的要数砖塔胡同，为元代胡同，至今已有700余年历史。
Hutongs in Beijing have various styles and different lengths.The longest one is Dongjiaominxiang Hutong, with a total length of about 3 kilometers.The shortest one is Yichidajie Hutong, with only 25 meters from beginning to the end.The widest one is Lingjing Hutong, with the widest part reaching over 30 meters at present.The narrowest one is the Qianshi Hutong, and its narrowest part is merely 40 centimeters wide; people must turn sideways to pa through it.Jiuwan Hutong, with at least 13 curves, is the most tortuous one and can easily make you lose your way.The one with the longest history of more than 700 years is the Zhuanta Hutong, whose construction can be traced back to the Yuan Dynasty. 环保
随着环境保护意识的传播，“低碳（low-carbon）”这个词变得非常流行。在许多领域都出现了这个词，如低碳产品，低碳消费，低碳旅游等。“低碳生活”是一种新型生活方式，旨在尽量减少生活中的二氧化碳(carbon dioxide emion)排放。例如 ，一些上班族不再以开私家车通勤自豪，而是以骑车或乘坐公共交通工具而骄傲。此外，他们提倡水的循环利用，并尽可能节约能源。
As the consciousne of environmental protection spreads, the word “low- carbon” has been very popular.It can be found in many aspects, such as low-carbon products, low-carbon consumption, low-carbon travel and so on.“Low-carbon life” is a new pattern of lifestyle, aiming to lower the carbon dioxide emiion in living as much as poible.For example, some office commuters are not proud of driving private cars any more but pride themselves on cycling or taking public transportation.In addition, they advocate recycling water and saving energy as much as they can. 现代中国
中国梦(the Chinese Dream)是中国的一个新名词。人们已经开始期待一个“梦想的国度”。因此，在中国人民的意识中，中国梦将会取代美国梦。期待“梦想国度”的中国人现在要放眼全世界。改革开放使中国发展的梦想变为现实。中国已经进入了一个新时代，在这个时代出生的每一个中国人都应该为他们的好运而感到髙兴。
The Chinese Dream is a new term in China.People have begun to expect a“dream country”.In Chinese citizens\'consciousne,therefore,the Chinese Dream will supersede the American Dream.The Chinese people,in expectations of a “dream country”，are now opening their eyes to the world.Reform and opening-up has made the Chinese dream of development a reality.China has entered an new era,and every Chinese person born in this time should feel happy about their good fortune.随着中国经济的蓬勃发展，学汉语的人数迅速增加，使汉语成了世界上人们最爱学的语言之一。近年来，中国大学在国际上的排名也有了明显的提高。由于中国教育的巨大进步，中国成为最受海外学生欢迎的留学目的地之一就不足为奇了。2015年，近40万国际学生蜂拥来到中国市场。他们学习的科目不再限于中国语言和文化，而包括科学与工程。在全球教育市场上，美国和英国仍占主导地位，但中国正在迅速赶上。
As China’s economy booms, there is a dramatic increase in the number of people learning Chinese, which makes it become one of the most popular languages.In recent years, international ranks of Chinese universities have apparently boosted.Owing to the progre of Chinese education, it is not odd that China has become one of the most favorite destinations for oversea students studying abroad.In 2015, around four hundred thousand international students piled into China to study.What they learn is no more limited to the subjects of Chinese and Chinese culture, they also learn science and engineering.In the global education market, America and Britain still play dominant roles, while China is catching up.中国的创新正以前所未有的速度蓬勃发展。为了在科学技术上尽快赶超世界发达国家，中国近年来大幅度增加了研究开发资金。中国的大学和研究所正在积极开展创新研究，这些研究覆盖了从大数据到生物化学、从新能源到机器人等各类高科技领域。它们还与各地的科技园合作，使创新成果商业化。与此同时，无论在产品还是商业模式上，中国企业家也在努力争做创新的先锋，以适应国内外消费市场不断变化和增长的需求。
China\'s innovation is flourishing faster than ever before.In order to catch up with the developed countries in science and technology as soon as poible, China has substantially increased research and development funds in recent years.Universities and research institutes in China are actively carrying out innovative researches, covering various high-tech fields such as big data, biochemistry, new energy, robots.They are also cooperating with science and technology parks in different places to commercialize their innovations.Meanwhile, whether in products or busine models, Chinese entrepreneurs are also striving to be pioneers in innovation to satisfy the changing and growing demands of both domestic and foreign consumer markets.2011年是中国城市化(urbanization)进程中的历史性时刻，其城市人口首次超过农村人口。在未来20年里，预计约有3．5亿农村人口将移居到城市。如此规模的城市发展对城市交通来说既是挑战，也是机遇。中国政府一直提倡“以人为本’’的发展理念，强调人们以公交而不是私V--$-出行。它还号召建设“资源节约和环境友好型”社会。有了这个明确的目标，中国城市就可以更好地规划其发展，并把大量投资转向安全、清洁和经济型交通系统的发展上。
The year of 2011 is a historic moment in the proce of urbanization in China, when the urban population exceeds the rural population for the first time.In the next 20 years, it is estimated that about 350 million rural populations will migrate to cities.Such a scale of urban development is both a challenge and an opportunity for urban transportation.The Chinese government has always been advocating the concept of \"people-oriented\" development, streing that people should travel by buses instead of private cars.It also calls for the construction of \" resource-saving and environment-friendly society\".With this explicit goal, Chinese cities can make better plans for their development, and turn a maive investment to the development of safe, clean and economical transportation system.北京计划未来三年投资7,600亿元治理汚染，从减少PM2.5排放人手。这一新公布的计划旨在减少四种主要污染源，包括500多万辆机动车的尾气(exhaust)排放、周边地区燃煤、来自北方的沙尘暴和本地的建筑灰尘。另有850亿元用于新建或升级城市垃圾处理和污水(sewage)处理设施，加上300亿元投资未来三年的植树造林(forestation)。
市政府还计远还造一批水循环利用工厂，并制止违章建筑，以改善环境。另外,北京还将更严厉地处罚违反限排规定的行为。
Beijing is planning to invest 760 billion yuan to control environmental pollution in the next three years, starting from reducing the emiions of PM2.5.The newly announced plan aims to reduce the four major pollution sources, including exhaust emiions of over 5 million motor vehicles, coal-burning of the surrounding areas, sandstorms from the north areas and the local construction dust.Another 85 billion yuan will be used for establishing or upgrading the facilities of municipal waste treatment and sewage\' treatment.Besides, 30 billion yuan will be invested in the forestation program in the coming three years.In order to improve the environment, the municipal government also plans to build a number of water-recycling plants and to prohibit illegal constructions.In addition, Beijing will punish those who violate the emiion-reduction regulations more severely.中文热词通常反映社会变化和文化，有些在外国媒体上愈来愈流行。例如，土豪(tuhao)和大妈(dama)都是老词,但已获取了新的意义。 土豪以前指欺压佃户和仆人的乡村地主，现在用于指花钱如流水或喜欢炫耀财富的人。也就是说,土豪有钱，但没有品位。大妈是对中年妇女的称呼，但现在特指不久前金价下跌时大量购买黄金的中国妇女。
土豪和大妈可能会被收入新版牛津(Oxford)英语词典。至今已有约120个中文词被加进了牛津英语词典,成了英语语言的一部分。
The Chinese buzzwords usually reflect the social changes and cultures, some of which are increasingly popular with the foreign media.Tuhao and dama, for instance, are both old words, but they acquire new meanings now.The word tuhao used to mean rural landlords who oppre their tenants and servants, while now it refers to people spending money without limits or those showing off the wealth.That is to say, tuhao owns money rather than taste.The word dama is used to describe the middle-aged women.However, it is regarded as a special word to call those Chinese women who rushed to purchase a lot of gold when the gold price slumped sharply not long ago.Tuhao and dama may be included in the new version of Oxford English Dictionary.Up to now, about 120 Chinese words have been added to it, becoming a part of the English language.最近，中国科学院(Chinese Academy of Sciences)出版了关于其最新枓学发现与未来一年展望的年度系列报告。系列报告包括三部分：科学发展报告、高技术发展报告、中国可持续发展战略报告。第一份报告包含中国科学家的最新发现，诸如新粒子研究与H7N9病毒研究的突破。该报告还突出强调了未来几年需要关注的问题。第二份报告公布了一些应用科学研究的热门领域，如3D打印和人造器官研究。第三份报告呼吁加强顶层设计，以消除工业升级中的结构性障碍，并促进节能减排。
Recently, Chinese Academy of Sciences released a series of annual reports about its latest scientific findings and a blueprint for the coming year.The reports cover three aspects: science development, high-tech development, and the sustainable development strategy of China.The first report includes the latest findings of Chinese scientists, including the research of new particles and the breakthrough of the H7N9 virus research.This report also emphasizes the iues which deserve our attention in the next few years.The second report announces the heated areas in applied science, for instance, 3D printing and the study of artificial organs.The third report lays emphasis on the top layer design, which can help to solve the structural problem in industrial upgrading and promote the energy-saving and emiion reduction proce 反应在艺术和文学中的乡村生活理想是中国文明的重要特征。这在很大程度上归功于道家对自然的感情。传统中国画有两个最受青睐的主题，一是家庭生活的各种幸福场景，画中往往有老人在下棋饮茶，男人在耕耘收割，妇女在织布缝衣，小孩在户外玩耍。另一个则是乡村生活的种种乐趣，画有渔夫在湖上打渔，农夫在山上砍柴采药，或是书生坐在松树下吟诗作画。这两个主题可以分别代表儒家和道家的生活理想。
The ideal of country life reflected in art and literature serves as the significant feature of Chinese civilization, which, to a large extent, can be attributed to the Taoist affection to nature.There are two most preferred themes in the traditional Chinese painting.One is the various scenes of happine about family life, in which the old man often plays che and drinks tea, a man ploughs or harvests, a woman weaves or sews, and children play outdoors.The other scene is all kinds of pleasures about country life, in which a fisherman is fishing on the lake, with a farmer cutting firewood or gathering herbs in the mountains, or scholars chanting poems and painting pictures under pine trees.The two themes respectively represent the life ideal of Confucianism and Taoism.中国将努力确保到2015年就业者接受过平均13.3年的教育。如果这一目标得以实现，今后大部分进入劳动力市场的人都需获得大学文凭。
在未来几年，中国将着力增加职业学院的招生人数：除了关注高等教育外，还将寻找新的突破以确保教育制度更加公平。中国正在努力最佳地利用教育资源，这样农村和欠发达地区将获得更多的支持。
教育部还决定改善欠发达地区学生的营养，并为外来务工人员的子女提供在城市接受教育的同等机会。
China will strive to ensure that by 2015 employees receive an average of 13.3 years of education.If this goal can be achieved, the majority of those who enter the labor market will be required to obtain a college degree in the future.In the next few years, China will endeavor to increase the enrollment in vocational colleges.Apart from focusing on higher education, China will find a new breakthrough point to ensure the justice of education.China is making efforts to optimize the use of educational resources so that rural and underdeveloped areas can receive more support.The Ministry of Education has also decided to improve student nutrition in underdeveloped regions, and to offer equal education opportunities for children of migrant workers in cities.
历史著作
《论语》(The Analects of Confucius)是儒家的经典著作之一，它是对孔子及其弟子（disciple )的言行和对话的记录。众所周知，孔子是一位伟大的思想家和哲学家，他的思想被发展成了儒家哲学体系。《论语》是儒家思想的代表作，数个世纪以来，《论语》一直极大地影响着中国人的哲学观和道德观，它也影响着其他亚洲国家人民的哲学观和道德观。
The Analects of Confucius is one of the Confucius claics and is a record of the words and acts of Confucius and his disciples, as well as the conversations they held.It\'s well-known that Confucius is a great ideologist and philosopher, and his thoughts have been developed into a system of philosophy known as Confucianism.The Analects of Confucius is a representative work of Confucianism.For centuries, it has been heavily influencing the philosophy and moral outlook of Chinese people and that of the people of other Asian countries as well.《孙子兵法》(The Art of War)是中国古代最重要的军事著作之一，是我国优秀文化传统的重要组成部分。孙子（Sun Tzu)，即该书作者，在书中揭示的一系列具有普遍意义的军事规律，不仅受到军事家们的推崇，还在经济领域、领导艺术、人生追求甚至家庭关系等方面，具有广泛的指导作用。《孙子兵法》中的许多名言警句，富有哲理、意义深远，在国内外广为流传。
As one of the most important ancient Chinese claical military works, The Art of War serves as an important part of outstanding traditional culture in China.Sun Tzu, the author of the book, revealed a series of universal military laws which is not only valued by militarists but also plays extensive guiding roles in economy, leadership, the pursuit of life and even family relationship.There are a lot of famous quotes from The Art of War that are rich in wisdom and have profound meanings, and are thus widely circulated both at home and abroad.《西游记》是吴承恩写的一部神话小说(mythological novel)，讲述的是唐僧在三个徒弟孙悟空、猪八戒和沙僧的保护下去西天取经（to find the Buddhist scripture )的故事。一路上，唐僧经常被妖怪（demon )捉走，性命垂危，因为它们相信吃了他的肉就可以长生不老，因而他的三个徒弟总要一次又一次地解救他。在历经了九九81难之后，他们终于取得了真经，修炼成佛。1986年，这部小说被改编为电视剧，受到了广大观众的喜爱。
Journey to the West is a mythological novel written by Wu Cheng\'en which tells a story about Tangseng—the Master, who went to the West to find the Buddhist scripture under the protection of his three disciples- Monkey King, Pigsy and Sandy.During the journey, Tangseng is often captured and has his life threatened, because the demons who capture him believe that if they eat Tangseng they can attain immortality.As a result, his three disciples always have to save him time and again.After experiencing 81 difficulties, the four obtain the true scripture and become Buddha.In 1986，the novel was adapted into a TV series, which was very popular among the maive audience.唐诗(Tang poetry )泛指创作于唐代（618年?907年）的诗。唐诗是汉族最珍贵的文化遗产之一，同时也对周边民族和国家的文化发展产生了很大影响。唐诗中流传最广的当属收录在《唐诗三百首》(Three Hundred Poems of the Tang Dynasty)中的诗歌，里面收录的许多诗篇都为后人所熟知。唐代的诗人特别多，其中李白、杜甫等都是世界闻名的伟大诗人，他们的作品有很多都是脍炙人口的诗篇。
Tang poetry generally refers to poems written during the Tang Dynasty (618 A.D.-907A.D.).Tang poetry is one of the most valuable cultural heritages of the Han Chinese.Meanwhile, it also has a great influence on the cultural development of neighboring ethnic groups and nations.The most widely spread among Tang poems are definitely the poems that are included in the “Three Hundred Poems of the Tang Dynasty”，many of which are quite popular with people of later generations.There are lots of poets in Tang Dynasty, among whom Li Bai and Du Fu are world-famous.Many of the two great poets’works are household poems.
《红楼梦》(A Dream of Red Mansions)是曹雪芹在18世纪中期的作品。它不仅是一部中国小说的巨作，同时也是世界文学的瑰宝。曹雪芹出生于一个由极富没落到极贫的贵族权势家族。基于他对生活的理解、进步的思想、认真的写作态度和高超的写作技能，他才能创作出《红楼梦》。这本书描述了一个封建大家庭的生活及其没落，小说中所写的家庭既是现实的反映，又是曹雪芹自己家庭的小说化或者“梦”般的写照。
A Dream of Red Mansions was written by Cao Xueqin in the middle of the 18th century.It is not only a great Chinese novel but also a gem of world literature.Cao Xueqin was born into a noble and powerful family which declined from extreme prosperity to poverty.Based on his own undcretanding of life, his progreive ideas,serious writing attitude and excellent writing skill, he was able to create A Dream of Red Mansions.The book describes the life and declining fortunes of a large feudal fcmily, which is both a realistic reflection and a fictional or \"dream” version of Cao\'s own family.中华人民共和国成立后，文学开始繁荣。来自当时的苏联(Soviet Union)和西方国家的作品大大影响了中国文学。这一时期作品的主题包括革命历史和国家建设的新生活。最著名的作品是《红岩》(The Red Rock)和《茶馆》。1978年改革开放后，中国文学又迎来了一次新的繁荣，中外文化交流空前繁荣。今天，中国当代文学也越来越为各国人民所关注。
After the founding of People\'s Republic of China, literature began to boom.Works from Soviet Union then and western countries exerted a profound influence on the Chinese literature.The themes expreed in the works of this period covered revolution history as well as the new life of nation\'s construction.The best known works are The Red Rock and Teahouse.After the Reform and Opening up in 1978,Chinese literature won a new prosperity with sino-foreign cultural exchanges flourishing as never before.Today, Chinese contemporary literature is drawing more and more attention of the people of the world. 其他
中国因其国宝(national treasure)—熊猫—而闻名于世。熊猫的食物竹子—也深受中国人民的喜爱。中国是世界上拥有竹子最多的国家，被称为竹子的王国。竹文化长久以来深深根植于中国人的思想中。对中国人民来说，竹子是美德的象征。它反映了人的灵魂和情感。中国古代的学者对竹子非常敬重。这就解释了为什么历史上有那么多的著作和绘画都是以竹为主题的。
China is worldwide famous for its national treasure, the pandas.The panda\'s food, bamboo, is also favored by Chinese people.It is known as the Kingdom of Bamboo poeing more bamboos than any other country in the world.Bamboo culture has been rooted in Chinese people\'s minds for a long time.To the Chinese people, bamboo is a symbol of virtue, which reflects people\'s souls and emotions.Ancient Chinese scholars looked up with great respect to bamboo.This explains why there are so many writings and paintings dedicated to the plant throughout history.
工匠精神
