Traditional Chinese Culture is a scholarly introduction to fine traditional Chinese culture. Superbly illustrated and written, the book has altogether 250,000 words. The Introduction briefly discusses the essence of traditional culture and the evolution of traditional values, followed by 10 separate chapters covering such aspects as philosophy, religion, science of history, literature, relics, calligraphy, painting, medicine, health maintenance, education, food and architecture. The last parr analyses the challenges faced by traditional Chinese culture in modern times and forecasts its future development trends.

Introduction

Chapter 1 The Dawn of Chinese Culture

 Section 1 The Achievements of the Chinese Ancestors

 Section 2 Farm Produce of the South and North

 Section 3 A World of Pottery and Jade

 Section 4 Original Carved Marks and the Invention of Chinese Characters

 Section 5 Dragon -- a Symbol of the Striving Ethos of Chinese Culture

Chapter 2 Chinese Philosophy -- The Soul of Traditional Chinese Culture

 Section 1 The Study of the Universe and Man

 Section 2 The Study of Changes

 Section 3 The Learning of Absorption and Assimilation

Chapter 3 Ethics and the Humanities

 Section 1 Traditional Virtues

 Section 2 The Features of the Chinese Science of History

 Section 3 The Humanistic Spirit and Artistic Charm of Classical Chinese Literature

Chapter 4 The Dominant Religions in Ancient China -- Buddhism and Taoism

 Section 1 The Introduction of Buddhism into China and the Blending of Chinese and Foreign Cultures

 Section 2 The Rise of Taoism and the Blending of Various Cultures

 Section 3 Chinese Buddhism and Taoism and Traditional Chinese Culture

Chapter 5 Colorful and Stylistic Historical Relics

 Section 1 The Cultural Characteristics of Jade Articles

 Section 2 The Cultural Value of Bronze Mirrors

 Section 3 The Cultural Connotation of Gold and Silver Articles

 Section4 Bronze, Pottery and Porcelain Ware and Ancient Chinese Culture

Chapter 6 The Cradle of Chinese Culture -- Education

 Section 1 Origin and Characteristics of Schools in Ancient China

 Section 2 Traditional Chinese Education and Culture

Chapter 7 Chinese Calligraphy and Painting

 Section 1 Introduction to Chinese Calligraphy and Top-Notch Calligraphic Works

 Section 2 Chinese Painting and Traditional Culture

Chapter 8 Traditional Chinese Medicine and The Science of Health Preservation

 Section 1 Theory and Classifications in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Development of Traditional Chinese Pharmacology

 Section 2 The School of TCM and the Schools of the TCM Health-Preserving Science

 Section 3 Cultural Features of Chinese Medicine

 Section 4 The Health-Preservation. Theory of Early Confucianism

Chapter 9 The Culture of Chinese Food

 Section 1 Features of the Culture of Chinese Food

 Section 2 Preservation and Development of Dietary Culture

Chapter 10 Ancient Chinese Architecture and Traditional Chinese Culture

 Section 1 Traditional Culture As Manifested in Ancient Chinese Architecture

 Section 2 The Four Major Types of Traditional Architecture and Their Cultural Connotations

Chapter 11 Traditional Chinese Culture Faces Challenges

 Section 1 Western Culture: Its Spread and Influence

 Section 2 A Review and Critical Examination of Traditional Chinese Culture

 Section 3 Achievements and Value of Traditional Chinese Culture in Modem Times

Conclusion: The 21st Century and Traditional Chinese Culture

Appendix

A Brief Chinese Chronology

Index