Bigger Role for Traditional Culture

Guangming Daily January 8

The outside world’s knowledge of Chinese culture has long been limited to things like tea, porcelain and silk. In the era of globalization, we need to enrich the content of China’s reputation in the world.

The central authorities recently issued a document, urging special support for intangible cultural heritage like the Chinese language, Chinese martial arts, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Chinese cuisine and traditional festivals.

Chinese is one of the most widely used languages in the world. TCM embodies Chinese people’s wisdom of using natural materials to remedy illnesses. Artemisinin, the compound derived from the sweet wormwood plant, is making a great contribution in the fight against malaria. Martial arts not only help to build up a strong physique, but also promote morality.

All these are windows through which the outside world can see China better. To make good use of these cultural resources so that they act as a bridge between China and the rest of the world, therefore, is an urgent task.

While China’s economic contribution to the world is striking, there still exists a lot of misunderstanding about the country itself. Although some countries have in-depth political and economic cooperation with China, yet a lack of cultural communication obstructs further cooperation in other fields.

Today, the world is showing more and more interest in China and wishes to better understand China. To spread knowledge of the Chinese civilization, Chinese language, TCM, martial arts and other cultural facets will be an effective way to achieve this goal.