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01

时事话题：一带一路、中国减贫

几千年来，丝绸之路精神薪火相传，推进了人类文明的进步，是促进沿线各国繁荣发展的重要纽带。“一带一路”(the Belt and Road)指“丝绸之路经济带”和“21世纪海上丝绸之路”。“一带一路”贯穿亚欧非大陆，一头是活跃的东亚经济圈，一头是发达的欧洲经济圈，中间广大腹地国家经济发展潜力巨大。加快“一带一路”建设，有利于促进沿线各国经济繁荣与区域经济合作，加强不同文明交流互鉴，促进世界和平发展，是一项造福世界各国人民的伟大事业。

For thousands of years, the Silk Road Spirit has been passed from generation to generation, promoted the progress of human civilization, and contributed greatly to the prosperity and development of the countries along the Silk Road. The Belt and Road refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road. The Belt and Road runs through the continents of Asia, Europe, and Africa, connecting the vibrant East Asia economic circle at one end with the developed European economic circle at the other, and encompassing countries with huge potential for economic development. Accelerating the development of the Belt and Road can help promote the economic prosperity of the countries along with it and the regional economic cooperation, strengthen exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations and promote world peace and development. It is a great undertaking that will benefit people around the world.

丝绸之路(the Silk Road)是中国古代最著名的贸易路线。在这条路上运输的商品中，丝绸占很大部分，因此得名“丝绸之路”。丝绸之路起点始于长安，终点远达印度、罗马等国家。丝绸之路从汉代开始形成，到唐代达到鼎盛，骆驼曾是丝绸之路上的主要交通工具。中国的造纸、印刷等伟大发明通过这条路传播到了西方，而佛教(Buddhism)等宗教也被引入中国。丝绸之路不仅仅是古代国际贸易路线，更是连接亚洲、非洲、欧洲的文化桥梁。

Silk Road is the most well-known trade route in ancient China. It got its name because it comprised a large proportion of commodities transported along this road. The Silk Road started at Changan and extended as far as countries like India and Rome. The Silk Road was opened during the Han Dynasty and reached its peak in the Tang Dynasty, with camels being the major means of transportation. Great inventions in China, such as papermaking and printing were spread to the Western world along this road and religions like Buddhism were also introduced to China. Silk Road was not only an ancient international trade route, but also a cultural bridge linking Asia with Africa and Europe.

茶马古道(Tea-horse Ancient Road)两边，生活着20多个少数民族。不同的地方有着各自美丽而神奇的自然风景和传统文化，比如:大理，丽江古城，香格里拉(Shangrila),雅鲁藏布江大峡谷和布达拉宫(Potala Palace)。古道的两旁有庙宇、岩石壁画、驿站(post house),古桥和木板路，还有少数民族舞蹈和民族服装。时至今天，虽然这条古道的踪迹都消失了，但它的文化和历史价值仍然存在。

Along the Tea-horse Ancient Road lived more than 20 minorities. Concentrations of beautiful and mysterious natural landscapes and traditional cultures developed in various sites， including Dali old city, Lijiang old city, Shangrila, Yarlung Zangbo River Grand Canyon, and Potala Palace. The road features temples, rock paintings, post houses, ancient bridges, and plank roads. It is also home to many national minorities and their dances and folk customs. Today, although the traces of the ancient road are fading away, its cultural and historic values remain.

在帮助国际社会于2030年前消除极端贫困过程中，中国正扮演着越来越重要的角色。自20世纪70年代末实施改革开放以来，中国已使多达四亿人摆脱了贫困。在未来五年中，中国将向其他发展中国家在减少贫困、发展教育、农业现代化、环境保护和医疗保健等方面提供援助。中国在减少贫困方面取得了显著进步，并在促进经济增长方面作出了不懈努力，这将鼓励其他贫困国家应对自身发展中的挑战。在寻求具有自身特色的发展道路时，这些国家可以借鉴中国的经验。

China is playing an increasingly important role in helping the international community in the process of eradicating extreme poverty by 2030. Since the implementation of reform and opening up in the late 1970s, China has helped as many as 400 million people out of poverty. In the next five years, China will provide assistance to other developing countries in poverty reduction, education development, agricultural modernization, environmental protection, health care and so on. China has made remarkable progress in poverty alleviation, and it has made unremitting efforts in promoting economic growth. This will encourage other poor countries to cope with their own development challenges. These countries can learn from China's experience in seeking the path of development with their own characteristics.

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02

名楼名建筑话题

岳阳楼（Yueyang Tower）矗立在湖南省岳阳市洞庭湖岸边，是“江南三大名楼”之一，另外两座分别是滕王阁（Tengwang Pavilion）和黄鹤楼（Yellow Crane Tower）。自古以来，岳阳楼一直有“岳阳天下楼”之称，与有“洞庭天下水”之称的洞庭湖齐名。最初岳阳楼主要是军用，如指挥海上舰队以及举行阅兵仪式（military review）。著名的《岳阳楼记》由北宋伟大的作家范仲淹所作，它使岳阳楼声名远播，成为中国南方著名的景点。岳阳楼的结构在中国古代建筑史上是独一无二的，具有无与伦比的艺术价值。

Located on the shore of the Dongting Lake in Yueyang City of Hunan Province, Yueyang Tower is one of “the three most famous towers in the south of the Yangtze River”, and the other two are Tengwang Pavilion and the Yellow Crane Tower. Since ancient times, Yueyang Tower has been enjoying the title of “the best tower on this planet”, having equal status with “the best lake on earth”—the Dongting Lake. Originally, Yueyang Tower was mainly for military use, such as directing marine troops and for military reviews. The well-known On Yueyang Tower by the great writer of the Northern Song Dynasty, Fan Zhongyan, brought great fame to Yueyang Tower far and wide, making it a well-known scenic spot in southern China. The structure of the tower is unique in the architectural history of ancient China, holding unparalleled artistic values.

黄鹤楼（Yellow Crane Tower）位于湖北省武汉市蛇山（Snake Hill），被誉为“江南三大名楼”之一。黄鹤楼始建于公元223年，正值三国时期。由于地理位置优越，吴国建立者孙权将黄鹤楼建成军队瞭望塔（watchtower）。数百年来，其军事用途逐渐被遗忘，而主要被当做风景如画的景点欣赏。唐代有许多脍炙人口的诗篇赞美黄鹤楼。正是这些诗，黄鹤楼才能如此著名，吸引人们前来参观。不同朝代，黄鹤楼有不同的建筑特色。然而，今天的黄鹤楼是基于清朝塔楼建造的。 

Located on the Snake Hill in Wuhan, Hubei Province, Yellow Crane Tower is known as one of “the three most famous towers in the south of the Yangtze River”. It was first built in 223 A.D. during the Three Kingdoms Period. Due to the ideal location, it was built by Sun Quan, the Founder of Wu, as a watchtower for his army. For hundreds of years, its military function has been gradually forgotten, and the tower has served mainly as a picturesque spot. During the Tang Dynasty, many popular poems were written in praise of the Yellow Crane Tower. It was these poems that made the tower so renowned and attractive for people to visit. The tower had different architectural features in different dynasties. However, the tower which stands today is based on the one designed during the Qing Dynasty.

滕王阁是南方唯一的一座皇家建筑，位于江西省南昌市西北部的赣江以东，塔高13米，2层结构，始建于唐朝永徽四年（653年），是首批国家4A级旅游景区。滕王阁与湖北的黄鹤楼、湖南的岳阳楼为并称为“江南三大名楼”，因初唐才子王勃作《滕王阁序》让其在三楼中最早扬名于世。历史上，滕王阁先后重建达29次，目前的滕王阁是1989年重修的。

The Pavilion of Prince Teng, the only imperial structure in the south of China, lies in the east of the Ganjiang River in the north-west of Nanchang, Jiangxi Province. The tower with a height of 13 meters and a two-floor structure, was first built in the fourth year of Yong Hui in the Tang Dynasty (653 A.D.), and is among the first national 4A class scenic spots. The Pavilion of Prince Teng, the Yellow Crane Tower in Hubei Province as well as the Yue Yang Tower in Hunan Province are generally known as “the three most famous towers in the south of the Yangtze River”. The Pavilion of Prince Teng was the first known to the world due to the Introduction to the Pavilion of Prince of Teng made by Wang Bo, a talented poet of the earlier Tang dynasty. In history, the pavilion was rebuilt 29 times. The current pavilion was rebuilt in 1989.

故宫(the Imperial Palace)位于北京市中心，是世界上现存规模最大、保存最完整的古代皇宫和古建筑群(architectural complex)。这座历史悠久的宫殿，面积宏大，南北约千米，东西753米。整个皇宫相传共有9999个房间，分为外朝和内庭两部分。外朝是皇帝行使权力、举行盛典的地方。内庭是皇帝的居住之地。故宫建筑群是中国古代宫殿建筑(palatial architecture)的典范，对东亚及其他国家的文化和建筑产生了重大影响。而今整个故宫成为国家博物馆，陈列着众多珍贵的古代文物(cultural relics)。

The Imperial Palace, located in the center of Beijing, is the largest, best-preserved ancient imperial palace and architectural complex in the world. The historical, spacious palace stretches about 1000 meters from north to south and 753 meters on its east-west axis. Altogether, there are 9,999 rooms inside the palace according to legend, which is made up of two parts: the outer court and the inner court. The outer court was a place where the emperors exercised their power and held grand ceremonies. The inner court was the imperial residence. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture and has influenced cultural and architectural developments greatly in East Asia and elsewhere. Today the entire Imperial Palace functions as a national museum, where a variety of treasured cultural relics are exhibited.

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03

中国饮食话题

中国饮食（Chinese cuisine）不但花样多，而且具有色、香、味、形俱佳的特点。由于中国地域辽阔，各地的物产、气候和生活习惯不同，因此人们的口味也各不相同。南方人口味清淡，北方人口味较重，四川人喜欢吃辣，山西人喜欢吃酸。这样，在中国就形成了各具地方风味特色的菜系。其中，鲁菜、川菜、淮扬菜和粤菜被称为中国的四大菜系。到北京的客人，一般都要尝尝有名的“北京烤鸭”。北京烤鸭是北京的名菜，最著名的烤鸭店是全聚德。

Chinese cuisine enjoys a reputation for its color, scent, taste and design, as well as its variety. Due to the vast territory, abundant resources, varied climate and different living habits in China, people from other places have quite different flavors of food. For instance, southerners like light food while northerners are on the opposite. Sichuan people like spicy food, but Shanxi dwellers like sour one. As a consequence, a variety of cuisines unique to certain areas are formed, among which that of Lu, Chuan, Huaiyang and Yue are called the “Grand Four Categories of Chinese Cuisine. Visitors to Beijing will, definitely have a taste of the Beijing roast duck, which is the representative dish of Beijing. The place that offers the most world-renowned Beijing roast duck is the Quanjude Restaurant.

中国一个幅员辽阔、资源丰富、历史悠久的多民族国家，每个民族都有其独特的丰富菜肴。地域菜系在地理环境、气候、文化传统、民族风俗和其他因素的影响下经过悠久历史的发展已经成形。最有影响力、最具代表性的是鲁、川、粵、闽、苏、浙、湘、徽菜系，这八种被人们称为“八大菜系”。中国的“八大菜系”是以多种多样的烹饪方法区分的，各有其长处。

China is a time-honored multi-ethnic nation with a vast territory and abundant resources, and every ethnic group has its unique abundant dishes. Regional cuisines have taken shape after long-history evolution under the influence of geographical environment, climate, cultural tradition, folk customs and other factors. The most influential and representative ones are Lu, Chuan，Yue, Min, Su，Zhe, Xiang and Hui Cuisines, which are commonly known as “Eight Major Cuisines”. Dishes in the “Eight Major Cuisines” in China are characterized by diversified cooking skills, with each having its strong points.

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 necessary 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 “jiaozi” is very simple: “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 express their best wishes for the New Year. This tradition has remained unbroken despite the change in times.

过年吃年糕(New Year cake)是中国人的风俗之一，年糕是过年必备的食品。年糕在我国已有2000多年的历史了，至今仍受人们的喜爱。它是用米粉 (riceflour)蒸制而成的食品。年糕分南式、北式两种。南式以广东、苏州年糕为最好，其香味纯正，口感细腻，不软不硬。煮时不融，煎时不化。深受人们喜爱。炒年糕是年糕的特色吃法。它有很多种做法，不同的做法用到不同的原料，每一种都美味可口，营养丰富。

It is one of the Chinese customs to eat New Year's cake during the Spring Festival. New Year cake is an essential food prepared for the Chinese New Year. It has a history of over 2,000 years in China and is still popular nowadays. It is steamed food made of rice flour. There are two kinds of New Year cake: the Southern style and the Northern style. Those made in Guangdong and Suzhou provinces are the best among southern-style New Year cakes， because they are pure in fragrance, delicate in taste, and neither hard nor soft. They do not melt when cooked and fried, so they are warmly welcomed by people. Fried New Year cake is a unique method of eating new Year cakes. It can be cooked in many ways， and different methods require different ingredients, each of which is delicious and nutritious.

中国菜(cuisine )是中国各地区、各民族各种菜肴的统称,也指发源于中国的烹饪方式。中国菜历史悠久，派(genre)众多,主要代表菜系有“八大菜系”。每一菜系因气候、地理、历史、烹饪技巧和生活方式的差异而风务异。中国菜的调料(seasoning)丰富多样,调料的不同是形成地方特色菜的主要原因之一。中国菜强调香、味俱佳,味是菜肴的灵魂。中国饮食文化博大精深,作为世界三大菜系之一的中国菜,在海内外享有盛誉。

Chinese cuisine is a general term for the various foods from diverse regions and ethnic groups of China. It also refers to cooking styles originating from China With a long history, Chinese cuisine has a number of different genres, the main representatives of which are “Eight Cuisines”. Every cuisine is distinctive from one another due to the differences in climate, geography, history, cooking techniques, and lifestyle. Chinese cuisine contains a rich variety of seasonings, which is one of main factors contributing to different local special dishes. Chinese cuisine lays emphasis on the perfect combination of color, flavor, and taste, and the soul of the dishes is taste. Chinese cuisine culture is extensive and profound, and Chinese cuisine, one of the Three World Cuisines, enjoys a high reputation at home and abroad.

中国有句古话，“民以食为天。”可见饮食在中国人生活中的分量。中国地域辽阔，由于各地气候、物产以及风俗习惯的差异，形成了以鲁菜、川菜、粤菜、闽菜、苏菜、浙菜、徽菜、湘菜为代表的八大菜系。中国菜讲究色、香、味，其中尤以味最为重要。中国的菜名五花八门，著名菜肴的名称背后都有段生动的故事，这为中国饮食文化平添了几分神秘色彩。

As an ancient Chinese saying goes"Hunger breeds discontentment." food plays an important role in the daily life of the Chinese people. In the vast land of China, differences exist in climate, local products, and customs of various regions, which has laid the foundation for the formation of the Eight Traditional Chinese Cuisines, with the ones in Shandong, Sichuan, Guangdong, Fujian, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Hunan, and Anhui as representative Chinese cuisines set great store by color， smelling and flavor among which the flavor matters the most. There is a mixed assortment of the names of Chinese cuisines. The lively fables hidden in the name of famous cuisines add some mysterious color to the food culture of China.

月饼是中国人在中秋节食用的传统食品，一般呈圆形，寓意团圆幸福，反映了人们对家人团聚的美好愿望。在古代的中秋节，月饼被用来祭拜月神(Luna)，后来逐渐形成了中秋吃月饼的传统。月饼通常是烤制而成的,外皮(crust)一般是由面粉制成，里面包进某种馅(stuffing)。月饼内馅多选用植物的种子，对人们的健康有益。现在的月饼品种更加繁多，风味更加丰富，受到我国各地人们的喜爱。如今将月饼作为礼物送给客户和亲朋好友已成为一种习俗。

Moon cake is a traditional food eaten by the Chinese during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Generally has a round shape, symbolizing reunion and happiness, which reflects people's aspiration of family reunion. In ancient times, moon cake was made to worship the Luna on the Mid-Autumn festival. Later the tradition of eating moon cakes on that day was formed gradually. Moon cake is generally made by baking. The crust is usually made of flour, in which a certain stuffing is filled. In most cases, the seeds of different plants are chosen as their stuffing, which benefits people's health. With more varieties and flavors today, moon cake is liked by people all over the country. Nowadays it is customary to bring moon cakes to clients ｏｒ relatives as presents.

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04

中国文学

唐诗(Tang poetry)是中国珍贵的文化遗产，在中国文学和诗歌中占据重要地位。唐朝是中国诗歌的黄金时代，《全唐诗》(Complete Tang Poems)收录了2200多位诗人所作的近5万首唐诗。唐代的诗人特别多，李白、杜甫、白居易是世界闻名的伟大诗人。唐诗的题材非常广泛，从自然现象、政治动态(dynamics)到社会风俗、个人感受，几乎包括生活的方方面面。《唐诗三百首》(300 Tang Poems)是后人编选的最受欢迎的唐诗集，在现代社会流传广泛，很多诗歌被中国的中小学语文教科书所采用。

The Tang poetry, a precious cultural heritage of China, occupied a significant place in the field of Chinese literature and Chinese poetry. Tang Dynasty was the golden age of Chinese poetry. The Complete Tang Poems collected almost 50,000 Tang poems written by over 2,200 poets. There were a large number of poets in Tang Dynasty, among whom Li Bai, Du Fu and Bai Juyi were the greatest poets renowned in the world. The subjects of Tang poetry were rather extensive, ranging from natural phenomena and political dynamics to social customs and personal feelings, embracing almost every aspect of people's lives. The 300 Tang Poems was a collection of the most popular Tang poems compiled by the later generations. In modern society, it is so widespread that many of the poems have been adopted in the Chinese language textbooks of primary schools and secondary schools.

宋词(Song Ci)是古代诗歌的一种，可以配乐歌唱，又称曲子词。因为宋词句子长短不一，所以又称“长短句(Changduanju)”。词有各种曲调，因此演唱方式多种多样。词在宋朝达到鼎盛时期。和唐诗一样，宋词在中国文学史上占有重要地位。在词的发展过程中，涌现出很多杰出的词人，如苏轼、李清照、辛弃疾、陆游等。如今宋词仍然很受欢迎。《宋词三百首》(Three Hundred Song Ci Poems)一书非常流行，很多著名的词作都被重新谱曲演唱。

Song Ci is one form of ancient poetry and can be sung to music， thus it's also called musical Ci poetry. Since the length of the lines in a Ci poem can vary, it is also called Changduanju (lines of irregular lengths). Due to various tunes used for them, Ci poems can be sung in different ways. Ci poetry reached its peak during the Song Dynasty. Like Tang poetry, Song Ci poetry plays an important role in the history of Chinese literature as well. In the process of its development, a lot of prominent Ci composers appeared such as Su Shi, LiQingzhao, Xin Qiji, Lu You, etc. Song Ci remains popular even today. The book Three Hundred Song Ci Poems is very popular, and a good number of famous Ci poems have been set to new tunes for singing.

元曲(Yuan opera)是中国一种别具一格的文学形式和戏剧形式。它首先流行于民间，内容充满了生活气息。元曲有固定的格式，但相比于唐诗宋词(Tang and Song poetry)，有较大的灵活性。历史上涌现了一批杰出元曲剧作家(playwright)，其中以关汉卿最负盛名。元曲和唐诗宋词一样，是中国古典文学的重要组成部分。元曲的兴起对于中国民族诗歌的发展和文化的繁荣有着深远的影响。

Yuan opera is a characteristic form of literature and drama in China. It first became popular among common people as its content was full of the flavor of life. Yuan opera has its own fixed form but is quite more flexible compared with Tang and Song poetry. There appeared in history a number of outstanding playwrights of Yuan opera, among whom Guan Hanqing was the most famous, like Tang and Song poetry. Yuan opera is an important part of Chinese classical literature. The rising of Yuan opera has great influences on the development of national poetry and the prosperity of culture in China.

明清两朝(the Ming and Qing Dynasties)是中国小说的繁荣时期。从思想和主題方面来说，这个时代的小说包含了传统文化的精神，充分显示出其文学价值和社会作用。在文学史上，明清小说具有与唐诗、宋词、元曲（Tang Shi, Song Ci and Yuan Qu）一样重要的地位。中国文学四大名著(Four Great Works of literature）都是明清时期的代表作品。这些享有世界声誉的作品都已经被改编成影视剧，受到中外观众的喜爱。

The Ming and Qing Dynasties are times of prosperity for Chinese novels. From the aspects of both ideas and themes, the novels in this period have contained the soul of traditional culture, fully displaying its value of literature and social effects. In the history of literature, Ming-Qing novels are as important as Tang Shi, Song Ci and Yuan Qu. All the Chinese Four Great Works of literature are representative works of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. These world-famous works have been adapted into films and TV series which are popular with Chinese and foreign audiences. 

尽管中国古代神话(mythology)没有十分完整的情节，神话人物也没有系统的家谱(genealogy)，但它们却有着鲜明的东方文化特色，其中尤为显著的是它的尚德精神(the spirit of esteeming virtue)。这种尚德精神在与西方神话特别是希腊神话比较时，显得更加突出。在西方神话尤其是希腊神话中，对神的褒贬标准多以智慧、力量为准则，而中国古代神话对神的褒贬则多以道德为准绳。这种思维方式深植于中国的文化之中。几千年来，这种尚德精神影响着人们对历史人物的品评与现实人物的期望。

Although ancient Chinese mythology does not have relatively complete plot and mythological figures don't have systematic genealogy, they have distinct features of oriental culture, among which the spirit of esteeming virtue is particularly significant.When compared with Western mythology, especially Greek mythology, this spirit of esteeming virtue is even more prominent.In Western mythology, especially Greek mythology,the criteria for judging whether a god is good ｏｒ not are mostly the god’s wisdom and strength,while in ancient Chinese mythology, the criterion lies in morality. This way of thinking is deeply rooted in Chinese culture.For thousands of years, this spirit of esteeming virtue has affected people’s comments on historical figures and expectations of real people.

与舞蹈和音乐相伴的歌谣跟口头流传的神话，远在文字出现之前就已大量产生。中国的文学正是发端于此。不过歌谣本是人们在生活中随兴而发的东西，上古时代也没有保存和记载它们的手段，因之也就很快湮灭，不留痕迹。我们只能从一些古籍书中推断它们的存在。古书中记载了一些据称年代非常久远的歌谣，但是大多出于后人的伪托，能够断定朝代的歌谣要到《诗经》里才能看见。从这点来看，古代神话对中国文学的影响更为显着。

Long before the emergence of the written word, ballads, accompanied by music and dance, and myths passed around by word of mouth, were widely popular. Chinese literature finds its origins in these traditions. However, ballads were what people improvised out of daily life, and due to lack of means to record and preserve them in ancient times, they quickly disappeared without leaving much of a trace. Today, we can only deduce their existence from ancient books, which recorded some time-honored ballads, though most of these are believed to be derivatives of later generations. Ballads in the book of songs are the earliest writings that can be dated. From this point of view, ancient mythology obviously has had a great influence on Chinese literature.

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05

四大发明

中国是世界上公认发明指南针的国家。早在2400多年前，中国人就创造出世界上最早的指南针。后来经过不断改进，到宋朝(the Song Dynasty)人们制造出铁针指南针并应用于航海。中国是第一个在海船上使用指南针的国家。指南针为明代(the Ming Dynasty)郑和下西洋提供了条件。后来指南针传入欧洲，推动了欧洲航海事业的发展为，哥伦布(Columbus)的航行提供了技术保证。

China is universally recognized as the country having invented the compass. As early as 2,400 years ago, Chinese people created the earliest compass in the world. Later it was further improved continuously. During the Song Dynasty, people produced the compass with iron needles and applied it in navigation. China is the first country to use the compass on seagoing ships. The compass provided aid for Zheng He's voyages to the Western Ocean in the Ming Dynasty. Later the compass spread into Europe, promoting the development of the European marine industry and guaranteeing technical support for Columbus' navigation.

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 essential 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.

印刷术发明之前，想出版新书的学者必须一字一字地抄写。北宋时期，经过多年的实验，毕昇发明了活字印刷术(movable-type printing)。他把汉字刻在一小块泥胚(pieces of clay)上，加热汉字直到其变成硬的活字。印书时,人们按顺序将活字摆在一起，印出印迹。印刷完后，他们把字分开，以后重复使用。这种方法既经济又省时。中国的活字印刷术首先向东传至朝鲜和日本，之后向西传至波斯(Persia)和埃及，最后传遍全球。活字印刷术发明促进了世界各国的文化交流。

Before printing was invented，a scholar had to copy characters one by one if he wanted to publish a new book. During the Northern Song Dynasty, Bi Sheng invented movable-type printing after many years of experimentation. He engraved the characters on small pieces of clay and heated them until they became hard movable characters. When printing a book，people placed the moveable characters in order into a whole block and then ran off a print. After printing, they took the block apart and reused the characters later. This method was both economical and time-saving. China's movable-type printing first spread eastward into Korea and Japan, then westward into Persia and Egypt, and at last, around the world. The invention of movable-type printing greatly promoted cultural exchanges among countries all over the world.

火药(gunpowder)是最早出现的化学炸药和推进剂(propellant)。在火药发明之前，人们使用过许多燃烧弹(incendiary bomb)和燃烧设备。人们通常把火药的发明归因于中国的炼金术(alchemy)。众所周知，火药被列为中国的“四大发明”之一。这项发明可能早在唐朝就已经研制出来了。由于13世纪蒙古人的征战，有关火药的知识被传到全世界。最晚从14世纪开始，火药就已经开始被应用于战争中并产生了一定的影响。

Gunpowder was the first chemical explosive and propellant. Prior to the invention of gunpowder, many incendiary bombs and burning devices had been used. The invention of gunpowder is usually attributed to Chinese alchemy. It is known to all that gunpowder is listed as one of the “Four Great Inventions” of China. The invention was made perhaps as early as in the Tang Dynasty. Knowledge of gunpowder was spread throughout the world as a result of the Mongol conquests in the 13th century. It was employed in warfare to some effect from at least the 14th century.

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06

中国农作物话题

在中国，水稻生产是国民经济的重要组成部分。中国人早在公元前4000年就开始了水稻种植，而后逐渐传播到世界各地。目前，中国是世界上最大的水稻生产国，水稻产量占世界产量的26%。我国水稻主要种植于长江(the Yangtze River)沿岸及南方各省份。米饭是中国人，特别是南方人，非常重要的主食(staple food)。此外，水相还可以用来酿酒、制糖及用作工业原料。

China, rice production is an important part of the national economy. As early as 4,000 B.C.，the Chinese started rice cultivation which later gradually spread all over the world. At present, China is the world's largest producer of rice, producing 26% of the world's rice output. The rice crop in China grows primarily in provinces along the Yangtze River and In the South. Rice is an important staple food for Chinese, particularly the southerners. In addition, rice can be used to make wine and sugar and used as industrial materials.

小麦作为三大谷物之一，是一种在世界各地广泛种植的谷类作物。中国是世界较早种植小麦的国家之一，已有5000多年的种植历史。小麦目前主要产于河南、山东、江苏等省。根据小麦播种季节不同，可以分为春小麦和冬小麦。小麦磨成面粉后可制作馒头、面条等食物，是我国北方人民的主食。小麦营养价值很高，对人体健康很有益处。

As one of the three major cereals, wheat is a kind of cereal crop widely planted all over the world. China is one of the earliest countries to grow wheat，which has a planting history of more than 5,000 years. At present, the main wheat-producing areas are Henan province, Shandong province and Jiangsu province. According to different sowing seasons, wheat can be divided into spring wheat and winter wheat. Wheat flour can be made into steamed bun, noodles and other food, which serve as the staple food for people in northern China. Wheat has high nutritional value and is highly beneficial to health.

棉花是世界上最主要的农作物之一，其产量大、生产成本低，能制成各种规格的织物。我国是棉花产量居世界首位的生产大国，从区域上划分，我国主要有三大产棉区域，为新疆地区、黄河流域地区和长江流域地区。根据统计，2020年新疆棉产量约占全国棉花产量87%。事实上，棉花并不是中国的本地作物，秦汉时期有关棉花的知识从印度传入中国，汉字中的“棉”一词也是从梵语中借来的。

Cotton is one of the most important crops in the world which can be made into all kinds of fabrics. It has a high yield and low production cost. China is the world's largest producer of cotton. In terms of region, there are three major cotton producing regions in China: Xinjiang region, Yellow River region and Yangtze River region. According to statistics, Xinjiang's cotton output in 2020 accounted for about 87% of the country's total output. In fact, cotton is not a native crop in China. During the Qin and Han dynasties, knowledge about cotton was introduced into China from India, and the Chinese word for cotton was also borrowed from Sanskrit.

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07

中国戏曲  

京剧是中国的国粹。作为一门古老的艺术，京剧的服饰、脸谱等很受观众欢迎。精致的面部化妆和华丽的服饰是京剧的两大特色。不同的服装类型反映不同人物的身份特征。脸谱是京剧中塑造人物形象的重要手段，它是用不同的颜色在脸上勾画出来的。脸谱的颜色让人一看便知角色的善恶。

Peking Opera is the quintessence of Chinese culture. As a traditional art form, its costumes, facial masks, etc. are very popular among audiences. Elaborate and gorgeous facial make-up and costumes are two distinguishing characteristics of Peking Opera. Different styles of costumes are used to reflect the identity of different characters. Painting faces with different colors are important ways to portray a character. People can tell a hero from a villain by the colors of the masks.

昆曲(Kunqu Opera)源于江苏昆山地区，至今已有600多年的历史，它是中国戏曲最古老的存在形式之一。昆曲有一个完整的表演体系并且有自己独特的腔调。昆曲在明朝初期得到发展。从16到18世纪，它一直主宰着中国戏曲。此外，昆曲还影响了许多其他的中国戏曲形式。今天，昆曲依然在中国的一些大城市被进行表演，受到了许多人的喜爱。

Kunqu Opera originated in the Kunshan region of Jiangsu. It is one of the oldest existing forms of Chinese operas with a history of more than 600 years. Kunqu Opera has a complete system of acting characterized by its own distinctive tunes. During the early Ming Dynasty, Kunqu Opera got developed and it dominated Chinese theatre from the 16th to the 18th century. In addition, Kunqu Opera has influenced many other Chinese theatre forms. Today, Kunqu Opera is still played in some major cities of China and enjoys popularity among many people.

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, Anhui 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 masses by reflecting the life of ordinary people in a fresh style.

皮影戏(shadow play)是中国的一种民间艺术，拥有悠久的历史。皮影戏所需要的演员是用牛皮做的皮影人形，由一个或几个人控制着，并用光将它们反射到幕布上。皮影戏在陕西和甘肃地区最为流行，经常在庙会、婚礼和葬礼等场合演出。皮影戏是用来驱邪的，人们希望皮影戏的演出能给他们带来好运。精致生动的皮影人形已经成为一种收藏品，深受外国人的喜爱。

Shadow play is a form of Chinese folk art with a long history. The actors ｏｒ actresses in a shadow play are figures made of cow leather. Being controlled by one ｏｒ several persons, these figures are reflected via a light on the screen. Shadow play is most popular in the area of Shaanxi and Gansu Provinces and often performed in the temple fairs, wedding ceremonies and funeral ceremonies, etc. With the purpose of driving out evil spirits, people wish that the performance of shadow play will bring them good fortune. Delicate and vivid shadow figures have become a kind of collection and are greatly loved by foreigners.

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08

中国文化符号话题 

中国人每天都在使用筷子(chopsticks),这在很多外国朋友眼里似乎是一个奇迹。历史记载表明筷子的使用已有3000年的历史。在古代，富人用金子制成筷子以显示其富有。筷子还有其他功能,比如过去人们用银制的筷子检查他们的食物是否被人投了毒。现在，许多外国朋友在访问中国的时候都使用筷子。据说，尼克松(Nixon)总统到中国访问时,在欢迎宴会上也使用了筷子。

Chinese people use chopsticks every day, which seems a wonder to many foreigners. Historical records show that the use of chopsticks dates back to three thousand years ago. In ancient times, the rich used gold chopsticks to display their wealth. Chopsticks have many other functions as well. In the past, for example, people used silver chopsticks to see if their food was poisoned. Nowadays many foreign friends try to use chopsticks when they visit China. It's said that President Nixon also used chopsticks at the welcoming banquet when he visited China.

中国结(Chinese knot)是中国文化的典型代表之一。中国结源于古代，当时人们用系结的方式来记事,在唐宋时期(the Tang and Song Dynasties)逐渐发展成为一种饰品，并在明清时期(the Ming and Qing Dynasties)开始盛行至今。中国结象征着团结、友谊、和平、热情和爱情等。制作中国结的材料多种多样，如棉线、丝编、尼龙(nylon)、皮革，甚至是一些贵重金属。如今,中国结在世界各地广受欢迎。

Chinese knot is one of the typical symbols of Chinese culture. It appeared in ancient times when people tied knots to keep records. It developed gradually as a type of decoration during the Tang and Song Dynasties, and prevailed from the Ming and Qing Dynasties up to now.Chinese knot means reunion, friendship, peace, warmth, and love, etc. Materials used to make the knots are various, such as cotton, silk, nylon, leather and even precious metals. Today, Chinese knot is popular in many parts of the world.

中国书法作为汉字书写的艺术,具有非常悠久的历史。它是中国艺术的最高形式之一,既能传达思想,又能展示线条抽象的美感。人们还普遍认为,练习书法能够使人保持身体健康。中国历史上的书法家多有长寿之辈,也证实了这一说法。人们在练习书法时全神贯注,被书法作品的魅力深深吸引,从而对令人不快的事情视而不见,听而不闻,取而代之的是一种平静和轻松,以及一种舒适怡然的心理状态,这对身心大有裨益。

As an art of writing Chinese characters, Chinese calligraphy boasts a considerably long history. It is one of the highest forms of Chinese art, serving the purposes of conveying thoughts and showcasing the abstract beauty of lines of Chinese characters. It is also widely acknowledged that Chinese calligraphy plays a part in preserving the health of those who practice it, which is supported by the long lives of many calligraphers in Chinese history. When one is practicing calligraphy, he ｏｒ she highly concentrates and is spellbound by the charm of the work, turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to unpleasant things. A sense of calm and relaxation and a comfortable psychological state take them over, which is highly beneficial to both the body and mind.

中国有着悠久的扇子文化。最早的扇子出现在3000年前，由羽毛制成。如今，扇子的制作材料已变得多样化，最常用的是纸和真丝。扇子的用途很广泛，除了能使人凉快之外，还可用于舞蹈、装饰等。在中国文化里，与其说扇子是个工具，不如说它是一个艺术品。扇面上的书法(calligraphy)、绘画和诗歌为扇子增添了艺术价值，使扇子为历代收藏家所珍爱。 

China has a long history of fan culture.The first fan came into being 3,000 years ago and was made of bird feathers. Nowadays, there are various materials for fan making,among which paper and silk are the most commonly used. Fans are used widely. Apart from cooling people they can also be used for dance, decoration and so on. In Chinese culture, a fan is a work of art rather than a tool. The calligraphy, paintings ｏｒ poems on both sides of the fans add artistic values to them, making them the treasures of many collectors.

红笼(lantern)是中国传统的手工艺品(handicraft)，是中国的象征。它源于汉代(the Han Dynasty)，在唐宋时期(the Tang and Song Dynasties)最为繁盛。起初，人们在门口悬挂灯笼只是用来辟邪。后来在节假日时也悬挂灯笼以增添喜庆的气氛。灯笼的样式很多，除了圆形和方形外,还有花、鸟、鱼的形状，通常以纸和丝绸为主要制作原料。每年的元宵节(the Lantern Festival)，全国各地的人们制作出漂亮的灯笼来欢庆节日。

Lantern, a symbol of China, is a Chinese traditional handicraft. It came into being in the Han Dynasty, and its popularity peaked in the Tang and Song Dynasties. Originally, people hang the lanterns in front of their doors only to drive away evil spirits. Later,lanterns are also hung on holidays and festivals to add joyous atmosphere. The designs of lanterns are various. Apart from round and square, the lanterns can be shaped into flowers, birds, and fish, and they are mainly made of paper and silk. On Lantern Festivals, people all over the country make beautiful lanterns to celebrate the festival.

年画(New Year Picture)是中国特有的一种绘画体裁。贴年画的习俗源于在房子的大门上贴门神(Door Gods)的传统。传统年画以精美的木刻(block print)和鲜艳的色彩闻名。主题主要是花鸟、可爱的婴儿、神话传说与历史故事等，表达人们祈望丰收的愿望和对幸福生活的憧憬。随着印刷技术的提高，制作年画的材料也不断增多。这种传统的艺术形式如今仍充满生机，深受人们喜爱。

New Year Picture is a unique type of painting in China. The custom of pasting New Year Pictures came from the tradition of pasting Door Gods on the external doors of houses. The traditional New Year Pictures are well-known for their elaborate block print and bright colors. Their subjects are mainly flowers and birds, lovely babies, myths and legends, and historical stories, etc, conveying people's wishes for a good harvest and a happy life. With the improvement of printing technologies, there are more and more new materials for New Year Pictures. This traditional art form is still full of vigor today and is deeply loved by people.

为了让人们更好地记住年份，我们的祖先用12只动物来代表年份。即“十二生肖”(Chinese Zodiac)。每一年由一种动物代表，每隔12年进行一个循环，从鼠开始，以猪为结尾。每一种动物还有其独特的文化内涵(cultural connotation}。例如，牛年出生的人据说“勤奋、冷静、可靠”，虎年出生的人则“强大、勇敢、但又急躁”。十二生肖在亚洲的其他国家，如韩国和日本也很流行。

In order to remember the years more easily, our ancestors used twelve animals to represent the years, which is called the"Chinese Zodiac". Every year is represented by an animal and every 12 years comes in a circle beginning with Rat and ending with Pig. Each animal has its unique cultural connotations. For example, a person born in the Year of Oxis said to be hard-working, calm, and reliable, while a person born in the Year of Tiger is powerful, brave, and impatient. The Chinese Zodiac remains popular as well in other Asian countries, such as Korea and Japan.

庙会(temple fair)是中国一种传统的节日活动。它源于古代人们的祭祀仪式(sacrificial ceremony)，逐渐演变成物品交流的集市和文化表演的场所。庙会一般在寺庙里或寺庙附近的空地上举行。虽然各地举办庙会的日子有所不同，但活动内容都差不多。老百姓从四面八方赶来，买卖物品、观看表演、品尝小吃。近几年来，庙会已经成为人们欣赏民间艺术和体验传统文化的首选之地。

The temple fair is a kind of traditional festival activity in China. It originated from the ancient sacrificial ceremonies and gradually evolved into a marketplace for people to exchange articles and a place for a cultural performance. The temple fair is usually held on the open ground in ｏｒ near a temple. Although temple fairs in different places are held on various dates, their activities are alike. People come from far and wide to the temple fair to buy and sell goods, watch performances, and tasty snacks. In recent years, temple fairs have become a priority place for people to appreciate folk arts and experience traditional culture.

汉字(Chinese character)是世界上最古老的文字之一。它在古时由汉族人所创造，历史甚至可以追溯到五千年前。所以，汉字的起源也可以被认为是中国古文明的开端。汉字这个名字,得名于汉族和汉朝。汉字是迄今为止连续使用时间最长的书写系统，集发音、形象和词义三者于一体，这在世界文字中是独一无二的。汉字往往可以引起人们美妙而大胆的联想，给人以美感。汉字体现了中国历史和深远思想的精髓，是中国最宝贵的文化遗产。

The Chinese character, one of the most ancient characters in the world, was created by the Han Nationality in ancient times, which could be traced back to 5,000 years ago. So the origin of Chinese characters can also be regarded as the beginning of ancient Chinese civilization. Chinese character is named after Han Nationality and Han Dynasty. Being the oldest continuously used writing system in the world so far, Chinese character is a combination of pronunciation, shape, and meaning, which is unique in the world. Chinese characters can often arouse wonderful and wild fancy, bringing people a sense of beauty. The Chinese character displays the essence of Chinese history and deep thought and is considered the most valuable cultural heritage of China.

中国国画（Chinese traditional painting）起源于约 6000 年前。纸张发明以前，人们主要用陶器（pottery）和丝绸作画。随着唐朝经济和文化的繁荣，传统国画逐渐兴盛起来。山水画（landscape）是中国国画的主要种类之一，主要描绘了中国各地的山川大河和瑰丽的自然风光。几个世纪以来，国画的发展折射了时代和社会的变迁。当今，经典国画主要收藏和展览于美术馆，供中外游客欣赏。

Chinese traditional painting dates back to about 6,000 years ago. Before paper was invented, the pottery and silk were mainly used for painting. With the economic and cultural prosperity of the Tang Dynasty, it has gradually gained prosperity. The landscape is one of the major kinds in traditional Chinese painting, mainly depicting great mountains and rivers in various places and the gorgeous natural landscape of China. Over the centuries, the growth of Chinese painting has reflected the change of time and social conditions. Nowadays, the classic Chinese traditional paintings are mainly collected and exhibited in art museums, and appreciated by tourists from China and abroad.

中国龙一直是吉祥的象征，在中国人心目中占据着不可替代的位置。中国人常常自称为“龙的传人”。在封建社会，龙一直是皇帝和皇权的象征。进入现代社会以后，龙逐渐演变为吉祥物(mascot)，含有腾飞、成功、开拓、创造等寓意。龙还被认为是美丽、友好的，并且充满了智慧它能给老百姓带来好的运气，给国家带来繁荣昌盛，而且象征着人类社会与大自然的和谐相处。

The Chinese dragon has long been a symbol of auspiciousness, and has an irreplaceable position in the mind of Chinese people who often ｃａｌｌ themselves “descendants of the dragon”. During the feudal period, the dragon used to serve as a symbol of the emperor and imperial authority. In modern society, it has gradually become a mascot which signifies growth, success, hard work and creativity. Considered beautiful, friendly and filled with wisdom, the dragon is believed to be able to bring good luck to ordinary people and prosperity to the country. It also symbolizes the harmony between human society and nature.

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09

舞蹈艺术

秧歌(the Yangko dance)是几百年前农民在稻田里劳作时创作的一种传统的中国民间舞蹈。扭秧歌时，舞者跟随音乐节奏(rhythm)扭动身体，步伐夸张，将古老的故事以一种新的形式呈现给观众。热闹的场面、丰富的舞蹈语言、兴高采烈的手势和生动的表演形式使得秧歌深受中国人民的喜爱。每逢重大节日，人们都会自发地举办秧歌表演。在场的所有人都聚精会神地观看演出，欣赏和感受着舞者的感情，全然忘记了自己生活中的烦恼。

The Yangko dance is a traditional Chinese folk dance created by farmers when they worked in the rice fields hundreds of years ago. During the dance, the dancers sway their bodies to musical rhythms and walk at an exaggerated pace to present old stories to the audience in a new style. Thanks to its jolly scene, abundant dance language, exuberant gestures, and vivid performing style, it is always favored by the Chinese. People will organize Yangko dance performances spontaneously whenever there is a grand festival. All the people present are concentrating on the performance, appreciating and sharing the feelings of the dancers, and forgetting the troubles in their own life.

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 widespread 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, happiness, beauty and honesty. So to perform this dance is to present a eulogy of the good life and express 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 happiness with graceful peacock dancing.

广场舞是舞蹈艺术中最庞大的系统，因多在广场聚集而得名。融自娱性与表演性为一体，以集体舞为主要表演形式，以娱乐身心为主要目的。广场舞在公共场所由群众自发组织，参与者多为中老年人，其中又以妇女居多。广场舞是人民群众创造的舞蹈，是专属于人民群众的舞蹈，因为民族的不同，地域的不同，群体的不同所以广场舞的舞蹈形式也不同。

Square dance is the biggest system in the art of dance. It is so named because in most cases people gather in squares. With self-entertainment and performability integrated as a whole, its main form of performance is group dancing, and its main purpose is to entertain both the mind and the body. Square dance is organized by people voluntarily in public places, and the participants are mostly middle-aged and elderly people, most of whom are women. Square dance is created by the people and belongs to the people. The forms of square dance vary due to different nationalities, areas, and groups.

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10

节日节气话题

24节气(24 solar terms)是统称，包括 12节气（12 major solar terms)和 12中气 (12 minorsolar terms),它们彼此之间相互关联。24节气反映了天气变化，指导农 业耕作，也影响着人们的生活。春秋战国时期，人们开始使用节气作为补充历法 (calendar)。公元前104年，24节气最终确立。众所周知，中国是个有着悠久农业发展史的国家。农业生产受自然规律影响极大。在古代，农民根据太阳的运动安排 农业生产活动。24节气考虑到了太阳的位置，这就是我们重视它的原因。

The 24 solar terms are the whole name of the system that consists of 12 major solar terms and 12 minor solar terms linked with each other. It reflects climate change, guides agriculture arrangements, and also affects people's life. In the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, people began to use solar terms as the supplementary calendar. It was in 104 B. C. that the 24 solar terms were finally set down. As we all know, China is a country with a long history of agriculture. Agricultural production is largely influenced by the laws of nature. In ancient times, farmers arranged their agricultural activities according to the move of the sun. It is the fact that the 24 solar terms take into account the position of the sun that makes us attach importance to it.

中秋节对中国人来说是最重要的节日，仅次于春节。每年中秋节，人们从全国和世界的各个角落回到家中，与家人团聚、赏月和吃月饼。如今，在中秋节到来前的一个月，就有各种各样的月饼出售。中国人相信满月象征着和平、繁荣(prosperity)和家庭团聚（reunion）。中秋节当晚的月亮被认为是最明亮圆满的，这也是为什么也被称为是“重逢日”和“月亮节”。 

The Mid-Autumn Festival is the second most important festival after the Spring Festival to Chinese people. Every year, when the festival comes, people go home from every corner of the country and the world to meet their family, admire the full moon, and eat moon cakes. Nowadays, there is a large variety of moon cakes on sale a month before the arrival of the festival. Chinese people believe a full moon is a symbol of peace, prosperity, and family reunion. The moon on the Mid-Autumn Festival night is believed to be the brightest and fullest. That is why the festival is also known as / called the “Day of Reunion” and the “Moon Festival”. 

七夕节(Double Seventh Festival)是中国最具浪漫色彩的传统节日。每年农历(lunar calendar)七月初七就是七夕节，亦称“乞巧节”。七夕节起源于中国古代牛郎(Cowherd)和织女(Weaver Maid)的爱情神话，他们的故事感动了一代又一代的中国人。许多有情男女会在七夕的晚上祈祷自己的姻缘美满，期望“有情人终成眷属”。近年来，越来越多的都市青年男女把这个节日当作“中国情人节”(Chinese Valentine's Day)。

The Double Seventh Festival is the most romantic traditional Chinese festival. Also known as "Qiqiao Festival", it falls annually on the 7th day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar. The festival came from an ancient Chinese romantic fairy tale about the Cowherd and the Weaver Maid, which has deeply moved generations of Chinese people. Many men and women in love usually pray for a happy marriage on that night, hoping for "a happy ending for true love". In recent years, more and more youngsters in cities celebrate the Double Seventh Festival as Chinese Valentine's Day.

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 blessing each others.

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 happiness for the family.

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.

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 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 honor and to pay respect to one's deceased ancestors and family members.

端午节，又叫龙舟节，是为了纪念爱国诗人屈原。屈原是一位忠诚和受人敬仰的大臣(minister),他给国家带来了和平和繁荣。但最后因为受到诽谤(vilify)而最终投河自尽。人们撑船到他自尽的地方，抛下粽子，希望鱼儿吃粽子，不要吃屈原的身躯。几千年来，端午节的特色在于吃粽子(glutinous dumplings)和赛龙舟，尤其是在一些河湖密布的南方省份。

The Duanwu Festival, also called the Dragon Boat Festival, is to commemorate the patriotic poet Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan was a loyal and highly esteemed minister, who brought peace and prosperity to the state but ended up drowning himself in a river as a result of being vilified. People got to the spot by boat and cast glutinous dumplings into the water, hoping that the fishes ate the dumplings instead of Qu Yuan’s body. For thousands of years, the festival has been marked by glutinous dumplings and dragon boat races, especially in the southern provinces where there are many rivers and lakes.

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.

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