Ever since the publication of A Dream of Red Mansions some 200 years ago, hundreds of millions of people have read its Chinese original or its translations in various languages. Of these innumerable people, how many have read the novel by starting with a perusal of the critics' articles and allowing themselves to be led by the nose by the critics as to how to read the novel? Next to none. All literary works, especially a monumental one like A Dream of Red Mansions, are extremely rich in content and involve diverse social strata-to such an extent that they virtually resemble a mountain of treasure or a labyrinth. And the readers are even more complicated, differing from each other in family background. They will each appreciate a certain aspect of the novel according to their own individuality. They may feel inspired and enlightened, and hence love it, or they may feel hurt, and hence loathe it. In short, the reactions vary.
Qipao,an exquisite Chinese clothing, originates from China’s Manchu Nationality.
In the Qing Dynasty, it was a loose robe for the royal women. In the 1920s, influenced by Western clothing, it went through many changes.For example, the cuffs went narrower, and the dress got shorter. These changes enabled Qipao to fully elaborate women’s beauty.
Nowadays, Qipao quite often appears on world-class fashionshows. It is usually the first choice for Chinese women as they attend socialparties. Meanwhile, many Chinese brides will select it as their wedding dress.Some influential personalities even suggest making it as the national costumefor Chinese women.
The Great Wall is one of the wonders of the world that created by human beings! If you come to China without climbing the Great Wall, it's just like going Paris without visiting the Eiffel Tower; or going to Egypt without visiting the Pyramids! Men often say, "He who doest not reach the Great Wall is not a true man."In fact, it began as independent walls for different states when it was first built, and did not become the "Great Wall" until the Qin Dynasty. However, the wall we see today, starting from Shanhaiguan Pass in the east to Jiayunguan Pass in the west, was mostly built during the Ming Dynasty.
Confucius was a thinker, political figure, educator, and founder of the Ru School of Chinese thought. Confucianism, the great system of moral and religious philosophy built upon the teachings of Master Kung. Fung You-lan, one of the great 20th century authorities on the history ofChinese thought, compares Confucius9 influence in Chinese history with that of Socrates in the West.