7 curiosities of Chinese culture that will surprise you

China, with a millennia-old history and rich cultural heritage, is a fascinating country, full of unique traditions and curiosities that can surprise anyone. Immerse yourself in the mysterious world of Chinese culture with these 7 curiosities that will surely leave you in awe.

1. The meaning of the color red

In Chinese culture, the color red is not only a vibrant hue, but it also carries a deep symbolic meaning. This color is associated with good luck and happiness, so it is common to see it in celebrations and festivities. Traditional Chinese weddings are usually adorned with red elements, as they are considered to attract fortune and ward off evil spirits.

2. The Chinese New Year

Unlike the Gregorian calendar that most of the world follows, China follows the lunar calendar, which results in the celebration of the Chinese New Year on different dates each year. This festival is the most important holiday in Chinese culture and is full of traditions, from family gatherings to fireworks. Each year is represented by one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, which adds a unique touch to each celebration.

3. The importance of numbers in Chinese culture

The Chinese attribute particular meanings to numbers, and this belief is reflected in their daily lives. For example, the number eight is considered lucky because its pronunciation in Mandarin sounds similar to the word "wealth" or "prosperity." On the other hand, the number four is avoided as much as possible, as its pronunciation is similar to the word meaning "death". This superstition even affects the numbering of floors in buildings, omitting those that contain the number four.

4. The Mahjong Game

Mahjong is a board game that has captivated players all over the world, but few know about its Chinese origin. With over two millennia of history, Mahjong is a game of strategy and skill that involves tile matching. In addition to being an entertaining way to pass the time, playing Mahjong in China is also seen as a social activity that strengthens family and friendly bonds.

5. The tea ceremony, a staple of Chinese culture

Tea plays a pivotal role in Chinese culture, and the tea ceremony is an ancient and refined practice within Chinese cuisine. More than just a beverage, tea is considered an art form and an expression of Chinese aesthetics. The preparation and presentation of tea are meticulous processes that reflect harmony, courtesy and respect for tradition.

6. The Giant Pandas

China is home to one of the world's most beloved and iconic animal species: the giant panda. These adorable black and white bears are native to the mountains of central China and have come to symbolize wildlife conservation around the world. Pandas are considered national treasures in China and are carefully protected to ensure their survival.

7. The Great Wall of China from Space

The Great Wall of China is an architectural marvel that stretches for thousands of kilometers, but what many don't know is that it is visible from space. Although not easy to see with the naked eye, some astronauts have managed to capture stunning images of the wall from Earth orbit. This fact demonstrates the magnitude and historical importance of this impressive structure.

Conclusion

In this article, we have only mentioned a few curiosities about the fascinating Chinese culture. But you can't talk about China without mentioning its amazing language. The ancient Chinese script never ceases to fascinate people all over the world, especially when you consider the deep meaning of colors in Chinese. And in fact, Chinese has become one of the most studied languages in the world.

Without a doubt, exploring the cultural richness of China is immersing yourself in a world full of symbolism, millenary history and unique customs.

At Hanyu Chinese School we are aware of the importance of knowing not only curiosities about China, but also studying its language. The benefits of learning Chinese are many, which is why our online Chinese courses are prepared to help people of all ages and circumstances learn to speak Chinese.

In addition, with our podcast you will be able to learn more details about the language to facilitate your learning.

Contact us, we will be happy to help you on this fascinating journey. We are waiting for you!