Putian wood carving, one of the four well-known     1     (category) of the art of Chinese wood carving, originated in the Tang and Song Dynasties.     2     (serve) as a national intangible cultural heritage (非物质文化遗产) item in China, it is a traditional folk carving technique of southeast China’s Fujian Province.

Zheng Chunhui, Lin Jianjun and Chen Yushu are three     3     (exception) representatives of wood carving masters. Zheng is a provincial-level inheritor (继承人) of the wood carving art,     4     not only excels in traditional wood carving technique,     5     expresses his love for his family and nation through his works. To promote the art, Zheng opened a unique wood carving gallery, which is the     6     (one) in Putian run by an individual and free to the public. The delicately made wood carving works by Lin     7     (shine) at a BRICS summit (峰会) several years ago, and meanwhile, the Chinese-style antique furniture pieces that are made by Chen     8     (show) at many international exhibitions over the past few years.

Putian city is home     9     over 2,600 wood carving companies, and the wood carving works     10     (create) there were sold to more than 20 countries and regions around the world last year.

Literally translated as the “Songs of Heroes” dance, Yingge Dance is 300-year-old folk dance that originated from the Chaoshan area of South China’s Guangdong Province.     1     (dress) in colorful costumes, performers wave wooden sticks in their hands     2     dancing in orderly formations to the music. Based on the stories of the 108 Heroes of Liangshan Mountain from the classic novel Outlaws of the Marsh, it is a folk art combining a variety of forms,     3     martial arts and Chinese operas to dance.

In recent years, Chaoshan Yingge Dance has     4     (gradual) come into the public eye through transformations in performance form, style optimization, and opening up of information channels. In the Spring Festival of the Dragon Year, Yingge Dance once again     5     (dominate) the screens,     6     (it) dazzling and fiery wave of popularity continuing throughout the holiday, even sparking     7     brilliant cultural passion overseas.

On the first and second days of the Lunar New Year, the Nanshan Yingge Team from Guangdong’s Puning made appearances at     8     (icon) British landmarks-the Burlington Arcade and Trafalgar Square--     9     (bring) New Year greetings from Guangdong to overseas Chinese and foreign friends alike. The performances attracted over seven hundred thousand spectators and received     10     (cover) from over a hundred media outlets.

Luban lock is a traditional Chinese folk educational toy that was believed to be invented by Lu Ban,     1     structural engineer from the Spring and Autumn Period (770—476 BC). Lu was later became known as the “father of     2     (carpent)” in the country.

The concave and convex parts within the toy dovetail (吻合) perfectly. Luban locks come     3     different shapes and sizes, and with different internal structures. They are known for being easy to take apart     4     difficult to reassemble.

The interlocking burr puzzle with the simplest construction uses three rods (杆)     5     can be assembled into a three-way cross, in which each rod is perpendicular (垂直的) to the other two.

Its structural integrity relies     6     (sole) on its internal arrangement, removing the need for nails or cords. Similar to folding a piece of paper to create a standing shape, this seemingly simple yet ingeniously     7     (craft) toy encapsulates (概括) a reservoir of extraordinary wisdom.

Beyond its role as a toy, the principles behind the Luban lock’s interlocking structures have been extended into the realm (领域) of     8     (architecture) design.

In 2020, the craft of making this toy     9     (name) a Shandong provincial intangible cultural heritage item. In Tengzhou, Zaozhuang, the birthplace of Lu Ban, this ancient craft has been passed down over the centuries. Many workshops in the city can still be found     10     (manufacture) this lock today.

Shoushan Stone was first discovered in Shoushan, Fuzhou. For centuries, craftsmen have been carving stones primarily     1     (mine) from the Shoushan village. The stones are carved     2     figures, animals and many other artworks.

The Charm of Shoushan Stone,     3     ongoing exhibition at the National Art Museum of China,     4     (gather) antique and modern objects which introduce the tradition of stone carving in Fujian. It offers a visual introduction to both the fine quality of Shoushan Stone and the superb skills required     5     (process) it. On show at the exhibition are seals(印章) made from excellent examples of the stone,     6     were sought after among the literati (文人墨客) of the Ming and Qing dynasties. There are also mini sculptures which show craftsmen's different     7     (approach) to carving Shoushan Stone based on its rich color schemes: a red and yellow stone that is suitable for sculpting mountains, flowers and fruits, a black one for trees and stones     8     a grey one for clouds.

So far, Shoushan Stone,     9     (official) named “China National Stone”,    10     (become) a symbol of elegance, dignity and wisdom, which is worthy of collection.

When we tell people that we opened a company that teaches people about traditional Chinese culture, and allows them to experience things like calligraphy, painting and tai chi, the     1     (react) we often get is “Why? You are British! You should teach British culture!” I would always say simply that I love traditional Chinese culture, and want to share that     2     others.

When talking about traditional Chinese culture, we are referring to the language, philosophies, food, arts and crafts, and customs from thousands of years ago up to the 21st century,     3     have been passed down through the generations. And as anyone who has heard anything about China     4     (know), with a history of an estimated 5,000 years, that covers a lot of culture! Traditional culture is still     5     (high) popular in China, and the philosophies of thousands of years ago are still visible and influencing the culture today, even if not     6     (recognise) by name.

The culture of China, both modern and traditional, can appear quite different and at times even difficult     7     (understand), which often leads to misunderstanding. But the more you learn and understand, the     8     (well) you know about China. Of course, that means more than taking one calligraphy class     9     trying out tai chi one afternoon, but each experience you have brings you closer to answering any questions you have and     10     (close) the gap between your perception and reality.

Chinese Loong Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is a vibrant and festive celebration     1     (mark) the beginning of the lunar calendar. This annual event is deeply     2     (root) in Chinese culture, symbolizing renewal, family reunions, and guiding in of good fortune.

The festivities typically span 15 days,     3     colorful parades, dragon and lion dances, and dazzling fireworks shining the streets. Families come together for plentiful feasts, exchanging gifts, and paying     4     (respect) to ancestors. The air is filled with the sounds of joyous laughter and traditional music.

One of the     5     (much) iconic features of Chinese New Year is the red decorations brightening homes and streets. Red symbolizes good luck and     6     (prosper) in Chinese culture. People also participate in the tradition of giving and receiving red envelopes containing lucky money, known as “hongbao,” as     7     gesture of good wish and well-being.

As the Year of the Dragon, Loong Year is particularly auspicious, believed to bring strength, vitality, and success. People across the globe join in the festivities, creating a sense of unity and     8     (share) celebration.

Chinese Loong Year is a time-honored tradition that     9     (exceed) borders emphasizing the importance of family, cultural heritage,     10     the hopeful anticipation of a prosperous year ahead.

10 . Embrace Diversity: 2024 International Cultural Festival

Welcome to the 2024 International Cultural Festival, a celebration of diversity, unity, and global harmony! This year’s festival promises to be a spectacular showcase of cultures from around the world, bringing people together to appreciate the richness and uniqueness of each heritage.

Cultural Extravaganza:

Join us for a mesmerizing journey through the diverse cultures represented at the festival. From captivating dance performances to tantalizing culinary delights, the International Cultural Festival is a feast for the senses. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, enchanting music, and the spirit of camaraderie that transcends borders.

Interactive Workshops:

Engage in hands-on activities and workshops that offer a deeper understanding of various cultures. From traditional art and craft demonstrations to language tasters, these interactive sessions provide a unique opportunity to learn and appreciate the slight differences that make each culture special.

Global Marketplace:

Explore the Global Marketplace, where you can shop for unique handicrafts, traditional clothing, and exotic spices. This is a chance to support local artisans and take home a piece of the world’s cultural tapestry.

Educational Forums:

Research on deeply thought-provoking discussions and presentations on the importance of cultural diversity in today’s interconnected world. Learn how embracing different perspectives can foster understanding and tolerance, and ultimately contribute to global peace.

The 2024 International Cultural Festival is not just an event; it’s a celebration of the shared humanity that unites us all. Mark your calendars and join us in promoting harmony through cultural diversity. Let’s make this festival a memorable testament to the beauty of our global tapestry.