Featuring a dynamic design, the horse-face skirt is widely preferred by fans of traditional clothing in China. Exploring ways     1     (promote) the culture, they prefer to wear traditional clothing when taking part in cultural activities and share the beauty on the Internet.

The horse-face skirt     2     (originate) in the Song Dynasty and grew popular during the Ming Dynasty due to its functionality and artistic style. It is     3     (traditional) composed of two identical overlapping (部分重叠) panels     4     (wrap) around the left and right side of the lower body. Each   panel is   composed of a   large   rectangular (长方形的) panel of fabric, a side piece made up of several smaller panels and another rectangular panel narrower than the first.     5     (attach) to a waistband by ties, the two sides overlap each other so that one of the large straight panels on each piece is in the front and back of the skirt. This overlapping nature leaves openings in the front and back of the skirt, making     6     very suitable for horse-riding.

While maintaining the essential design     7     (element) of the horse-face skirt, modern designers change its outline, length, or detailing to match current fashion trends, appealing     8     a broader audience for usual daywear or formal evening fashions.

“This kind of skirt shows the grand     9     (elegant) that is admired in Chinese culture. Knowing     10     we come from, we can then be clear about where we are going, ” Daben, a Chinese vlogger, told the Global Times.

2024 is the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese calendar and it is the first time that the Oxford English Dictionary (OED)    1     (include) the term “Chinese dragon” in its dictionary. The Chinese dragon has two definitions in the OED, with the first one about its physical image and the second one on its figurative and allusive (典故的) nature.

Emperors in ancient dynasties were dressed in a Dragon Robe, a traditional silk-woven costume with dragon designs,     2     (symbolize) imperial power and authority. Jade Seals (玉玺), often     3     (carve) with dragons, also symbolize the authority of the emperor.

Contrary     4     the Western dragon, the image of the Chinese dragon, despite undergoing constant changes, has represented various’ positive     5     (quality) including prosperity, authority, strength and good fortune.

In ancient Chinese belief, dragons     6     (associate) with the control of the weather, particularly rain. The dragon’s ability to bring rain was seen as crucial for agriculture, which made it     7     positive symbol for the fertility of the land.

With the rising China Chic trend and the country’s booming cultural creative industry, the Chinese dragon in folktale is now     8     (common) seen in creative products such as tear-off calendars, dolls, dragon-themed jewelry as well as the “dragon blind boxes”     9     appeal to young consumers.

Whether it is through the hands of a national-level intangible (非物质) cultural heritage inheritor     10     the hands of a Generation Z “blind box” designer, the Chinese dragon carries forward the Chinese cultural spirit.

The dragon lantern festival is set to open Lanterns, symbols of joy and     1     (happy) since ancient times, have become one of China’s cultural icons. During the Lantern Festival every year, lighting lanterns     2     (be) an important part of Chinese New Year celebrations.

The Zigong lantern festival, dating     3     the Dang Dynasty, stands out from the lantern shows in China and has been listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage (非物质文化遗产). With     4     (it) combination of lanterns with landscapes, the Zigong lantern festival covers various art forms such as sculpture, and traditional Chinese painting. Up to now, it     5     (attract) over 400 million visitors.

The lantern exhibition features nearly 2 kilometers of lighted streets. There are about forty sets of different lanterns,     6     (include) huge lanterns, crafted lanterns, decorative lanterns and themed lantern sets inspired by     7     (tradition) Chinese legends and classical literature. Varieties of animal-shaped lanterns will show great artistic charm to visitors.

Throughout the lantern festival, there will be a series of Chinese cultural experiences,     8     include a lighting ceremony, a traditional Hanfu show and     9    creative New Year painting exhibition. Limited-edition lanterns will be available for visitors     10     (buy).

Chinese wine culture has a long and rich history, dating back thousands of years. One of the most famous traditional Chinese     1     (wine) is Baijiu, which is made from grains such as rice and wheat. People often drink it during important celebrations. Another popular type of Chinese wine is Huangjiu, also     2     (know) as yellow wine. Huangjiu is a fermented (发酵的) rice wine and has a     3     (soft) taste compared to Baijiu. It is     4     (common) used in cooking and is a popular ingredient in traditional Chinese dishes. Huangjiu is also enjoyed     5     a drink, with different varieties and flavors available across different areas of China.

In Chinese culture, wine is often associated with toasting (祝酒),     6     is an important gesture in Chinese wine culture and helps to create a warm and     7     (harmony) atmosphere. Furthermore, wine is often used in traditional Chinese medicine. Certain types of wine     8     (believe) to have health benefits and are used for medicinal purposes. In recent years, imported wines, particularly red wine,     9     (gain) popularity among Chinese. Wine appreciation and wine-tasting events have become increasingly common,    10     (provide) opportunities for both locals and foreigners to learn and experience different wine cultures.

Chinese screen, also known as pingfeng, is     1     unique and elegant piece of traditional furniture in Chinese decoration.

    2     (typical), it is made of wood and features a delicate appearance. Famous for its carvings and paintings, the Chinese screen can block wind and noise from the outside, cover a door and make the room     3     (privacy). When decorating a house, Chinese people attach great importance     4     the harmony of their living space with the surrounding environment. Architects believe a screen can help to control     5     the energy flows in a room and promote a feeling of peace and     6     (calm).

With its roots in Chinese culture and ancient history, the screen is more than just a physical barrier or decoration. In addition to its decorative and practical     7     (function), the Chinese screen     8     (consider) a symbol of honor and respect as well. When important guests visit, the host often greets them behind the screen as a sign of respect and privacy.

Today, Chinese screens are still treasured and employed for their multiple roles. Whether     9     (use) to divide a room, create privacy, or add a touch of traditional elegance to a space, the Chinese screen     10     (remain) a beloved and valuable piece of design.