2 . While the term cultural heritage is used to refer to both physical and intangible qualities, it is not limited to physical objects. It can also refer to beliefs, traditions, language, and food. These are often passed down from generation to generation.     1    The preservation of these cultural treasures can help promote global understanding and mutual respect.

    2    Determining what constitutes(构成) “cultural heritage” is often a challenging and contentious task, and advocates of cultural preservation and integrity are often accused of making false assumption(假设)about the cultures they study.

It is important to recognize that cultural heritage is not limited to physical objects and monuments. It also includes living expressions of culture inherited from our ancestors. Intangible cultural heritage refers to knowledge and practices related to the environment and traditional crafts.     3    It is essential to protect these valuable assets for their protection and appreciation.

    4     It is essential to preserve these objects in order to preserve their significance. And it is necessary to protect the intangible cultural heritage, because it is often overlooked. These works of art have symbolic and aesthetic(美学的) value and are valuable to the people of the country. Some of them are even more significant than the physical objects.

As cultural heritage is a part of a culture, it can be protected. However, if someone is trying to patent a design, you have to ensure that you do not copy it.     5    Whether they’re paintings, sculptures, or food, they’re worth protecting. Fortunately, it’s important to protect and conserve our cultural heritage. It’s the legacy of the culture and the way it was once lived.

Recently, 16 Chinese online novels have been added to the collection of the British Library.     1     (cover) themes of science fiction, history, reality and fantasy, these works are considered the classics of Chinese online literature from the past 20 years.

The library usually selects works     2     (base) on their popularity or by considering an item’s value. Readers can check the information about the 16 books on the library’s website, and borrow printed     3     (copy). As one of the current key parts of mass cultural consumption,     4     began with “fast food” romanced, fantasies and mysteries, the Chinese online literature industry has received increasing     5     (recognize) from home and abroad.

One of the 16 novels, Happiness in Palm tells a story about love and delicacies (美食) in ancient times. The author created a     6     (represent) heroine who was tough and intelligent, facing up to hardships with courage, perseverance and optimism. “It’s     7     surprise to me that online fiction can be added to the collection of a foreign library.     8     feels like the path of online novel writing is becoming much     9     (wide)” the writer says.

Great Power, Heavy Industry tells of how China’s manufacturing industries     10     (grow) stronger in recent decades, and foreign readers can learn about the Chinese system and culture behind the country’s swift economic development, getting to know China better in the process.

The kite is a symbol of the Chinese handicraft.     1     (fly) a kite is a very popular activity in all generations in China. It is easy to find the scene, where there are large numbers of people gathering to the squares and holding lines     2    (control) beautiful kites in the blue sky.

Making and playing kites became very popular in Weifang area, Shandong Province during the Tang and Song Dynasties. At that time, every year in spring     3     the Tomb-Sweeping Day came, the weather became warm. It was     4     good time to display the kites as well as enjoy the warm weather and the fresh air. The tradition has been well kept until today and has become the world-famous Weifang International Kite Festival, which     5     (celebrate) from 20th to 25th in April every year. Since 1984, dozens of countries and regions from all over the world     6    (join) in the festival.

Teams from home and abroad gather here to fly     7     (they) well-designed kites to the sky. Apart    8       the traditional patterns such as swallows, butterflies, and triangles, you will be amazed by the     9    (create) thinking shown in these kites. There are animals like fish, dragons, dolphins, cartoon     10    (figure) like Flower Fairies, Supermen, and other shapes like spaceships, and satellites. People say there is nothing you cannot fly to the sky in Weifang.

6 . For some, the New Year is running in on when the calendar turns from December 31 to January 1.     1     The Lunar New Year is an international holiday celebrated in many Asian countries, the date of which changes depending on the year. But regardless of the date, each culture celebrating it has lasting customs, traditions and beliefs. Here is what you need to know about the Lunar New Year.

How long is it?

    2     The amount of celebration days depends on the culture. Some observances are longer than others. In 2023, it begins on January 22 and ends on February 5. The first day of it is called the Spring Festival, and the final day is the Lantern Festival in Chinese culture.

Who celebrates it?

It is celebrated throughout many Asian cultures. Among those are Chinese, South Korean, Vietnamese, Singaporean, Malaysian and Indonesian culture.     3     For example, in South Korea, it is called Seollal.

What symbolic meaning does it have?

Similar to western New Year, it represents (象征) letting go of the past year to bring in the new one. Another key aspect to Lunar New Year is reunion.     4     It’s also important for families to pay respects to the older generations.

What does the Year of the Rabbit represent?

In the Chinese Zodiac, there are 12 animals, each with its own characteristics. For the rabbit, people born in its year are seen as caring, attentive and likely to follow rules.     5    

7 . In China, people in different areas have their own ways to celebrate the Spring Festival. Especially between Northern China and Southern China, there are many differences.    1    

One is about the food on the night before the Spring Festival. In Northern China, people usually eat dumplings during this time. For luck, people may put sugar in dumplings.    2    People in the south usually eat Niangao or Tangyuan on New Year’s Eve. Both foods are also considered to bring a better life. There are many causes. For example, Northern China grows lots of wheat (小麦) while Southern China grows lots of rice.    3    People in Northern China usually love food made by wheat.

    4    In Northern China, people often put up paper cuttings on windows to wish for happiness of the coming year. In many parts of the south, people no longer put up paper cuttings for the Spring Festival. Instead, they decorate their house with a kumquat (金橘) tree bearing fruit.

It’s true that Northern China and Southern China have differences in celebrating the Spring Festival.    5    After all, many Chinese are moving from one place to another. When reaching a new place, they also bring their customs there. So now many people in Northern China also eat Tangyuan.

Henan Opera, known as Yuju Opera, is a traditional Chinese opera form that originated     1    Henan Province. With its rich history, unique musical style, and attractive performances, Henan Opera     2     (hold) a special place in Chinese cultural heritage.

Henan Opera evolved from local folk art forms, integrating     3     (element) of storytelling, singing and dancing. It gained popularity during the Qing Dynasty and became an important regional opera style in Henan. Today, it     4     (recognize) as one of the national intangible cultural heritage treasures of China.

Henan Opera is characterized by its pleasant vocal style    5    distinctive musical accompaniment. The performances contain various instruments like drums, flutes, and stringed (有弦的) instruments, creating a harmonious ensemble (乐团). The     6     (careful) prepared costumes and bright makeup improve the visual appeal, and the skilled performers’ gestures and movements convey emotions and narratives, captivating audiences.

Henan Opera,     7     often explores loyalty, love, justice, and family values, draws from historical events, folk tales, legends, and literary classics,     8     (show) a diverse range of themes. The stories are presented through poetic dialogues, intricate choreography(编舞), and symbolic gestures, engaging the audience with     9     (they) profound messages.

Efforts are being made     10     (preserve) and promote Henan Opera as part of Chinese cultural heritage. Modern adaptations and innovations help attract younger audiences while preserving its traditional essence.

9 . Unique Birthday Traditions

The editors of our international editions share traditions reserved for counting yourself one year older.

Lithuania

“In my native country, it is customary for the birthday person to sit in a decorated chair and to be lifted up by the party guests,” says editor Eva Mackevic. “How many times the chair is raised will correspond with his or her age.”

Japan

In Japan, when a child turns one, a ceremony called erabitori is held, where the birthday child chooses from a selection of items spread out around that represent the potential future. When a person turns 20, a coming-of-age celebration will be held on the second Monday January.

The Netherlands

When someone turns 50, a large doll will be placed in the birthday person’s garden or by heir front door; men have an “Abraham” doll, women a “Sarah”, based on a Bible passage.

Australia

A child’s first birthday is often celebrated with balloons and specially made “fairy bread”. Some families in Australia also mark the age of 21 with a souvenir “key to the door”, representing the young adult’s privilege to come and go from the family home as they please.

Germany

“In Germany, when unmarried men turn thirty, they are supposed to sweep the stairs of the local church or town hall,” editor Michael Kallinger says, “while women have to deal with the door handle.” This public act is meant to embarrass the person and motivate them to marry.