The History of China‘s Libraries：From Book Towers to Digital Libraries

It has been said that "books are a ladder for human progress." Books, in whatever forms, are the embodiments of human cultures; therefore, a country's library development reflects its history and civilization. The history of libraries worldwide dates back to 3000 B.C., when facilities housing books made from mud-plate printing appeared in the Middle East. Records show that Chinese also began collecting books 3,000 years ago. During the Zhou Dynasty (about the 11th century B.C.), the process of book collection was overseen by designated officials.     

The History and Culture of Chinese Fans （Ⅱ）

<正>Fans are symbols of Chinese culture and arts. Techniques and materials used for making fans are evidence witnessing the evolution of Chinese civilization.Poe...     

Crystal： History and Craftsmanship

##正##Crystal has always inspired human imagination, as it features ice-like texture of transparency and color variation and is mostly found underground or in rock caves. Ancient Chinese believed     

From Vernacular Modernity to Urban Utopia——30 Years of the Sichuan School of Oil Painting 1976-2006

The exhibition “From Vernacular Modernity to Urban Utopia： 30 Years of the Sichuan School of Oil Painting 1976-2006 ”, organized by Center of International Cultural Exchange （CICE）, was opened in Boyi Gallery in the downtown of Beijing on June 30 and will last for one month. 130-strong choice works by 87 renowned artists were displayed at this landmark event.     

The Handshake Across the Vastest Ocean of the World—The Exhibition of Journeys to Peace and Cooperation

““““““““““““““““In July 1971, my father Richard Nixon, the then U.S. President, declared that he would visit China at the invitation of Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai of the People‘s Republic of China. The news astonished the world and changed the direction of history, because since 1949, the United States had had no diplomatic relations with the People‘s Republic of China. It was difficult for most people to believe that these two countries could overcome the ideological and political disparities to come together. On February 21, 1972, when my father set out on his journey for peace, he was very excited. As he stepped out of Air Force I, he decided to stretch out his hand first to Premier Zhou Enlai before he set on Chinese soil.““““““““““““““““- Julie Nixon Eisenhower, daughter of former U.S. President Richard Nixon     

Getting to Know China： Appreciation of 100 Chinese Characters

Getting to Know China： Appreciation of 100 Chinese Characters is one of the book series ＂Meet China＂ produced by the Ministry of Culture of China in 2013. The book selects 100 Chinese characters that represent Chinese culture to some extent. Targeted at foreign readers most of whom are unfamiliar with Chinese characters, the book elaborates on the meanings of Chinese characters and their cultural connotation concisely and to the point.     

Bai Xianyong： Dedicated to the Revival of Kunqu Opera

<正>"I will feel painful at any declined culture. We will be condemned as criminals if Kunqu Opera dies out because of us, just like we break porcelains of the Song Dynasty or bronzes of the Shang Dynasty. That is why I dedicats myself to reviving Kunqu Opera. I think it has never been too late if we do it."     

National Arts Fund： a Cohesive Force to Realize the Chinese Dream

The National Arts Fund, estab lished in December 2013, is an important initiative to implement the decision made by the Third Plenary Session of the Eighteenth CPC Central Committee, speed up cultur al restructuring, transform government functions, and facilitate the modern ization of cultural management system and ability. NAF provides a new plat form, a new channel and a new mecha nism for managing, sponsoring, support ing and guiding the sound development of arts in China.     

Rao Zongyi： The Revival of Chinese Culture in the 21st Century

Rao Zongyi, a master scholar in the studies o（Chinese culture and history, said that the 21st centu-ry sees the ever-increasing influence of Oriental academic ideas and artistic aes- thetics on the West. In fact, not long ago, professor Rao was conterred with the ti- tle of foreign academician by the French Academy, an event which stirred the cultural and arts community of Europe. As the first Asian scholar awarded with this honor, Rao said,“I am 97 years old. But I don＇t think I＇m old at all. Painter Liu Haisu climbed the Yellow Mountain at 93, and I will follow his suit.”     

Young sinologists： messengers to spread Chinese culture overseas First session of the 2014 visiting program for young sinologists

The first ＂2014 Young Sinologists Training Program＂ was held from July 2 to 22 in Beijing. Co-sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and organized by the Center of International Cultural Exchange, the program drew 18 young Sinologists from 15 countries, including the United States, France, India and South Korea. By participating in lectures, seminars and other activities, the participants gained academic inspiration as well as a better understanding of China. At the opening ceremony, Chinese vice cultural minister Ding Wei said, ＂Studies on the 21 st-century China is a compulsory course. Chinese development is closely related with world development and the Chinese Dream connects with dreams of the people from the rest of the world.＂     

＂Painting of Farming and Weaving＂： a Panoramic Portrayal of the Agricultural Society of Ancient China

Ancient China was an agricultural society where all capable emperors paid much attention to farming and ,weaving activities, Artistic creations depicting farming and weaving scenes can date back to the Neolithic Age. A bronze bottle from the Warring States period （475 BC - 221 BC） features hunting and planting scenes. Bronze wares of the pre-Qin period, painted relief bricks of the Han Dynasty, tomb murals of the Wei-and-Jin period and grotto paintings of the Tang and Song dynasties, all recorded farming, planting and weaving scenes of the agricultural society of ancient China. In the Southern Song Dynasty, in particular, thanks to its highly developed agriculture, a painter named Lou Shu created a piece of ink painting, entitled ＂Farming and Weaving Painting＂, reviewing agricultural skills and approaches of previous dynasties.     

China Cultural Center： An Overseas Platform for the Spread of Chinese Language and Culture

Foreigners have shown increasing interest in Chinese culture in recent years. As a platform for the spread of Chinese culture, China Cultural Center （CCC） is playing a key role in facilitating Chinese language learning among foreigners.     

“Early China： the Formative Period of. Chinese Civilization” Disphyed in Capital Museum

Last autumn, the exhibition ＂Early China： the Formative Period of Chinese Civilization＂ was held in the Capital Museum in Beijing. The 210 sets or pieces of exhibits showcase the origin and early evolution of Chinese civilization from 3500 BC to 1400 BC.     

Industrial and Market Operation： a Key to the Lasting Appeal of Classical Cartoon Characters

Tthis year, the globally popular cartoon character of Snoopy celebrates its 65th anniversary in China. Not long ago, a huge image of Snoopy was installed in the commercial district of Shanghai, attracting thousands of visitors.     

Surveys of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall Give Way to Better Protection—An interview with SACH Director-General Shan Jixiang

The Great Wail is generally known as one of the greatest constructions in human history. It has drawn worldwide attention for its long history, massive scale and significant influence over evolution of mankind, in order to better protect this heritage monument, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage （SACH） and the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping （SBSM） jointly launched a survey of the Ming Dynasty Great Wail in 2007. Last month, the two departments released the findings of their two-year survey with regard to the length of this historic monument.