1

Part I. Vocabulary

 Currency: a system of money in general use in a particular country;

the state of being believed, accepted or used by many people
 Ethnic: of or relating to a population subgroup (within a larger or
dominant national or cultural group) ； with a common national or
cultural tradition
 Territory: an area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state
 Extensive: covering or affecting a large area; large in amount or scale
 Topography: the arrangement of the natural and artificial physical
features of an area
 Heritage: property that is or may be inherited; an inheritance
 Crystallization – crystallize: verb form or cause to form crystals;
(figurative) make or become definite and clear
 crystal n. a clear transparent mineral, especially quartz; adj. clear
and transparent like crystal
 crystal clear: completely transparent and unclouded; easily
understood
 Embodiment : the representation or expression of something, like
idea, quality or feeling in a tangible or visible form
 Philosophy: the study of ideas and beliefs about the meaning of life
 Aesthetics : a set of principles concerned with the nature and
appreciation of beauty, especially in art
 Distinctive: adj. characteristic of one person or thing, and so serving to
distinguish it from others

Part II. Key Points

1. The full name of China is the People’s Republic of China. Its official
language is mandarin/Chinese and the capital is Beijing.

2. China lies in the east of Asia, by the west of Pacific Ocean and has an
area of 9.6 million square kilometers.

3. With 56 ethnic peoples, China has a population of 1.4 billion. Most of

the people are Han.
 4. Chinese climates differ from region to region because of the country's
extensive and complex topography. In the north, we will experience
seasons, but in the south, most of the time will be warm or hot.

5. The most famous animal is Giant panda. They are one of the most
precious animals in the world. The biggest nature park for panda is in
Sichuan province.

6. A Chinese structure, based on the principle of balance and symmetry,

includes office buildings, residences, and temples, etc.

7. Noodles and rice are staple food of most Chinese people.

8. The typical traditional Chinese clothes are Cheongsam for women and
tunic suit for men.

9. Arrange the following dynasties in time order:

Qing Song Tang Yuan Shang

Spring and Autumn Periods Ming

Shang (Dynasty) Spring and Autumn Periods Tang Song Yuan Ming
Qing

Part I Vocabulary

• Administrative: of or relating to the running of a business, organization,

etc.
• segment: each of the parts into which something is or may be
divided
• solstice: either of the two times of the year at which the sun reaches
 its highest or lowest point in the sky at midday, marked by the
longest and shortest days: the summer/winter solstice
• ancestor: a person, typically one more remote than a grandparent,
from whom one is descended
• commemorate: recall and show respect for someone or something
in a ceremony
• upright: vertical, erect; (of a person or their behavior) strictly
honorable or honest
• patriotic: having or expressing devotion to and vigorous support for
one’s country
• congregate: gather into a crowd or mass
• mythology: a collection of myths, especially one belonging to a
particular religious or cultural tradition; a set of stories or beliefs
about a particular person, institution or situation, especially when
exaggerated or fictitious
• scorch: burn the surface of something with flame or heat
• archer: a person who shoots with a bow and arrows, especially at a
target as a sport
• elixir: a magical or medicinal potion; elixir of life: a preparation
supposedly able to prolong life indefinitely
• tyrannical: exercising power in a cruel or arbitrary way
• ingot: a block of metal, especially gold or silver, in Ancient China
used as a currency

Part II Key Points

1. China is divided into provinces, cities and townships. At present China

has 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 municipalities and two special
administrative regions. The capital city of Yunnan province is Kunming; that
of Helongjiang is Harbin（hā ěr bīn）; that of Shǎnxī(陕西) is Xi’an; that of
shānxī(山西) is Taiyuan；that of Guangdong is Guangzhou; that of Jiangsu is
Nanjing and that of Zhejiang is Hangzhou.

2. The four municipalities are Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin and Chongqing

and the two special administrative regions are HKSAR and Macao SAR.
 3. Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-sweeping Festival, is a
traditional Chinese Festival, and is one of the 24 segments of the
Chinese calendar, or solar terms. It is a time to pay respect to one’s
ancestors and to tidy their gravesite. The major custom in Qingming
Festival is tomb sweeping. People will make offerings of fresh flowers
and paper money to their ancestors.

4. The Dragon Boat Festival is also called Double Fifth Festival. It is

celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month in the Chinese lunar
calendar.

5. The Dragon Festival is best known for its dragon boat races which
are the most exciting part of the festival, especially in the southern
provinces where there are many rivers and lakes.

6. The Mid-Autumn Festival, is celebrated on the 15 th day of the 8th

month of the lunar calendar. It is a time for family members and loved
ones to congregate and enjoy the moon.

On the Mid-Autumn Festival, people all eat moon cakes to show

"Reunion".

5. The shape of a dumpling is like an ingot in ancient China. So

people eat dumplings and wish for money. Every Spring Festival,
dumplings become an essential food.

6. The 24 solar terms are hailed as “the fifth great invention of

China”. The 24 solar terms are Start of Spring, Rain Water, Insects
Awaken, Spring Equinox, Clear and Bright, Grain Rain, Start of Summer,
Grain Buds, Grain in ear, Summer Solstice, Minor Heat, Major Heat,
Start of Autumn, The End of Heat, White Dew, Autumn Equinox, Cold
Dew, Frost’s Descent, Start of Winter, Minor Snow, Major Snow, Winter
Solstice, Minor Cold and Major Cold.
 3

Part I Vocabulary

 Aroma: n. a distinctive, typically pleasant smell

 Cuisine: n. a style or method of cooking, especially as
characteristics of a particular country, region or
establishment; food cooked in a certain way
 Texture: n. the feel, appearance, or consistency of a surface
or a substance
 Culinary: adj. of or for cooking
 Facet: n. a particular aspect or feature of something
 Acknowledge: verb accept or admit the existence or truth of
 Pungent: adj. having a sharply strong taste or smell
 Mellow: adj. (especially of sound, taste, and color) pleasantly
smooth or soft; free from harshness
 Fragrance: n. a pleasant, sweet smell
 Braise: v. fry (food) lightly and then stew it slowly in a
closed container
 Stew: v. cook (meat, fruit, or other food) slowly in liquid in a
closed dish or pan
 Eccentric: adj. unconventional and slightly strange
 Apprentice: n. a person who is learning a trade from a skilled
employer, having agreed to work for a fixed period at low
wages v. employ (someone) as an apprentice
 Garnish: v. decorate or embellish (something, especially
food) ; n. a decoration or embellishment for something,
especially food
 Drainage: n. the means of removing surplus water or liquid
waste
 Broth: n. soup consisting of meat or vegetable chunks
cooked in stock
 Improvise: v. create and perform (music, drama, or verse)
spontaneously or without preparation
 Whiff n. a smell that is only smelt briefly or faintly; an act of
sniffing or inhaling, typically so as to determine or savour a
scent v. get a brief or faint smell of
 Precepts: n. a general rule intended to regulate behavious or thought
 Apportion: v. divide up and share out
 Partake of: eat or drink (something)
 Acrobatic: adj. performing, involving, or adept at spectacular
gymnastic feats
 Concoct: v. make (a dish or meal) by combining various
ingredients; create or devise (a story or plan)

Part II Key points

1. True or false statements
1) Unlike before, now different cuisines can be found in one place and every
place has its own local specialties. T

2) Guangdong cuisine is famous for its spicy and hot food. F

3) The names of some Chinese dishes can not be understood literally. T

4) Goubuli steamed buns got this name because its owner worked like a dog.
F
5) Dongpo Meat is well-accepted by people for its beautiful color and
greasiness. F

2. Fill in the blanks with the missing information

1) The history of the eight schools of cuisine dates back to__Ming__ and
_Qing_ dynasties.
2) Chinese food is characterized by its color, aroma and flavor. In general, in
addition to flavors, Chinese cuisine gives special attention to the food’s
nutrition, colors and textures.
3) The eight major schools of Chinese cuisine come from Shandong, Sichuan,
Guangdong, Fujian, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Hunan, and Anhui provinces.
4) In China, food eaten during festivals is particularly important. At different
festivals, people partake of different fare. For example, in the Spring Festival,
people eat dumplings; Zongzi is eaten on Duanwu Festival, mooncakes are
eaten on the Mid-autumn Festival and Yuanxiao is eaten on the Lantern Festival.
 4

Part I Vocabulary

 Conceal: v. not allow to be seen; hide

 Contour n. an outline, especially one representing or bounding the shape
or form of something
 Awe-inspiring adj. arousing awe through being impressive or formidable
 Commission v. give an order for or authorize the production of
(something such as a building, piece of equipment, or work of art)
 Symmetry n. the quality of being made up of exactly similar parts facing
each other or around an axis adj. symmetrical
 Sublime adj. of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great
admiration or awe
 Boulevard n. a wide street in a town or city, typically one lined with trees
 Demolish v. pull or knock down (a building); comprehensively refute (an
argument or its proponent)
 Backdrop n. a painted cloth hung at the back of a theatre stage as part of
the scenery; (figurative) the setting or background for a scene, event, or
situation
 Moat n. a deep, wide ditch surrounding a castle, fort, or town, typically
filled with water and intended as a defense against attack
 Pierce v. (of a sharp pointed object) go into or through (something);
make a hole with a sharp instrument
 Tranquility n. tranquil adj. calm and quiet
 Concubine n. (chiefly historical) (in polygamous societies) a woman who
lives with a man but has lower status than his wife or wives
 Undulating adj. wavy; having a wavy form or outline undulate v. move
with a smooth wave-like motion
 Contour n. an outline, especially one representing or bounding the shape
or form of something

Part II Key points

1. Answer the questions

1) How many emperors ascended the throne in the Forbidden City?

 The Forbidden City was dwelled by 24 emperors of Ming and Qing
dynasties for about 500 years.

2) Which part of the design of Dadu is adopted by Emperor Yongle in the

design of Beijing City?

The design of the central axis of Dadu is adopted in the design of Beijing
City.

3) What design gives a unique sublime order to Beijing City?

Symmetry between left and right along the axis lends order to the city.

4) Which building is located in the center of the Forbidden City?

The Hall of Supreme Harmony is located in the center of the Forbidden

City.

5) What do the thematic colors of the Forbidden City symbolize?

Yellow was symbolic of imperial power in ancient China and red of

happiness.

2. Fill in the blanks

The forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, is where 24

emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties ruled China from the 15th century
to the early 20th century. It is the most splendid palace complex in Beijing
and one of the best preserved of its kind in the world. Its awe-inspiring
architecture and huge variety of collections stand as living evidence to the
rich historical essence of this country.

Part I Vocabulary
 antiquity n. the ancient past, especially the period of classical and other
human civilizations before the Middle Ages
 imbue v. inspire or permeate with a feeling or quality
 stature n. importance or reputation gained by ability or achievement
 emanate v. (of sth abstract but perceptible) issue or spread out from (a
source)
 temper v. to moderate, soften or tone down
 zenith n. the highest point reached by a celestial or other object
 solace n. comfort or consolation in a time of great distress or sadness
 prerequisite n. a thing that is required as a prior condition for something else
to happen or exist)
 Ambiance = ambience n. the character and atmosphere of a place
 other-worldly adj. of or relating to an imaginary or spiritual world

Part II Key points

I) True or False statements

1. According to ancient Chinese people, music could not only cultivate

people’s mind, but also help govern the country. ( T )

2. Chime bells were one type of the sophisticated Chinese instruments from
early times. ( T )

3. The inscriptions on the Marquis Yi chime bells are mainly about how to use
the instrument. ( F )

4. The zither is the earliest musical instrument in China. ( T )

5. Ancient Chinese artists liked playing zither in snow because cold weather
could stimulate their inspiration. ( F )

II) Fill in the blanks

 1. People can enjoy a more harmonious and happier spiritual life through
music because it can help maintain social order and cultivate the mind.

2. Ancient Chinese people believed that music eventually can lead to harmony
between people and nature.

3. The history of chime bells dates back to about 3600 years ago.

4. The striking feature of the chime bells is its large scale and fine
craftsmanship.

5. Rituals and music are similar in that both of them bring harmony.

Part I Vocabulary
 Stipple v. (in drawing, painting, and engraving) mark (a surface) with
numerous small dots or specks n. the process or technique of stippling a
surface, or the effect so created
 Oracle n. a person or thing regarded as an infallible authority or guide on
sth.; a response or message give by an oracle, especially one that is
ambiguous or obscure

Oracle bones bones used in ancient China for divination

 Connotation n. an idea or feeling which a word invokes for a person in
addition to its literal or primary meaning
 Germinate v. come into existence and develop
 Supple adj. bending and moving easily and gracefully; flexible
 Ductile adj. able to be deformed without losing toughness; pliable, not
brittle
 Choreograph v. compose the sequence of steps and moves for (a ballet or
other performances of dance); (figurative) plan and control (an event or
operation)
 Sober adj. not affected by alcohol, not drunk; sensible and solemn
 Frolic v. (of an animal or person) play and move about cheerfully, excitedly, or
energetically (frolicked, frolicking)
 Extant adj. (especially of a document) still in existence; surviving
 Facsimile n. an exact copy, especially of written or printed material; v.
make a copy of
 Bereave v. be bereaved=bereft of be deprived of a close relation or friend
through their death

Part II Key points

I) Answer the questions

1. What are the two factors that promoted Chinese calligraphy?

The two factors that promoted Chinese calligraphy are the square-shaped
pictographic characters and the writing brush.

2. What are the five scripts in Chinese calligraphy?

They are Seal Script, Official Script, Regular Script, Running Script, and Cursive
Script.

3. What are the four treasures of the study?

The ink brush, ink, paper and ink-stone.

II) Choose the best answer to each of the following questions.

1) Which of the following can cover all the connotations of the art of writing?
(D)

A. calligraphy. B. penmanship.

C. handwriting. D. None of the above.

 2) How was Chinese calligraphy displayed by Lin Huaimin? ( A )
A. By dance. B. By script.

C. By music. D. By brush

3) How is the "energy" of "one-stroke character" achieved? ( C )

A. By pressing the brush harder.

B. By writing the character with only one stroke.

C. By writing the strokes at one go.

D. By connecting the strokes in the interior.

Part I Vocabulary
 Kiln n. a furnace or oven for burning, baking, or drying, especially one for
calcining lime or firing pottery
 Garner v. gather or collect (something, especially information or approval)
 Exuberant adj. characterized by a vigorously imaginative artistic style; growing
luxuriantly or profusely; (of a person or their manner or behavior) filled with
or characterized by a lively energy and excitement
 acme n. the point at which someone or something is best, perfect, or most
successful
 preliminary adj. coming or happening before sth. else that is more important
 glaze v. cover with a glaze or similar finish n. a vitreous substance fused on
to the surface of pottery to form a hard, impervious decorative coating
 exquisite adj. extremely beautiful and, typically, delicate
 enamel n. an opaque or semi-transparent glassy substance applied to
metallic or other hard surfaces for ornament or as a protective coating; a work
of art executed in such a substance
 pigment n. the natural coloring matter of animal or plant tissue
 requisite adj. made necessary by particular circumstances or regulations
 serene adj. calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil
 effervescent adj. excited, enthusiastic and full of energy
 dexterous adj. demonstrating neat skill, especially with the hands
 craze n. a strong interest in sth., that usually only lasts for a short time
 covet v. yearn to possess or have sth.

Part II Key points

I) True or False statements

1. In English, our country and “porcelain” share the same name, probably
because Europeans came to know China through Chinese porcelain. ( T )

2. Porcelain can be regarded as the calling card of Chinese culture partly

because it was first produced in China. ( T )

3. Crackleware was first produced on purpose and is still popular today. ( F )

4. Now, blue-and-white porcelain is the most typical type of Chinese

porcelain. ( T )

5. Blue-and-white porcelain is cherished for its elaboration and artificiality. ( F

)

6. For porcelain, the form is more important than the imagery. ( F )

7. Underglaze red porcelain is not so popular as blue-and-white porcelain

because it is difficult to produce. ( T )

II) Fill in the blanks

1. The qualities of Chinese porcelain which make it popular are its serene
color, crystal paste, graceful designs, and ingenious forms.

2. The cause of the irregular cracks on the crackleware is flawed

workmanship.

3. The mass production of blue-and-white porcelain pieces did not begin until
the Yuan Dynasty.
 4. Under the influence of European painting European artistic techniques are
introduced in Chinese porcelain design, such as the use of light and shadow, to
make the whole design vivid with three-dimensional effects.

Part I Vocabulary
 Decree v. order sth by decree (n. an official order issued by a ruler or
authority that has the force of law)
 Elaborate: adj. detailed and complicated in design and planning v. develop or
present ( a theory, policy, or system) in detail
 Meticulous: adj. showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise
 Ramp n. a slope or inclined plane for joining two different levels, as at the
entrance or between floors of a building
 Balustrade n. a railing supported by balusters, especially one forming an
ornamental parapet to a balcony, bridge, or terrace baluster: n. a short pillar
or column, typically decorative in design, forming part of a series supporting a
rail
 Lath n. collectively as a building material, especially as a foundation for
supporting plaster
 Composite adj. consisting of different parts or materials
 Ingenuity n. the quality of being clever, original, and inventive
 Incinerate v. destroy something by burning
 Calamity n. a disaster
 Composure n. the state or feeling of being calm and in control of oneself
 Omen n. an event regarded as a portent of good or evil; prophetic significance
 Annex n. a building joined to or associated with a main building, providing
additional space or accommodation v. append or add as an extra or
subordinate part
 Hermetically adv. Hermetic adj. complete and airtight;

Part II Key points

1. True or false statements
1) The Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City were completed almost at the
same time. ( T )
 2) The emperor used to make offerings to Heaven at the temple twice a year.
（T）
3) Ancient Chinese people regarded disasters as punishment from Heaven.
（T）
4）The main color of the buildings for the temple is yellow. （F）
5) You can reach up to Heaven while ascending the steps of the buildings.
（F）
6) According to the designers, the Heavenly Heart Stone can give Heaven's
reply to whatever the mortals ask for. （T）

2. Fill in the blanks with the missing information

1) The area of the Temple of Heaven is nearly five times that of the Forbidden
City.
2) The emperor might also come to the Temple of Heaven in times of drought
or flood in order to pray for assistance from Heaven.
3) Our ancestors were always grateful to Heaven because Heaven was more
inclined toward love and tolerance, punishing people only occasionally.
4) To the Chinese people, purity and sublimity are qualities of Heaven.

9
Part I Vocabulary

 Terracotta n. unglazed, typically brownish-red earthenware, used chiefly

as an ornamental building material and in modeling
 Mausoleum n. a building, especially a large and stately one, housing a
tomb or tombs
 Chariot n. a horse-drawn wheeled vehicle
 Paradigm n. a typical example or pattern of something, a pattern or a
model
 Covetous adj. having or showing a great desire to possess something,
typically something belonging to someone else
 Plunder v. steal goods from (a place or person), typically using force and
in a time of war or civil disorder n. the violent and dishonest acquisition
of property
 Ram v. to crash into sth or push sth with great force
 Flake v. come or fall away from a surface in thin pieces n. a small, flat,
very thin piece of something, typically one which has broken away or
been peeled off from a larger piece
 Untarnished adj. tarnish v. lose or cause to lose luster, especially a
result of exposure to air or moisture; make or become less valuable or
respected
 Commandeer v. officially take possession or control of something,
especially for military purposes
 Mundane adj. of this earthly world rather than a heavenly or spiritual
one; lacking interest or excitement; dull

Part II Key points

Fill in the blanks

1. The Terracotta Army is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting

the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. It is a form
of funerary art buried with the emperor in 210–209 BCE with the purpose of
protecting the emperor in his afterlife.

2. The Terracotta Army of the First Emperor of Qin is not only a great
legacy of the First Emperor of Qin's military might, but also a superb
paradigm of ancient Chinese sculpture.

3. Pit No. 1 is the largest, with an area of more than 14,000 square
meters.

4. What impress people deeply are the impressive size of the army and
the masterful craftsmanship of the sculptures.

5. The terracotta figures are life-sized. They vary in height, uniform, and
hairstyle in accordance with rank.

10

Part I Vocabulary
 discern v. perceive or recognize something
 emblematic adj. emblem n. an object or symbol that represents sth.
 indispensable adj. absolutely necessary
 radiates v. emit energy, especially light or heat in the form of rays or waves;
be emitted in such a way
 resplendent adj. attractive and impressive through being richly colorful or
sumptuous
 gleam v. shine brightly, especially with reflected light; reflect light because
well polished; appear or be expressed through the brightness of someone's
eyes or expression
 appraisal n. an act of assessing something or someone; a formal assessment
 arena n. a place or scene of activity, debate, or conflict
 quintessence n. the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class; the
aspect of something regarded as the intrinsic and central constituent of its
character
 gallop v. go at the fastest speed
 wield v. hold and use a weapon or tool; have and be able to use power or
influence
 escort v. accompany sb. or sth. somewhere, especially for protection,
security, or as a mark of rank
 stealthy adj. behaving, done, or made in a cautious manner, so as not to be
seen or heard
 swishes v. move with a hissing or rushing sound
 protagonist n. the leading character or one of the major characters in a
drama, film, novel, or other fictional text
 stunts n. an action displaying spectacular skill and daring

Part II Key points

I) True or False statements

1. Peking Opera masks have been regarded as a symbol of Chinese culture by

many countries. ( T )

2. One purpose of Peking Opera masks is to help people learn about the
characters of the roles. ( T )
 3. Mei Lanfang, Cheng Yanqiu, Shang Xiaoyun and Xun Huisheng are the four
most famous Peking Opera performers in China. ( F )

4. In appreciating Peking Opera, the plot of the story may not be the most
important. ( T )

5. Acting and fighting help propel the development of the story. ( F )

II) Fill in the blanks

1. Depicting a “virtual world” is a distinctive feature of Peking Opera.

Its virtuality consists of two aspects: one is virtual movements, and the other
virtual settings.

2. The performance of a Peking Opera actor can be summarized into four

basic aspects, of singing, speaking, acting, and fighting, the core of which is a
combination of song and choreography

3. A “red face” means the person is loyal and brave. A “black face” signifies
the person is straightforward. A “white face” identifies the person as crafty and
evil.

11
Part I Vocabulary

 extant adj. (especially of a document) still in existence; surviving

 ambience n. the character and atmosphere of a place
 enshroud v. envelop completely and hide from view
 loom v. appear as a shape that is not clear and in a way that seems frightening
 exotic adj. attractive or striking because colorful or out of the ordinary
 limpid adj. (of a liquid) free of anything that darkens; completely clear
 cascade v. fall or hang in copious or luxuriant quantities
 gnarl n. a rough, knotty protuberance, especially on a tree
 entwine v. wind or twist together; interweave
 sparse v. thinly dispersed or scattered
 grotesque adj. comically or repulsively ugly or distorted
 undulating adj. having a wavy form or outline
 aloofness n. aloof adj. not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant
 vista n. a pleasing view, especially one seen through a long, narrow opening
 horticulture n. the art or practice of garden cultivation and management
 bestow v. confer or present (an honor, right, or gift)
 integrate v. combine (one thing) with another so that they become a whole

Part II Key points

I) Questions and answers

1. What kind of garden is the Summer Palace in Beijing?

It is an imperial garden.

2. What are the characteristics of Taihu Lake stones?

Taihu Lake stones are thin, porous, exquisite, and full of wrinkles.

3. Why is it necessary to “borrow a distant view”?

Because gardens in the south are mostly small in size and it can evoke a sense
of space.

4. What is the ideal of Chinese landscapists?

The ideal of Chinese landscapists is to soothe the souls of visitors when they
are sitting in the pavilion and enjoying “the distant mountains and the
nearby rivers”.
 II) Choose the best answer

1. The winding paths in the gardens reflect the Chinese philosophy of being
__D___.

A. unrefined B. irresistible

C. uninhibited D. reserved

2. Taihu Lake stones are frequently used in building artificial hills in gardens
south of the Yangtze River partly because __B___.

A. they are precious materials

B. they are open and flexible

C. they resemble jade

D. they embody people’s dream

3. The word “panoramic” is closest in meaning to __D___.

A. beautiful B. distant C. colorful D. wide

12

Part I Vocabulary

 Deposed depose v. remove from office suddenly and forcefully

 Make-believe n. the action of pretending or imagining typically that things
are better than they really are adj. imitating something real; v. pretend,
imagine
 Reputed adj. generally said to be sth, although it is not certain
 Sage n. a profoundly wise man, especially one who features in ancient history
or legend adj. having , showing or indicating profound wisdom
 Innovative adj. (of a product, idea, etc.) featuring new methods; advanced and
original; (of a person) introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking
 Maim v. wound or injure (someone) so that part of the body is permanently
damaged
 Caveat n. a warning or proviso of specific stipulations, conditions, or
limitations
 Ordinance n. an authoritative order; a religious rite
 Doctrine: n. a belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a Church, political
party, or other group
 Filial adj. of, relating to, or due from a son or daughter
 Fraternal adj. of or like a brother or brothers
 Solace n. comfort or consolation in a time of great distress or sadness
 Enlightenment n. the action of enlightening or the state of being enlightened
enlighten v. give (someone) greater knowledge and understanding about a
subject or situation
 Ethos n. the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested
in its attitudes and aspirations

Part II Key points

I) Questions and answers

2. What is The Analects mainly about?

The Analects is mainly about Confucius’ words and life story.

2. What is Confucius’ view on Heaven?

Confucius regarded Heaven as nature.

3. What is Confucius’ innovative idea about Heaven?

It is that Heaven (or nature) is the process of life creation.

4. What is Confucius’ interpretation of ren?

Confucius interpreted ren as “love of people”, which “begins with the love for
one’s parents”.

5. According to Confucius, what is the most important part of li?

According to Confucius, the most important part of li is the burial and ancestral
worship rituals.

6. Why do people need to study music according to Confucius?

According to Confucius, studying music can lift one’s spirit and help one
appreciate beauty.
 II) Choose the best answer

2. All the following are the titles of Confucius Except ___B____.

A. an educator

B. a biologist

C. a scholar

D. a philosopher

2. The expression “filial piety” most probably means being ___D____.

A. loyal to the state

B. obedient to sister(s)

C. responsibility for the family

D. dutiful to parents

3. Which of the following can best describe Confucius’ view on the relationship
between man and nature/Heaven? __D___

A. Brothers.

B. Husband and wife.

C. Doctor and patient.

D. Mother and son.

4. Through burial and ancestral worship rituals, people can learn that ___B___.

A. nature is lifeless so it will never die

B. individual’s life can be everlasting by joining nature.

C. they should be grateful to their parents for giving them lives

D. individual’s lifespan is short, so they should enjoy life as much as possible.

 5. Which of the following is the most important part of Confucius’ curriculum?
__C___

A. Music

B. Calligraphy

C. Virtue

D. Mathematics

13

Part I Vocabulary

 recluse n. a person who lives a solitary life and tends to avoid other people
 archival adj. archive n. a collection of historical documents or records
providing information about a place, institution, or a group of people; the place
where such documents or records are kept
 indigenous adj. originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native
 quiescence n. the state of being inactive or dormant
 undertow = undercurrent n. a current of water below the surface and moving
in a different direction from any surface current
 admonish v. warn or reprimand someone firmly ; advise or urge (someone)
earnestly
 ingenuity n. the quality of being clever, original, and inventive
 deceit n. the action or practice of deceiving or misleading someone by
concealing or misrepresenting the truth
 detrimental adj. tending to cause harm
 throng v. (of a crowd) fill or be present in (a place or area); n. a large,
densely packed crowd of people or animals
 replete adj. filled or well-supplied with something
 champion v. to support or fight for a particular group or idea
 escalate v. increase rapidly; become or cause to become more intense or
serious
 strife n. angry or bitter disagreement over fundamental issues; conflict
 avid adj. having or showing a keen interest in or enthusiasm for something
 invincible adj. too powerful to be defeated or overcome
 flaunt v. display (something) ostentatiously, especially in order to provoke
envy or admiration or to show defiance
 submerge v. cause to be under water; completely cover or obscure

Part II Key points

I) True or False statements

1. Laozi is a lengthy book on the Way and Virtue, which has played an
important role in Chinese culture. ( F )

2. According to Laozi’s philosophy of naturalness, man should not attempt to

manipulate nature. ( T )

3. Laozi’s philosophy of non-action advocates humans act following the laws

of nature. ( T )

4. The story of a “useless tree” mentioned mainly tells us that some living
things in nature can survive others because of their naturalness. ( T )

5. The philosophy of non-contention states that keeping man’s desire avid can
help resolve conflicts, thus avoiding wars. ( F )

6. Laozi’s philosophy of “non-contention” is comparable to the law of the

jungle. ( F )

7. According to Laozi, when it comes to breaking the strong, the strength of

water is superior to anything else. ( T )

8. The basic way to prosperity is to keep superior in every way. ( F )

9. Laozi would rather remain a “newborn baby”, because it has nothing to

worry about. ( F )

10. According to Laozi, the process of a man’s growing up is that of losing his
true ego. ( T )
 II) Fill in the blanks

1. Laozi’s thought has a great influence on the characteristics, trends of

thought and aesthetic sensibilities of the Chinese people.

2. The examples of birds, fish, clouds and flowers are used to illustrate that
everything in the world has its own way of being and development.

3. The difference between great ingenuity and ordinary ingenuity lies in the
fact that the latter can be achieved through human effort, but the former is superior
to the latter

4. In order to become strong, one should start with one’s own weak points;
instead of oppressing the weak.

5. In Laozi’s opinion, fragility is the symbol of life.

6. The highest level of one’s cultivation is to return to the state of a newborn

baby, who is free of any knowledge, desire, impurity or falsehood.

7. People fight and deceive one another out of desire.

8. According to the laws of nature, people should not rob the poor and oppress
the weak.

14

Part I Choose the right answer from the four choices

1. What’s the meaning of “Xisan”?

A. Bathe the baby three times after the baby is born.

B. Three persons bathe the baby after the baby is born.
C. The new mom can bathe three days after the baby is born.
D. Bathe the baby three days after the baby is born.

2. When do the baby wear the special clothes which is called Baijia Yi?

A. When the baby is born.

B. Three days after the baby is born.

C. When the baby is one month old.

D. When the baby is 100 days old.

3. In modern China, the legal age for marriage is ________ years old for men,
for women.

A. 20, 22 B. 15, 20 C. 20, 15 D.22, 20

4. In ancient China, the birthday ceremony was held in people’s own

houses, so they need to do some decorations. Bamboo shoots are put on
the table, which represents _________.

A. longevity B. strength C. youth D. progress

5. The Tibetan minority in China has a special funeral ceremony, it is

__________.

A. cave burial B. tree burial C. cliff burial D. celestial burial

6. Chinese people send specific wishes such as “ 福如东海寿比南山 May

your fortune be as boundless as the East Sea and may you live a long
and happy life”to people on his or her _______ birthday ceremony.

A. 30th B. 60th C. 10th D.18th

7. Some families retain the tradition of cutting the baby’s hair __B_______,
the hair cut being well kept or made into a writing brush.

A. one year after the baby is born

B. one month after the baby is born

C. one hundred days after the baby is born

 D. three days after the baby is born

Part II Choose all the right choices for each question

1. The traditional Chinese birth ceremony includes which

rituals____D______
A. Baitian: the Hundredth-day Ceremony
B. Baoxi: informing people of the good news
C. Xisan: bathing ritual three days after the baby is born
D. Zhousui: the First Birthday

2. In the ancient Chinese funeral ceremony, during the mourning period,

the closest family members of the dead can NOT ____D______.

A. hold a wedding

B. eat anything for the first three days

C. drink wine or eat meat until twenty five months later

D. live in a low and sad spirit

15

Part I Vocabulary

 Cloisonné (enamel) n. enamel work in which the different colors are

separated by strips of flattened wire placed edgeways on a metal backing
 coagulate v. (of a fluid, especially blood) change to a solid or semi-solid state
 burnishing v. polish by rubbing
 affluent adj. having a great deal of money; wealthy
 opaque adj. not able to be seen through; not transparent
 illuminate v. to shine light on sth or to decorate sth with lights
 silhouettes n. the dark shape and outline of someone or something visible
against a lighter background, especially in dim light
 dazzle (amaze or overwhelm someone with a particular impressive quality)
 embroider v. decorate (cloth) by sewing patterns on it with thread
 dainty adj. small and pretty
 pouch n. a small bag or other flexible receptacle, typically carried in a pocket
or attached to a belt

Part II Key points

I) Fill in the blanks

1. Cloisonne is a traditional art widely known in and outside China. It is a kind

of superb local expertise from Beijing, which combines the skills of bronze art,
porcelain, carving, and other types of folk arts.

2. Most New Year pictures feature designs symbolizing good fortune,

auspiciousness and festivity.

3. The papercut is a special folk art in China, with a history of nearly 1000
years.

4. Shadow play is an ancient form of storytelling and entertainment using

opaque figures in front of an illuminated backdrop to create the illusion of
moving images. It is popular in various cultures. At present, more than 20
countries are known to have shadow show troupes.

5. Chinese variety art refers to a wide range of acrobatic acts, balancing acts

and other demonstrations of physical skill traditionally performed by
a troupe in China. Many of these acts have a long history in China and are still
performed today. Variety show is known to existed as early as the Qin dynasty  or
possibly earlier.

II) Short answer questions

1. What wishes are often conveyed by the designs of New Year pictures?
 People’s wishes for good fortune, auspiciousness and festivity.

2. 1. What are needed for paper cutting?

Paper and a pair of scissors/a cutting knife.

3. What are the four famous types of embroidery?

Su, Shu, Xiang, and Yue.