1) There are 56 ethnicity groups in China, the Han is the majority.
Although there are 56 recognised ethnic groups by the Chinese government, the Han people make up the majority (an estimated 92% of the total Chinese population).
Each ethnic minority has its own set of social norms, languages, cultures, attire, and other characteristics.
Traveling to regions like Guangxi or Yunnan will give you an understanding of these various groups, each of which have their own unique cultures.
2) The traditional holidays are very important in China
Chinese culture places traditional holidays in a very central position, celebrating them with great enthusiasm and elaborate customs. Some of the most significant celebrations include Chinese New Year, Lantern Festival, Qingming (Tomb Sweeping Festival), Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival. Each of these festivals is rich in history and tradition, offering unique insights into Chinese cultural heritage.
Chinese New Year, the most important festival, marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is celebrated with family reunions, feasts, and the exchange of red envelopes. The Lantern Festival follows, concluding the New Year celebrations with stunning lantern displays and lion dances. Qingming, or Tomb Sweeping Festival, is a time for families to honor their ancestors by cleaning their graves and making offerings. The Dragon Boat Festival commemorates the poet Qu Yuan, with dragon boat races and the eating of Zongzi, sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves. The Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates the harvest and the full moon, with mooncake sharing and moon gazing.
You can join our Chinese festival celebrations and immerse yourself in these rich traditions. Participate in our dumpling-making sessions during Chinese New Year, enjoy mooncake and tea tasting during the Mid-Autumn Festival, and learn to make Zongzi for the Dragon Boat Festival. Our events offer a hands-on way to experience the joy and cultural significance of these beloved Chinese holidays.
#dearasia_london
Festive Celebrations
Explore our open events that immerse you in the vibrant celebrations of Asian cultures, right here in London. Join us to experience the rich traditions and festive spirit of various Asian communities.
3) The art of Chinese calligraphy is highly regarded
Calligraphy is a beloved and widely practiced traditional art form in China that has significantly influenced many other Chinese arts, such as ink stones, paperweights, and seal carvings. There are different styles of calligraphy, including 草书 (cursive script), 行书 (semi-cursive script), and 楷书 (regular script). You can learn calligraphy or the Chinese language to delve into the world of Chinese calligraphic art.
In ancient China, calligraphy was more than just an art; it was a critical measure of a scholar’s intellect and character. Mastery of brush strokes and the ability to imbue them with rhythm and grace were essential skills for the imperial examinations. Calligraphy was believed to reveal much about a person’s inner qualities—patience, discipline, and attention to detail. Each stroke conveyed the scholar’s temperament and moral integrity, making calligraphy both a reflection of one’s learning and a window into one’s soul.
4) The concept of family is emphasised
Confucianism places a strong focus on the value of societal peace, family, and reverence for the ruling class. It is both a national philosophy and a set of religious principles.
Traveling throughout China will show you how deeply ingrained Confucian principles are in traditional ethics and religion even more than 2,500 years later.
5) China has been heavily influenced by Confucianism.
Confucianism places a strong focus on the value of societal peace, family, and reverence for the ruling class. It is both a national philosophy and a set of religious principles.
Traveling throughout China will show you how deeply ingrained Confucian principles are in traditional ethics and religion even more than 2,500 years later.
6) Ping Pong is one of the most popular sports in China
With about 300 million regular players, ping pong, also known as table tennis, is one of the most popular amateur sport in China. Nowadays, Chinese youth prefer sports like basketball, volleyball, and badminton, but table tennis still reigns supreme among the country’s ageing population.
In Dear Asia, we also held Ping Pong nights with our students. It’s a great chance for people to play this beloved sport together, and making friends in the meantime. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, ping pong provides a fun and engaging way to socialize. Playing ping pong promotes friendly competition and teamwork, fostering a sense of community among participants. If you are interested in joining events like this, find out more from our event calendar below.
#dearasia_london
Asian Social Events
Find one of our social events to meet other like-minded people from our community
