By Dang Mai Phuong
Deputy Head of English Section- VOV World of Voice of Vietnam, Vietnam
I have never been to China, but it would take long for me to recall my first impression of Chinese culture as since childhood, I already watched Chinese kungfu films, read novels and stories about ancient Chinese dynasties and impressed by Chinese actors and actresses who I could only call their names in Vietnamese. Stories about Chinese history and culture were discussed on dinner table and during tea time by my parents, brothers and neighbors.
Growing up, I learned more about Chinese people and other aspects of Chinese culture like Chinese drama theaters, Chinese tea culture, Chinese calligraphy, Confucianism, and many others through friendship exchanges between Vietnam and China, through books, through films and through the Chinese people that I have met.
Chinese culture is one of the oldest and most diverse in the world, with a rich and multilayered heritage that spans thousands of years. Its origins can be traced back over 5,000 years to ancient dynasties and kingdoms that laid the foundation for a complex and enduring civilization.
Throughout China’s long history, culture has played a crucial role in shaping its society and guiding national development. It has been profoundly influenced by various elements, including Buddhism, folk beliefs, philosophy, art, and literature.
I’m much impressed with Chinese people’s deep respect for family and tradition, a commitment to humanitarian values and moral conduct, and an emphasis on balance and harmony. And moreover, I’m most impressed with the way the Chinese people interact with and honor their own culture, at any time, whether during the past or in the current development process or among any Chinese, old and young people alike.
In a rapidly globalizing world, where tradition often gets lost in the race for modernity, China is an example for preserving the nation’s roots and adapting to change. Cultural festivals, ancient crafts, and time-honored rituals thrive alongside tech start-ups and contemporary art.
The Chinese approach their traditions almost as sacred trust. Whether it’s art forms like calligraphy, traditional Chinese medicine, or Confucian teachings, the treatment is one of deep respect and care.
The crowds of tourists to historical sites in China and the liveliness of these sites like the Forbidden City or the Great Wall show how Chinese people preserve their culture. It isn’t just about tourism, it’s about national pride. In every corner of society, the Chinese treat their culture not as a relic, but as something alive and worthy of protection.
For Chinese people, honoring traditions isn’t just reserved for holidays or ceremonies, it’s embedded in their daily life. During the Lunar New Year, for example, we see millions of people return home in the largest annual human migration in the world. They honor family, ancestry, and community through rituals like cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck, lighting red lanterns, and preparing symbolic foods which are similar to my home country of Vietnam.
One of the things that impresses me most is how Chinese people value their culture as an inseparable part of their identity. Festivals, historical figures, philosophical ideas these aren’t dusty topics from textbooks; they are living parts of how people define themselves, both individually and collectively. In short, valuing culture isn’t optional, it’s essential to the Chinese sense of belonging.
What’s most inspiring is that it’s not just older generations involved. Young people are learning, innovating, and finding ways to make these traditions relevant today, what I learn from Chinese film like Meet yourself.
The series’ portrayal of Yunnan’s picturesque landscapes and local culture has been a focal point of praise. Chinese media outlets have highlighted its role in promoting rural tourism and cultural appreciation. The drama “beautifully captures the essence of community and the bonds that connect its diverse inhabitants,” reflecting on its impact on viewers’ perceptions of rural life.
Furthermore, the integration of traditional crafts and customs into the storyline has been recognized for enriching the narrative and providing educational value. The inclusion of elements like wood carving, tie-dye, embroidery, and ethnic costumes offers viewers a glimpse into China’s intangible cultural heritage. And also, the connection between family members, between the old and young in that small town is a strong reflected of Chinese culture. For audience in Vietnam, the film is called the healing film, especially post-COVID, when everything seems fragile, but possible.
“Meet Yourself” has achieved significant viewership and critical success. According to data from China’s National Radio and Television Administration, the series amassed over 3.2 billion online views and maintained a high rating on platforms. Its popularity has sparked discussions on social media and contributed to increased interest in Yunnan as a travel destination.
The series’ success has also been recognized for its contribution to the “film and tourism” model, where television productions boost local economies by showcasing regional cultures and landscapes. This synergy between media and tourism underscores the show’s broader cultural and economic impact.
The Chinese people don’t just keep their culture within their borders they actively promote it to the world. Chinese film, music, and literature are reaching international audiences like never before. Even newer phenomena like Chinese video games and dramas weave traditional elements into their narratives, subtly introducing global audiences to myths, history, and philosophy. Through cultural diplomacy, tourism, art, and education, Chinese people are always inspired to share their stories with the world, inviting others to see the richness of a civilization that has grown, evolved, and thrived for over 5,000 years.
In conclusion, discussing Chinese culture, I’d prefer to highlight the connection between Chinese people and culture and the way the Chinese honor and promote their culture. It’s not just about nostalgia for the past. It’s about weaving the wisdom of the past into the fabric of today and tomorrow.
*The views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the individual authors and do not reflect the position of the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Journalist Network.