Chinese Tradition Research Articles

HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL ASPECTS OF THE EVOLUTION OF TWO-PIANO MUSIC IN CHINA

Objective: This study aims to analyze the historical development and theoretical foundations of music for two pianos in China and to establish a periodization of its key stages. Special attention is devoted to the methodological issues related to performance techniques in this genre, as well as to the influence of Western musical traditions on the formation of Chinese two-piano music. The research seeks to identify the specific features of this genre as an important element of Chinese musical culture and to analyze its interaction with contemporary trends in musical art. Methodology: To achieve the research objectives, a historical-musicological approach has been applied, which allows for tracing the development of two-piano music in the context of cultural and social changes in China. A comparative method is also employed to analyze the interplay between Chinese and Western musical elements in two-piano compositions. The research is based on the analysis of musical scores, monographs, and academic works dedicated to Chinese musical traditions. Scientific novelty: For the first time, this study systematically examines the historical development of two-piano music in China, emphasizing the key stages of its formation and the influence of both national and Western musical traditions. It explores how Chinese composers have utilized this genre to express national identity, blending traditional Chinese elements with Western musical forms. Particular attention is given to analyzing the technical and performance innovations that have shaped the development of this genre in China. Conclusions: Music for two pianos in China reflects a unique synthesis of Chinese folk musical traditions and Western technical and harmonic approaches. It not only enriches the concert repertoire but also plays a significant role in shaping contemporary Chinese musical identity. Although this genre is still evolving, notable achievements in its development can already be observed, especially due to support from educational and performance initiatives. However, further expansion of the repertoire and improvement in performance standards require enhancing the system of musical education and actively incorporating new pedagogical approaches to two-piano ensemble training.

The encounter of English and Chinese lexicographical traditions

Abstract The publication of Wilhelm Lobscheid’s (1822–1893) English and Chinese Dictionary, with the Punti and Mandarin Pronunciation (1866–1869) marked a turning point in the history of English-Chinese lexicography. This article traces the genealogy of Lobscheid’s English and Chinese Dictionary by examining its multiple sources and discusses how the lexicographical tradition of English-Chinese dictionaries was built on previous dictionaries in the East and the West.

Chinese Cinephiles in the Post-Pandemic Pandemic Era: Comparing the Transition from Traditional Theatres to OTT Platforms

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped film consumption patterns in China, driving a notable transition from traditional theatres to over-the-top (OTT) platforms. This study investigates the factors influencing post-pandemic cinephile preferences, particularly the interplay between OTT platforms and traditional cinema-going platforms. The surge in online streaming, boosted by pandemic-induced restrictions, has been critical with regional giants such as iQIYI restyling Chinese entertainment traditions. This research aims to uncover the determinants guiding cinephile choices by analysing demographic variables, technological advancements and consumption patterns. Through a survey in Tier II cities, data from 656 participants were analysed to determine the OTT platform and cinema usage. The findings reveal nuanced trends: females slightly favour OTT platforms, while males prefer traditional cinemas. Young adults aged 21 to 25 years are the most active users of both platforms, with education level slightly affecting usage. Smartphone usage is widespread, with 70% accessing OTT platforms via mobile. While 40% view OTT platforms as challenging traditional cinemas, 65% view OTT platforms in the future. Key factors influencing future cinema-going include OTT platform accessibility and time constraints—over 80% expressed satisfaction with their cinema experiences, with peak seasons significantly impacting ticket prices. Comedy, drama and action genres were most popular among cinemagoers, each with over 60% preference. These findings imply that the future of film consumption in China will likely be shaped by the balance and integration of OTT platforms and traditional cinema experiences.

Surveying, mapping, and translating: how property rights were created in Shanghai, 1860–1900?

Abstract From 1860 to 1900, a modern system of property rights emerged in the International Settlement in Shanghai. This paper examines the largely overlooked process by which the Shanghai Municipal Council (SMC) brought about a system of well-functioning property rights through land surveys, mapping, and assessments. These methods worked hand-in-hand with road planning and construction in facilitating the expansion of the International Settlement to the Chinese-controlled area. Colonial officials, merchants, and Chinese intellectuals worked collectively and sometimes separately to generate knowledge about land and property by translating terms in the Chinese tradition. It argues that the efforts in institution-building and translation helped normalize the definition of property rights as things exclusively owned, strengthening the SMC's control over the land in Shanghai. These processes illuminate the relationship between empire-making and property rights by showing how property rights emerged and functioned in a semi-colonial context where multiple foreign authorities coexisted with the local government. The relatively secure system of property rights, which both foreign and Chinese merchants exploited, formed the foundation of a prosperous Shanghai in the twentieth century.

The Design and Development of Dabujiang Patchwork Embroidery for Modern Bags

Background and Aim: Dabujiang patchwork embroidery, an intangible cultural handicraft with the longest heritage in southern Hunan, has garnered increasing attention in recent years due to its unique characteristics. However, these products are facing a situation of decline because they cannot meet the needs of modern people. The objective of this research article is to design and develop modern bags featuring Dabujiang patchwork embroidery patterns for women in contemporary society. Materials and Methods: This research is a combination of qualitative research and quantitative research. The qualitative research method was used to study the color, pattern, and meaning of characteristics from 54 pieces of 6 theme categories of Dabujiang product pictures. Interview intangible cultural inheritors, designers, bag shop owners, and women consumers to understand modern women's design needs for women's bags. Combining the characteristics of the Dabujiang pattern characteristics with the needs of modern women, the design and development of six new Dabujiang women's bags based on 6 theme categories. Through 424 questionnaires for women to assess the women's favorite new bags and analyze the reasons women like and find out the future trend of women's bag development. Results: The results of the research revealed: 1) The patterns based on the six categories have different symbolic meanings respectively and they are mainly bionic and geometric patterns. The lines are curves, and the layout is generally symmetrical and balanced. 2) There are 11 kinds of common colors and mainly based on the five orthodox colors of Chinese tradition. The main colors are red, blue, yellow, black, and white, representing the five traditional Chinese elements, which extend different meanings. 3) Through interviews find out young women prefer large bags of bag 1 style, the Morandi color scheme, and meanings of happiness, love, career success, luck, wealth, and beauty. Consequently, the researcher designed six bag styles based on bag 1 style and six theme categories to meet the needs of modern women associated with these six meanings. Questionnaire responses from 424 young women showed that 23.58% favored the Phoenix pattern bag style, making it the most preferred among the six new bag designs. This style showcases a phoenix motif in blue, white, and black colors, symbolizing career success. Conclusion: The findings indicate that modern women highly value career success and self-worth, prioritizing independence over traditional roles. This conclusion mainly stems from the transformation of modern women's roles and the awakening of self-awareness. In addition to assuming the role of mother in the family, modern women also play the role of professional women in society, and more and more women regard career success as their pursuit goal. In the context of the changing identity and goals of modern women, the products should be designed that meet the needs of modern women based on their needs, combined with the symbolic meaning of cultural patterns. For future product development, incorporating symbolic patterns that align with the career aspirations of modern young women is recommended.

From Zero to Infinity

Abstract Both China and India have an ancient mathematical tradition. From the extant records, the encounter of the two traditions took place in Inner Asia, Southeast Asia and in various cosmopolitan centres along the Silk Roads during the first millennium CE. The encounter was documented almost exclusively from the Chinese side, along with fragmentary evidence from Central Asia and the Sino-Indian peripheries, and almost none from India. In this paper, my focus will be the Chinese reception of Indian zero and large numbers, and to evaluate critically the impact they had, or did not have, on the Chinese mathematical tradition, and what the factors for exchange are.

Investigation of impact of community environment factors on the residents’ visiting rate to outdoor venues in South China

Understanding the activity patterns of urban residents is crucial for urban community design and urban energy forecasting. Predicting the visitation rates of different types of locations is a important issue because urban residents can only be in one place at a time. Achieving accurate predictions of outdoor public space visitation rates is equivalent to predicting the upper limit of the number of visitors to other buildings. Previous similar studies usually rely on survey methods such as questionnaires and GPS positioning. These methods have some drawbacks, such as small sample sizes and inaccurate data. In this paper, we used mobile signaling to investigate the park visit rates of residents in different communities in Guangzhou. In accordance with Chinese tradition, we define a community as a residential community, which consists of multiple residential units and a set of basic service facilities and management structures that are sufficient to meet the daily needs of residents. We found that the park visit rate of a community is closely related to the characteristics of the community itself. The park visit rate is positively correlated with the average LST (land surface temperature) of the communities, the average distance between the community and the large park, and the building coverage rate, while it is negatively correlated with the vegetation coverage rate, the average surface reflection rate, the convenience of transportation, and the per capita green space area. Given the different travel habits of urban residents on weekdays and weekends, we also used multiple linear regression to establish prediction models for community park visitation rates on weekdays and weekends.

The Forgotten Sex: Modern Responses to Correlative Sexism in Kang Youwei and He-Yin Zhen

Abstract The oversight of Chinese feminist traditions in transnational feminist discourse is remarkable given China’s historical importance and vast population. Despite historical suppression by Confucianism, Chinese feminisms emerged at the turn of the last century, drawing from Marxist, anarchist, and liberal movements. While scholars increasingly recognize overlooked female thinkers like Ban Zhao, contemporary discussions of China often revolve around reconciling Confucianism and feminism. This tendency underscores the perception of Chinese feminism as a derivative of Western feminism, where modern thinkers reject local culture for transnational movements. This paper contends that Chinese feminists, including Kang Youwei and He-Yin Zhen, remained deeply rooted in their traditions. While Kang incorporated foreign ideas to advocate for feminist goals and modernize society, he predominantly engaged with traditional philosophy to address its sexist elements. Similarly, He-Yin’s anarcho-feminist approach integrated Western influences to engage with traditional Chinese thought rather than rejecting it outright. By examining prevalent gender and selfhood concepts in traditional Chinese thought, this paper elucidates the notion of “correlative sexism,” and argues that women were not primarily regarded as a “second sex” as described by Simone de Beauvoir. The paper then demonstrates how Kang and He-Yin responded to this sexist discourse, offering novel perspectives on women’s liberation and societal reform.

Tracing the Pioneers: Ballroom Dance Instructors and “Taxi-dance Girls” in Modern Chinese Leisure Sports

This research examines the introduction and development of ballroom dancing in Modern China, focusing on the cultural clashes, professional evolution, and survival strategies of pioneers like instructors and “Taxi-dance Girls.” It shows ballroom dancing epitomized tensions between Chinese traditions and Western modernity. The transformations of dancing and its pioneers provided insights into China’s socioeconomic transition, urbanization, and modernization. The shift from foreign to Chinese instructors reflected tensions between westernization and localization, as well as China’s cultural awakening. Case studies on instructors enabled nuanced analysis. As commodified entertainers, “Taxi-dance Girls” gained economic sustainability and social mobility through talents and gender charm, though their glamorized images provoked debates on gender relations. By exploring multifaceted roles and experiences of pioneers, this research enriches understanding of entertainment consumption, urban middle-class lifestyles, and Eastern-Western cultural integration in Modern China. It provides new historical materials and perspectives, unveiling complex interplay between cultural globalization and localization.

An Analysis of Chinese Narrative Poems from the Perspective of the Narrator, the Case Study of Han Yuefu Poems

This paper explores the narrative techniques in Han Dynasty Yuefu poetry, with particular attention to how the narrator’s perspective enhances both storytelling and emotional depth. Through the analysis of selected poems, it highlights how shifts between omniscient and limited perspectives enrich character portrayal and convey complex emotions. By placing Yuefu poetry within the broader tradition of Chinese literature, the study challenges the common perception that classical Chinese poetry is purely lyrical, suggesting instead that narrative elements play a crucial role. It argues for a re-evaluation of these poems, emphasising the interplay between narration and emotion, and how this contributes to the development of Chinese narrative art. Additionally, the paper considers how Yuefu poetry, with its distinct narrative strategies, laid important groundwork for later developments in Chinese literary traditions. This study underscores the importance of looking at ancient Chinese poetry from a narrative perspective, recognising its contribution to the evolution of storytelling in Chinese literature.

Dynamic Forces in Xu Beihong’s “Ba Ren Ji Shui”: Analyzing the Aesthetics of Shi in Republic of China Literati Painting

This study explores the artistic qualities of shi (internal energy) within Xu Beihong’s depiction of the working class, guided by the principles of traditional Chinese aesthetics. Focusing on the painting Ba Ren Ji Shui (Sichuan Folks Drawing Water from the River), the analysis examines how shi—alongside elements of nature, qi (vital energy), and emotion—interacts within the structural and thematic composition of the artwork. Xu Beihong’s application of shi not only reveals deep emotional resonance but also integrates qi into the broader Chinese aesthetic tradition, creating a harmonious and dynamic expression of life. His paintings embody the unity of nature and humanity, capturing both the physical and spiritual essence of the Chinese people’s perseverance and resistance during times of hardship. By synthesizing traditional aesthetics with modern realism, Xu Beihong’s work transcends mere visual representation, reflecting the inner vitality and indomitable spirit of the Chinese people in the face of adversity.

Cultural hybridity and body image formation: exploring the experiences of Wushu male practitioners at the Siberian Chinese Martial Arts Center.

This study explores the formation of a hybrid body image among white cisgender males practicing Wushu at the Siberian Chinese Martial Arts Center. Grounded in Social Identity Theory and the concept of bicultural identity, the research employs narrative interviews with 12 participants. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes: the creation of a hybrid identity blending Chinese martial arts traditions with Russian cultural backgrounds, conceptualized as judanren; the challenges associated with this identity in both Russian and Chinese contexts; and the role of Wushu uniforms in reconciling these cultural contradictions, serving as a "second skin" for practitioners. The findings contribute to a more inclusive understanding of body image and identity formation in a multicultural, non-Western context.

Disability as a Resource

Chinese modern writer Shi Tiesheng’s renowned piece of life writing “The Temple of Earth and I” embodies a conceptualization of disability that underscores the positive potential of disability as resource that may bring power, freedom, and diversity to people with disabilities as well as the entire society. The representation of disability in Shi’s writing forms an alternative disability discourse that can be highly valuable in shaping social and cultural mindsets on disability. Shi’s disability discourse takes a deep root in Chinese philosophical tradition that understands the world as a dynamic process of transformation between oppositional states. In accordance with this recognition, disability has the potential to be transformed from loss to power, from limitation to freedom, and from an often rejected and excluded element to an indispensable part of diversity in the world.

Exploring Halal Nyonya Food Consumption Intention Among Tourists

The topic of tourists' intention to consume Halal Nyonya food in Malaysia has garnered increasing attention in recent years. Nyonya cuisine, a unique blend of Malay and Chinese culinary traditions, has long been a hallmark of Melaka’s vibrant food scene. However, as Malaysia grapples with the diverse dietary needs of its growing tourism sector, the challenge lies in ensuring that Nyonya food offerings cater to the preferences of Muslim tourists seeking Halal-certified options. The main goal of this research is to explore and comprehend the preferences of tourists regarding the intention to consume Halal Nyonya’s ethnic food in Melaka. The study focuses on tourists' gastronomic choices, particularly as it relates to their intake of Halal Nyonya food. The study involves local and international tourists who have experienced Halal Nyonya food in Melaka in 2024. Data was collected through surveys, on-site observations, and interviews to understand factors affecting Halal Nyonya’s food consumption intention behavior. This research examines the association between independent and dependent factors that influence tourists from various geographical locations who visit Melaka to consume Halal Nyonya Nyonya food. It adds to the database of information already in existence by illuminating how tourists in Melaka from various locations approach and engage with Halal Nyonya's food. This deepens our comprehension of the dynamics of tourist preferences, cultural preservation, and culinary tourism. In conclusion, our research confirmed attitude, subjective norms, and perceived control will lead a tourist to have the intention to consume Halal Nyonya food.

Ethnocultural technologies of vocal training of students of pedagogical universities of China

The training of music teachers in China's pedagogical universities is based on strategies for linking national cultural traditions and innovative education systems in other countries. Today, special attention is paid to the training of music teachers, which is due to the increased demand of children and parents for music education. The deepening of such training is facilitated by the special specializations of students, which allow them to acquire knowledge and performing skills in a particular type of musical activity in the final semesters of study at the university. But, since students receive education in pedagogical universities, this performance training should be based on Chinese ethnocultural traditions, and be organically combined with pedagogical training. The article examines an ethnocultural technologist based on the traditions of the national Chinese opera, contributing to the formation of stage skills necessary both for staging an opera performance by students and for replenishing the pedagogical baggage of a school music teacher. The introduction of this technology into the "Performing Arts" subject of the "Vocal Music" specialization among fourth-year students has shown its effectiveness both for staging fragments of opera performances, not only by Chinese but also by Western composers and for replenishing the pedagogical skills of future music teachers.

The Anthropocene, Self-Cultivation, and Courage: The Jesuit François Noël as a Witness of Inter-Religious Dialogue between Aristotelian and Confucian Ethics

This article explores the specific role of courage in the context of the Anthropocene’s moment; it first examines Aristotle’s conception of virtues, focusing on courage, before comparing it to Confucian thought and analyzing the historical dialogue between Western and Chinese traditions on ethics through the works of François Noël (1651–1729). Aristotle views moral cultivation as a social process wherein habits shape inner dispositions; in his view, courage is linked to other virtues, such as temperance and justice. For Aristotle, courage implies the appropriate balance between extremes and must be directed toward a worthy end, such as promoting positive change within a community. This Aristotelian perspective was later incorporated into a biblical framework by Aquinas and Suarez, emphasizing dichotomies between body and soul, as well as between humans and other living beings. These dichotomies must be challenged in the face of the Anthropocene’s emergencies. The second part of this contribution proceeds to a detour examining Confucian ethics, which rests on a different anthropology, emphasizing continuities rather than discontinuities. Like Aristotelian thought, Confucian thought also underscores moral education within a community; it prioritizes humanity, embodied through empathy and loyalty. In the Analects, courage is balanced by a sense of rituals and righteousness. Mencius further distinguishes several types of courage, stressing self-cultivation and the ruler’s responsibility to make empathetic, appropriate decisions for the community’s sake. From this perspective, courage is understood as the continuous perseverance in self-cultivation, coupled with a firm intention oriented toward the good of the community. Zhu Xi’s comments on Zilu’s courage in the Analects extend this Confucian tradition. Finally, this article highlights how a dialogue between Aristotelian and Confucian ethics began four centuries ago, particularly through Noël’s Philosophia Sinica, which combined these traditions. This inter-religious approach to ethics, enriched by figures such as Aquinas, Suarez, Zhu Xi, and neo-Confucian thinkers, requires re-evaluation because the understanding of personal ethics and nature has evolved. The modern naturalistic approach, with its emphasis on dichotomies, has contributed to a mechanistic view of nature, fostering its exploitation, and a devaluation of the body. This contrast highlights the urgent need for renewed dialogue between Western and Chinese ethical traditions to address contemporary challenges, with François Noël serving as a historical witness of these exchanges.

Fusion and innovation: Exploring the application and effects of the Italian Bel Canto technique in enhancing the expressiveness of Chinese national vocal performance

In exploring the teaching and performance arts of integrating the Chinese national vocal techniques with the Western Bel Canto, existing research has made significant progress but still there are limited studies available. This study explores the integration of the Italian Bel Canto techniques with the Chinese national vocal music to enhance the Chinese national vocalist performance. By systematically reviewing the literature and analyzing teaching practices, this paper examines both vocal techniques' fundamental characteristic like breath control, emotional expression, and resonance, and their application in enhancing the expressiveness of the Chinese national vocal performance. The research findings indicate that the breath control and resonance techniques of Bel Canto significantly enhance vocalists’ sound quality and emotional expression, while the Chinese national vocal music provides unique emotional conveyance and tonal flavors. This paper aims to provide new perspectives and methodologies for cross-cultural exchange and development in vocal arts. The study emphasizes that the integration of the Italian Bel Canto techniques with the Chinese national vocal music is of great value and significance for promoting the development of vocal arts and innovating vocal teaching. By integrating the Italian Bel Canto technique into the Chinese national vocal performance, we can augment the expressive capabilities of the Chinese vocalists, offering them fresh tools and approaches to enhance their artistry while preserving the distinctiveness of the Chinese vocal traditions. Future research should continue to explore theoretical and practical methods in this field to promote the prosperity of vocal arts and make greater contributions to the exchange and integration of global music cultures.

Exploring the Integration of Chinese Music in Western Musicological Literature: Trends, Gaps, and Multicultural Perspectives

The purpose of the article is to analyse Western musicological literature to identify key trends and gaps in existing research on Chinese music as an integral part of the contemporary multicultural educational space. The research methodology is based on content analysis, comparative analysis, and bibliographic review. The primary method is content analysis, involving a systematic review of academic articles, monographs, reviews, and other publications on Chinese music in Western musicological literature. Comparative analysis is used to compare Western research on Chinese music with scholarly work from China and other countries. Bibliographic review helps to identify scientific gaps and trends in Chinese music research. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the comprehensive analysis of Western musicological literature on Chinese music to reveal key trends and gaps in existing research. The use of content analysis, comparative analysis, and bibliographic review allows for the first systematic organisation and comparison of approaches to studying Chinese music in different cultural contexts. The study also provides new insights into the role of Chinese music in the contemporary multicultural educational space, contributing to its integration and popularisation. Conclusions. Over the past three decades, publications on Chinese music within the context of multicultural music education have been irregular. Although the number of studies is not large, it shows moderate activity in the 1990s and early 2000s, with a noticeable increase after 2007 and periods of decline between 2010 and 2014. This indicates the need for further analysis of the reasons behind this dynamic and a deeper exploration of the integration of Chinese music into the Western educational context. The literature review shows that research covers a broad range of educational contexts, from early childhood to higher education and teacher professional development, indicating the potential for integrating Chinese music at various levels of formal education. The review also reveals that research on Chinese music often has a Eurocentric approach, evaluating it through the lens of Western music theory. This limits the full understanding and integration of Chinese musical traditions, highlighting the need for a deeper and more comprehensive approach that would foster an understanding of Chinese music in its own context.

Navigating Parallel Intellectual Universes: An Example of Academic Freedom

Abstract Illustrating first the profound impact of Western learning on China’s contemporary knowledge system, this article points out that modern education in China is a mix of Chinese and Western intellectual traditions. In an era of globalization with unprecedented human connectivity, it argues for a bi/multi-cultural intellectual mind for non-Western scholars to navigate between Western and their own traditions. Citing academic freedom as an example, this article posits that it does not make much sense to judge one intellectual tradition according to another. In order for Western concepts and theories to work well in non-Western societies, scholars need to develop a deep understanding of both. Such an argument has strong implications for how to observe China and Chinese education.

State of the Field Report XV: Contemporary Chinese Studies of the Scholastic-Aristotelian Soul in Late-Ming and Early-Qing China

AbstractThe Jesuit China mission coincided with a sophisticated attempt to place Chinese and Western concepts of human nature in dialogue with Confucianism. The Jesuits believed that they could facilitate evangelization by drawing upon Confucian concepts to explain the soul. In so doing, they and their Chinese collaborators also pioneered a genre of hybrid philosophical texts, which used Aristotelian conceptions of the soul to critique and supplement autochthonous Chinese conceptions of human nature. These texts are not just of significance for Chinese Christian theology, but also anthropology, psychology, and even medicine, given the role played by the soul in both Chinese and Western conceptions of human physiology at the time. Until recently these texts have been little studied except by missiologists who were more interested in their relevance for mission history than for comparative philosophy. Scholarship has perhaps also been hampered by the immense linguistic demands of studying texts that sit between the Chinese and Western intellectual traditions. Recently, however, a number of Chinese scholars have turned their attention to these texts, intrigued by novel philosophical ideas contained therein and their complex relationship to both the Western and Chinese intellectual and religious traditions. Since many of these Chinese-language contributions are published in volumes which are not easily accessible outside of China, they have not enjoyed great visibility in Western-language scholarship. This article will review the major developments in Chinese scholarship and will conclude with suggestions for future research.