10. Chinese Elements Around the World (Part One)

Chinese elements refer to the images, symbols or customs which are acknowledged by most Chinese (including overseas Chinese).They represent national dignity and interests and show traditional Chinese culture.As an abstract concept, Chinese elements include many things both visible and invisible such as the festive color of red, martial arts, Chinese knots (中国结), Chinese calligraphy, Wuxing (五行), Yinyang (阴阳), Qipao (旗袍), Peking Opera, etc.

Nowadays, with the rapid development of China, Chinese elements are becoming increasingly popular around the world.From the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Chinese elements seem to be seen everywhere.

Because of the inspiration from traditional Chinese calligraphic art, the Beijing Olympic Games emblem—“Chinese Seal, Dancing Beijing”is an image that shows the Eastern way of thinking and is an expression conveying the unique cultural quality and elegance of the Chinese civilization.The torch of the Beijing Olympic Games also displays a very strong Chinese characteristic.The shape of the paper scroll and the lucky clouds expresses the idea of harmony.