Students chant family instructions at the No. 1 Primary School of Xianju County in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province. Photo: IC PHOTO

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As a distinct spiritual force shaped over centuries, fine traditional Chinese culture has laid a deep cultural foundation for Chinese modernization. Within this heritage, traditional family culture serves as fertile ground for nurturing enduring national spirit.

The concept of tradition encompasses two dimensions: inheritance as a vertical thread and cohesion as a horizontal one. Fine traditional Chinese family culture plays a crucial role in both. In terms of inheritance, it transcends time and space, forming an unbroken cultural bond that preserves and promotes the spiritual core of the Chinese nation. Its strong cohesive force supports the sustained stability of modern society while introducing new elements and models to the diversity of human civilization. Regarding cohesion, traditional family culture—marked by harmony and inclusiveness—extends beyond individual households, permeating all aspects of social life. From the physical and mental wellbeing of individuals to the warmth of family bonds and the civility of society, none can be fully realized without the guiding influence of family traditions.

Essence of Chinese family culture

Through cultural markers like surnames and genealogies, ancestral legacies and familial histories have been transmitted across generations, shaping a shared intergenerational memory. This process reinforces the historical consciousness and cultural identity of family collectives while preserving and enriching the broader collective memory of the Chinese nation. In contemporary times, this tradition has facilitated the preservation and development of invaluable cultural legacies, including paper-cutting, embroidery and ceramic craftsmanship, which are recognized as part of China’s intangible cultural heritage. Family collections and oral transmission have also been instrumental in safeguarding and continuing many of China’s most important classical texts.

The family virtues upheld in traditional Chinese culture—such as respecting the elderly, cherishing the young, fostering parental kindness and filial piety, and equating love for family with love for the nation—have shaped the national character through intergenerational education. These values form the spiritual backbone of the Chinese nation and embody the essence of Chinese civilization. In a family environment that emphasizes respect for elders and care for the young, benevolence and social responsibility are naturally cultivated. In the practice of parental kindness and filial piety, gratitude and dedication are instilled through both words and actions. These enduring principles continue to enrich China’s national spirit—rooted in patriotism, unity, peace, diligence, courage, and perseverance—infusing Chinese civilization with sustained vitality and resilience.

Enriching human civilization

From family ethics to clan traditions, from customary rituals to the transmission of craftsmanship, fine traditional Chinese family culture reflects both the wisdom and creativity of the Chinese nation while drawing global attention for its distinctive expressions. The Spring Festival, for instance, is more than a time for family reunions—it conveys aspirations for a better life through rich cultural practices such as hanging decorative couplets, setting off firecrackers, and exchanging New Year’s greetings. Adapting to the times, these traditions have evolved in form while retaining their essence, transforming the festival into a globally recognized cultural celebration and a significant platform for cross-cultural exchanges.

In December 2023, the Spring Festival was officially recognized as a United Nations holiday. A year later, on Dec. 4, 2024, “The Spring Festival—Chinese Social Practices for Celebrating the Traditional New Year” was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition not only reflects China’s cultural confidence but also highlights the richness of human cultural diversity.

At its core, fine traditional Chinese family culture embodies the values of harmony and inclusiveness, captured in the saying, “Family harmony leads to prosperity.” It advocates resolving conflicts through understanding, respect, and tolerance, exemplifying the aesthetic ideal of harmony in Chinese culture while fostering a spirit of mutual care and peaceful coexistence. At a time of increasing cultural convergence worldwide, this ethos of harmony and inclusiveness serves as both a vital bond within families and a valuable contribution to global civilizational dialogue.

Li Ping’an is a distinguished research fellow from the Research Center for Marxist Theory and Regional Practice at Guangxi Normal University.

Edited by CHEN MIRONG