Page 14 - Mandarin Circle

(b) Taoism in China

In the Chinese language the word Tao (道) means "way," indicating the way of

thought or life. There are several such ways in China's long history, including

Confucianism and Buddhism. In about the 6th century BC, under the influence
of ideas credited to a person named Lao-tzu, Taoism became "the way".

According to Confucianism, it's influenced every aspect of Chinese culture.

Taoism began as a fancy system of philosophical thought that might be
indulged in by only some individuals. In later centuries it emerged, perhaps

under the influence of Buddhism, as a communal religion. It later evolved as a

preferred folk religion.

(c) Confucianism in China

Confucius was China’s most famous Philosopher. He lived in Ancient China

during the Zhou (周) dynasty. Confucius was a government official, and through

his lifetime (he lived from 551 to 479 B.C.) he saw growing disorder and chaos

within the system. Perhaps because of the turmoil and injustices he saw, he
set himself to develop a brand new moral code that supported respect, honesty,

education, kindness and robust family bonds. His teachings later became the
idea for religious and moral life throughout China.

Chinese Food

Beijing Roast Duck and Hotpot are two popular Chinese foods.

1. Beijing Roast Duck

The origin of the Peking Duck dates back to the Ming dynasty, about 600 years

ago. Chefs from every region in China travelled to the capital Beijing to cook
for the emperor. it had been a prestigious occupation as only the simplest chefs

could enter the palace kitchens. A top cook was even able to reach the rank of

a minister. It absolutely was in these kitchens where dishes of outstanding
quality like the Peking Duck were first created and made to the letter by palace

chefs.

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