Westerners have long been fascinated by Chinese culture, and the fact that it is so vastly different to our own. The Chinese have a deep, complex and diverse culture, and forms the basis of their identity. It is seen in their art, music, literature, philosophy and religion. The Chinese language is also quite different to that of the West, and it is a great challenge for anyone who wants to learn it. Chinese culture was initially shaped by the traditional values of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. These values have been hugely influential on the Chinese people and have influenced their way of life for centuries. Chinese cuisine is also renowned in the West, and it has been in existence for thousands of years. It is known for its variety and its incredible flavours and textures. The ingredients used in Chinese cuisine can vary significantly from region to region, and this is why it is so favoured worldwide. In addition to its cuisine, Chinese culture is also generally admired for its rich and colourful art forms such as calligraphy, paper-cutting and the brush painting. Furthermore, the Chinese martial arts are popular worldwide and are known for their complex and graceful movements. Even within contemporary culture, Chinese values and traditions have been hugely influential. For instance, the traditional Chinese philosophy of Taoism has become a popular part of modern society, with the idea of the yin and yang becoming a common symbol. In conclusion, Chinese culture is incredibly complex and diverse, and Westerners will always find something to admire about it. It has adapted to modern life but still preserves a strong heritage, so it is no wonder that it is so widely admired around the world.