The Rich Connotation of Chinese Civilization and Its Contemporary Significance

Chinese civilization has been passed down through the ages despite vicissitudes, and it is the only great civilization in the world that has continued uninterrupted and developed to this day in the form of a state. The five prominent characteristics—continuity, innovativeness, unity, inclusiveness, and peacefulness—together shape the overall features of Chinese civilization, forming a profound system of values and civilization. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “Chinese civilization is extensive and profound, with

中华文明历尽沧桑而薪火相传，是世界上唯一绵延不断且以国家形态发展至今的伟大文明。连续性、创新性、统一性、包容性、和平性这五大突出特性，共同塑造了中华文明的整体特征，形成了博大精深的价值观念和文明体系。习近平总书记指出：“中华文明源远流长、博大精深，是中华民族独特的精神标识，是当代中国文化的根基，是维系全世界华人的精神纽带，也是中国文化创新的宝藏。”充分理解中华文明的内涵及其价值，有助于我们更好地推进中国特色社会主义文化建设，提升国家文化软实力。

1. Chinese Civilization Has Rich Connotations

1.中华文明具有丰富内涵

Chinese civilization is a diverse and integrated civilizational system created jointly by multiple ethnic groups. It has continuously enriched and developed over thousands of years of history, and its connotations are extremely rich. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that fine traditional Chinese culture is the crystallization of the wisdom and the essence of Chinese civilization, the root and soul of the Chinese nation, and the foundation on which we stand firm amid the currents of world culture. The report of the 20th National Congress of the CPC points out, "Fine traditional Chinese culture is extensive and profound, and it is the crystallization of the wisdom of Chinese civilization. The concepts it contains, such as the common good for all under heaven, the people as the foundation of the state, governing with virtue, discarding the old and introducing the new, appointing people on their merit, harmony between humanity and nature, unremitting self-improvement, embracing all things with virtue, honoring commitments and promoting harmony, and being friendly and neighborly, are important manifestations of the worldview, outlook on the world, social outlook, and moral outlook accumulated by the Chinese people in their long-term production and life." [1]1 "Diversity in unity" (多元一体) refers to the concept that Chinese civilization encompasses multiple ethnic groups and regional cultures while forming a single, cohesive national entity. Fine traditional Chinese culture is the cultural root of the Chinese nation. The ideas, humanistic spirit, and moral norms it contains are not only the core of our Chinese thought and spirit but also have important value for solving human problems. Fine traditional Chinese culture is an important component of Chinese civilization.

中华文明是由多个民族共同创造的、多元一体的文明体系，在数千年的历史长河中不断丰富发展，内涵十分丰富。习近平总书记强调，中华优秀传统文化是中华文明的智慧结晶和精华所在，是中华民族的根和魂，是我们在世界文化激荡中站稳脚跟的根基。党的二十大报告指出，“中华优秀传统文化源远流长、博大精深，是中华文明的智慧结晶，其中蕴含的天下为公、民为邦本、为政以德、革故鼎新、任人唯贤、天人合一、自强不息、厚德载物、讲信修睦、亲仁善邻等，是中国人民在长期生产生活中积累的宇宙观、天下观、社会观、道德观的重要体现”。中华优秀传统文化是中华民族的文化根脉，其蕴含的思想观念、人文精神、道德规范，不仅是我们中国人思想和精神的内核，对解决人类问题也有重要价值。中华优秀传统文化是中华文明的重要组成部分。

The connotations of Chinese civilization are inseparable from its long historical development. As a civilization with a history of more than five thousand years, Chinese civilization contains rich historical heritage, cultural heritage, and traditional values, including language, literature, art, architecture, clothing, medicine, cuisine, and many other aspects. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that cultural relics and cultural heritage carry the genes and bloodline of the Chinese nation and are non-renewable and irreplaceable resources of fine Chinese civilization. These historical heritages, cultural heritages, and traditional values have played an important role in shaping Chinese civilization. They not only reflect the development and evolution of Chinese civilization in different historical periods and demonstrate the wisdom and creativity of the Chinese people but also provide valuable experience and wisdom for modern society, embodying the unique aesthetic taste and artistic pursuit of the Chinese people.

中华文明的内涵与其悠久的历史发展密不可分。作为一个拥有五千多年历史的文明，中华文明包含着丰富的历史遗产、文化遗产和传统价值观，包括语言、文学、艺术、建筑、服饰、医学、饮食等多个方面。习近平总书记强调，文物和文化遗产承载着中华民族的基因和血脉，是不可再生、不可替代的中华优秀文明资源。这些历史遗产、文化遗产和传统价值观在塑造中华文明的过程中发挥了重要作用，不仅反映了中华文明在不同历史时期的发展和演变，展示了中国人民的智慧和创造力，而且为现代社会提供了宝贵经验和智慧，体现了中国人独特的审美情趣和艺术追求。

Chinese civilization emphasizes values such as benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness; it stresses traditional morals such as filial piety and loyalty; it emphasizes harmony between humanity and nature; it focuses on individual self-cultivation and inner spiritual pursuit. It pursues not only material prosperity but also, more importantly, human development, emphasizing reverence for life, respect for others, self-improvement, social responsibility, and collective interests. These values still hold significant meaning in contemporary society. It pays attention to the education and promotion of moral ethics, emphasizes the relationships between people, and advocates benevolence, forbearance, modesty, as well as reverence for and protection of the natural environment. This wisdom and these ideas have laid the foundation for the formation of social order and the harmony of interpersonal relationships.

中华文明强调仁、义、礼、智、信等价值观念，强调孝道、忠诚等传统道德，强调人与自然的和谐，注重个体的修养和内在的精神追求；追求的不仅仅是物质的富裕，更注重人的发展，强调敬畏生命、尊重他人、自我完善、社会责任、集体利益等，这些价值观在当代社会仍具有重要意义；注重道德伦理的教育和弘扬，强调人与人之间的关系，倡导仁爱、忍让、谦虚以及对自然环境的敬畏和保护等。这种智慧和理念为社会秩序的形成和人际关系的和谐奠定了基础。

Chinese civilization also focuses on absorbing nourishment from exchanges with other civilizations. Historically, Chinese civilization has continuously interacted with world civilizations. Great achievements of Chinese civilization, such as papermaking, the compass, and gunpowder, spread to all parts of the world, profoundly influencing the process of human civilization. At the same time, the eastward transmission of Buddhism, the introduction of Western learning to the East, and the fruits of the Industrial Revolution entering modern China have continuously enriched the connotations of Chinese civilization. More than a hundred years ago, in order to awaken the "sleeping lion" of China and to save the "sinking land," a group of people with lofty ideals racked their brains to seek the truth of saving the country and the people. [2]2 “Harmony in dealing with all states” (以和邦国) is a classical Chinese expression from the *Zhou Li* (Rites of Zhou), advocating peaceful relations among states. In the cultural awakening, we chose Marxism and the socialist path, while at the same time preserving the uniqueness of the Chinese path and the independence of Chinese civilization. The truth power of Marxism activated the strong vitality of Chinese civilization, causing Chinese civilization to once again burst forth with powerful spiritual strength.

中华文明还注重从与其他文明的交流中获取营养。在历史上，中华文明不断与世界文明交流，造纸术、指南针、火药等中华文明的伟大成果传播到世界各地，深刻影响人类文明进程。同时，佛教东传、西学东渐，工业革命的成果传入近代中国，使得中华文明不断丰富其内涵。一百多年前，为了唤醒中国“睡狮”，为了挽救“神州陆沉”，一群仁人志士殚精竭虑，探寻救国救民的真理。在文化的觉醒中，我们选择了马克思主义、选择了社会主义道路，同时葆有中国道路的独特性和中华文明的独立性。马克思主义真理力量激活了中华文明的强大生命力，使中华文明再次迸发出强大精神力量。

2. Deeply Grasp the Outstanding Characteristics of Chinese Civilization

2.深入把握中华文明的突出特性

In the course of its long-term development, Chinese civilization has formed spiritual traits and developmental forms that emphasize benevolence, value the people as the foundation, uphold integrity, esteem righteousness, advocate harmony, and seek common ground, and it has formed outstanding continuity, innovativeness, unity, inclusiveness, and peacefulness. This distinguishes it from other world civilizations and makes it uniquely distinctive.

在长期发展历程中，中华文明形成了讲仁爱、重民本、守诚信、崇正义、尚和合、求大同的精神特质和发展形态，并形成突出的连续性、创新性、统一性、包容性、和平性，从而有别于世界其他文明，独具特色。

Continuity is one of the outstanding characteristics of Chinese civilization, reflecting the Chinese nation's inheritance of its own history and the continuous development of its traditional culture. The Chinese nation has always regarded history as an important cornerstone of its own development. Respecting and inheriting history is an important manifestation of the continuity of Chinese civilization. Thousands of years of long history have provided a solid foundation and rich resources for Chinese civilization. Ancient Chinese classic texts, historical records, and works of art are all powerful proofs of the continuity of Chinese civilization. By studying history, consulting ancient books, and inheriting traditional skills, people continuously deepen their understanding and cognition of Chinese civilization. Chinese civilization contains rich and diverse traditional cultures, such as Confucian and Daoist thought, Buddhist culture, traditional medicine, and food culture. These traditional cultures have maintained their unique value systems in different historical periods and have continuously developed and been passed down by adapting to the needs of the times.

连续性是中华文明的突出特性之一，体现了中华民族对自身历史的传承和传统文化的持续发展。中华民族一直以来都将历史视为自身发展的重要基石，尊重和传承历史是中华文明连续性的重要表现。几千年悠久历史为中华文明提供了坚实基础和丰富资源，中国古代的经典文献、历史记录和艺术作品等都是中华文明连续性的有力证明。人们通过研究历史、翻阅古籍、继承传统技艺等方式，不断深化对中华文明的理解和认知。中华文明包含丰富多样的传统文化，如儒道思想、佛教文化、传统医药、饮食文化等。这些传统文化在不同历史时期都保持着其独特的价值观念，并适应时代需求而不断发展传承。

A continuous history does not mean being static and unchanging; Chinese civilization is a civilization that discards the old and introduces the new. For thousands of years, Chinese civilization has demonstrated its innovativeness in various fields. This innovativeness is prominently reflected in aspects such as thought, science and technology, and institutions. For example, during the pre-Qin period, the Hundred Schools of Thought proposed their own philosophical systems, offering unique insights into human nature, morality, and politics. [3]3 “Harmony in diversity” (和而不同) is a Confucian concept from the *Analects*, meaning harmonious coexistence without uniformity. The introduction of Buddhism broadened Chinese philosophical thought. The rise of Song-Ming Neo-Confucianism was an important milestone in the history of Chinese philosophy... [4]4 “Harmony as the most precious” (以和为贵) is a phrase from the *Analects*, emphasizing harmony as the highest value in social relations. This innovative development in the field of thought greatly influenced the evolution and development of ancient Chinese society. The scientific and technological innovations of the Chinese nation are equally remarkable to the world. The Four Great Inventions of ancient China are undoubtedly representative works of Chinese scientific and technological innovation, playing an important role in promoting the development of world civilization. [5]5 “Cultivating oneself, regulating the family, governing the state, and bringing peace to all under heaven” (修身、齐家、治国、平天下) is a classical Confucian ideal from the *Great Learning*, outlining a progression from personal moral cultivation to world peace. The institutional innovations of the Chinese nation are also praised by the world.

连续不断的历史并不意味着一成不变，中华文明是革故鼎新的文明。几千年来，中华文明在各个领域都显示出其创新性。这种创新性突出体现在思想、科技、制度等方面。如，先秦时期诸子百家提出了各自的哲学体系，在人性、道德、政治等方面提出了独特见解；佛教的传入使得中国的哲学思想更加开阔；宋明理学的兴起是中国哲学史上的重要里程碑……这种思想领域的创新发展极大影响了中国古代社会的发展演进。中华民族的科技创新同样令世人瞩目。古代中国的四大发明无疑是中国科技创新的代表之作，对世界文明发展起到了重要推动作用。中华民族的制度创新也为世界所称道。中国古代的官僚制度、科举制度等使得中国具备了高度统一和稳定的政治体系，极大地推动了中国的文化繁荣和社会进步，也影响了其他国家的相关制度体系。

Since ancient times, the idea of unity has been engraved in the hearts of every Chinese son and daughter, and Chinese civilization possesses a prominent unity. In the course of its continuous historical development, Chinese civilization has formed a pattern of diversity in unity. [1]1 "Diversity in unity" (多元一体) refers to the concept that Chinese civilization encompasses multiple ethnic groups and regional cultures while forming a single, cohesive national entity. On a macro level, it is not created primarily by any one or several ethnic groups, but jointly by all ethnic groups; on a micro level, it manifests as the long-term development and integration of various ethnic groups in language, script, customs, habits, and other aspects. Although different dynasties emerged in history, Chinese civilization has always maintained its own continuity and unity. Despite China's vast territory and large population, the political identity, cultural identity, and psychological identity formed over thousands of years have effectively safeguarded the stability of the unified multi-ethnic state. This identity has transcended the barriers of time, space, and ethnicity, continuously influencing China's social development and progress in different historical periods.

自古以来，统一的思想就刻印在每一个中华儿女的心中，中华文明具有突出的统一性。在绵延不断的历史发展中，中华文明形成了多元一体格局。从宏观上说，它不是以其中某一民族或某几个民族为主体创造的，而是各民族共同创造的；从微观上说，表现为各民族在语言、文字、风俗、习惯等方面长期发展和交融的结果。虽然历史上出现了不同朝代，但中华文明一直保持着自身的连续性和统一性。尽管中国地域辽阔，人口众多，但数千年来形成的政治认同、文化认同、心理认同，有力维护了统一多民族国家的稳固。这种认同跨越了时空和民族之间的隔阂，在不同历史时期持续影响着中国社会发展进步。

The broad vision of Chinese civilization is, to a great extent, indebted to the open posture and inclusive mindset that Chinese culture has possessed since ancient times. Over thousands of years of development, Chinese civilization has accumulated the wisdom to absorb and integrate various different cultures. Whether it was the influence of foreign cultures brought by trade along the ancient Silk Road or the introduction of Western culture in modern times, Chinese civilization has assimilated these foreign cultures in its own unique way and integrated them into its indigenous culture. This inclusiveness has enabled Chinese civilization to continuously develop and grow, becoming one of the world’s most enduring civilizations. Various ethnic minorities and religions have found their own space for development under the inclusiveness of Chinese civilization; different schools of thought can coexist, and different values can learn from one another, jointly creating a diverse and colorful cultural landscape.

中华文明的广阔气象，在很大程度上得益于中华文化自古以来开放的姿态、包容的胸怀。中华文明几千年发展中积淀了对各种不同文化吸收和融合的智慧。无论是古代丝绸之路贸易往来带来的外来文化影响，还是近代西方文化的传入，中华文明都以自己独特的方式吸纳了这些外来文化，并将其融入本土文化中。这种包容性使得中华文明不断发展壮大，成为世界上最为悠久的文明之一。各个少数民族和宗教都在中华文明的包容下找到了自己的发展空间，不同思想流派可以并存，不同价值观念可以相互借鉴，共同创造了多姿多彩的文化景观。

As an ancient and enduring civilization, Chinese civilization has always emphasized peace. Chinese civilization esteems the principles of “harmony in dealing with all states,” [2]2 “Harmony in dealing with all states” (以和邦国) is a classical Chinese expression from the *Zhou Li* (Rites of Zhou), advocating peaceful relations among states. “harmony in diversity,” [3]3 “Harmony in diversity” (和而不同) is a Confucian concept from the *Analects*, meaning harmonious coexistence without uniformity. and “harmony as the most precious.” [4]4 “Harmony as the most precious” (以和为贵) is a phrase from the *Analects*, emphasizing harmony as the highest value in social relations. For thousands of years, peace has been integrated into the bloodline of the Chinese nation and engraved into the genes of the Chinese people. Peacefulness plays an important role in Chinese civilization and has had a profound impact on the entire society. For example, Confucianism emphasizes the importance of social order and morality, thereby achieving social harmony and national stability. At the same time, Chinese civilization values family harmony, requiring respect for elders and cherishing familial affection, which is also one of the important factors in achieving social peace. The excellent traditional Chinese culture emphasizes cultivating oneself, regulating the family, governing the state, and bringing peace to all under heaven, [5]5 “Cultivating oneself, regulating the family, governing the state, and bringing peace to all under heaven” (修身、齐家、治国、平天下) is a classical Confucian ideal from the *Great Learning*, outlining a progression from personal moral cultivation to world peace. stressing individual inner cultivation and moral character to promote social harmony and stability. The peacefulness of Chinese civilization runs through its thought, institutions, and cultural traditions; it is not only an important value of Chinese civilization but also a crucial foundation for promoting national stability, social harmony, and individual well-being.

作为一个古老而持久的文明，中华文明历来注重和平。中华文明崇尚“以和邦国”“和而不同”“以和为贵”。几千年来，和平融入了中华民族的血脉中，刻进了中国人民的基因里。和平性在中华文明中扮演着重要角色，并对整个社会产生了深远影响。如儒家强调社会秩序和道德的重要性，由此实现社会和谐与国家稳定。同时，中华文明注重家庭和谐，要求尊重长辈，崇尚亲情，这也是实现社会和平的重要因素之一。中华优秀传统文化强调修身、齐家、治国、平天下，强调个体的内心修养和道德品质，以促进社会和谐稳定。中华文明的和平性贯穿于思想、制度和文化传统中，不仅是中华文明的重要价值观，也是推动国家稳定、社会和谐、个体幸福的重要基础。

3. The Contemporary Value of Chinese Civilization Is Constantly Being Manifested

3.中华文明的时代价值不断彰显

History has fully demonstrated that when the nation is in crisis and the people are in peril, Chinese civilization can always rally immense strength; when the country is strong and the nation is rejuvenated, Chinese civilization can always lead the trend of the times and promote social progress. At present, changes of a magnitude not seen in a century are unfolding in the world in ways like never before, and the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. International society’s attention to Chinese culture is growing day by day, and there are expectations that Chinese culture will play a greater role in the development and progress of human civilization. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: “In the course of more than five thousand years of long civilization development, the Chinese people have created a splendid and dazzling Chinese civilization, making significant contributions to the cause of human civilization progress.” [6]6 This quotation is from Xi Jinping’s speech at a symposium on cultural heritage, emphasizing the global contributions of Chinese civilization. We should comprehensively and deeply understand the evolutionary history of Chinese civilization, more effectively promote the creative transformation and innovative development of the excellent traditional Chinese culture, more forcefully advance the construction of socialist culture with Chinese characteristics, so that the contemporary value of Chinese civilization is constantly manifested and exerts a greater influence worldwide.

历史充分显示：在国家危难、民族危亡之时，中华文明总是能够凝聚起巨大力量；在国家强盛、民族复兴之时，中华文明又总是能够引领时代潮流、推动社会进步。当前，世界之变、时代之变、历史之变正以前所未有的方式展开，世界进入新的动荡变革期。国际社会对中华文化的关注与日俱增，期待中华文化对人类文明发展进步发挥更大作用。习近平总书记指出：“在五千多年漫长文明发展史中，中国人民创造了璀璨夺目的中华文明，为人类文明进步事业作出了重大贡献。”我们应全面深入了解中华文明的演进历史，更有效地推动中华优秀传统文化创造性转化、创新性发展，更有力地推进中国特色社会主义文化建设，使中华文明的时代价值不断彰显，在全世界产生更大影响力。

Chinese civilization has accumulated rich wisdom over its long historical evolution, which has guiding significance for solving problems faced by modern society and provides valuable experience for the development of contemporary society. From traditional medicine to philosophical thought, from religious belief to moral ethics, Chinese civilization offers a model for contemporary society to learn from and emulate. The uniqueness of Chinese civilization lies in its emphasis on the concepts of harmony, balance, and sustainable development, which aligns with the current international society’s demand for sustainable development. By inheriting and developing the wisdom and experience of Chinese civilization, we can provide new ideas and solutions for addressing global environmental, social, and economic problems. For example, the concept of harmony in Chinese civilization can provide a reference for resolving social divisions and conflicts; the moral principles of Chinese civilization can offer guidance for building a harmonious society; the excellent traditional Chinese culture provides the Chinese people with a sense of spiritual belonging and cultural identity, playing a unique role in enhancing social cohesion and cultural confidence.

中华文明在长期历史演进中积累了丰富的智慧，对于解决现代社会面临的问题具有指导意义，为现代社会发展提供了宝贵经验。从传统医药到哲学思想，从宗教信仰到道德伦理，中华文明为当代社会提供了借鉴和学习的范本。中华文明的独特之处在于其强调和谐、平衡与可持续发展的理念，这与当前国际社会对可持续发展的需求相契合。通过传承发展中华文明的智慧和经验，我们可以为解决全球性的环境、社会和经济问题提供新的思路和方案。例如，中华文明的和谐理念为解决社会分裂和冲突问题提供参考，中华文明的道德原则为构建和谐社会提供指导，中华优秀传统文化为中国人民提供精神归属感和文化认同感，对于增强社会凝聚力和文化自信心具有独特作用。

Chinese civilization is the unique spiritual symbol of the Chinese nation, the foundation of contemporary Chinese culture, the spiritual bond that connects Chinese people worldwide, and the treasure trove for Chinese cultural innovation. At present, we must inherit the essence of traditional civilization, actively integrate the achievements of contemporary civilization to meet the needs of social development, and inject new vitality into Chinese civilization; we must uphold openness and inclusiveness, promote exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, facilitate exchanges and cooperation between different civilizations, and advance the continuous progress of human civilization.

中华文明是中华民族独特的精神标识，是当代中国文化的根基，是维系全世界华人的精神纽带，是中国文化创新的宝藏。当下，我们要继承传统文明精华，积极融入当代文明成果，以适应社会发展需求，为中华文明注入新的活力；秉持开放包容，推动文明交流互鉴，促进不同文明间的交流合作，推动人类文明不断进步。

(Author: Ji Mingming, Researcher at the Jiangsu Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, Vice President of Nantong University)

（作者：吉明明，系江苏省习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想研究中心研究员、南通大学副校长）

Online Editor: Tongxin

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