“Chinese culture does not belong only to the Chinese but to the whole world.” (President Hu Jintao, 2003). Culture (defined by Webster as: the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group) is the driving force that identifies a group or nation. Language, music, art, religion, beliefs, traditions, among other things, influence culture and society. Language and religion, consistently recognized as a unifying or divisive force, give a sense of identity to a society. Music, arts, beliefs and traditions arise over time through the development of a society. These then belong to the inhabitants and their descendants. The environment defines and characterizes a person or a society. Culture is a variety of the above-mentioned elements. Conflicts with neighboring ethnic groups and rival nations have shaped their views and policies towards the West. It also became a part of their developing culture. Therefore, their previous efforts at isolation make this country a perfect example of a society and culture defined by its struggles. Chinese culture is a rare blend of diversity that has grown over thousands of years and continues to evolve and change. Although their culture is unique, they share some common characteristics with some of their neighbors in the region. The most common traits are the importance of family, respect for the elderly and the role that males and females play in society. Furthermore, the importance of maintaining “face” is vital in Chinese society. We cannot evaluate the impact of conflicts and foreign policy (isolationism) without understanding the effect of terrain and climate. China's geography and climate are as vast and diverse as its cult...... middle of paper...... stomata and etiquette http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette /china-country -profile.htmlChina.org.cn: Formation of Chinese Civilizationhttp://www.china.org.cn/e-gudai/index-1.htmThe British Museum; Ancient China: Geography http://www.ancientchina.co.uk/geography/home_set.html Characteristics of the Traditional Asian Family http://www.coedu.usf.edu/zalaquett/mcdp/Asian%20handout.htm Encyclopedia Britannica; eb.com; China: Urban Areas http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/111803/China/70988/Urban-areas China Knowledge: Infrastructure http://www.chinaknowledge.com/Default.aspx Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Australia: Speech by President Hu Jintao to the Federal Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia http://au.china-embassy.org/eng/zt/hjtcf/t57097.htm Merriam-Webster http://www.merriam-webster.com/