孟子
孟子（公元前372年－公元前289年）是中国战国时期著名的思想家、政治家和教育家，被尊称为“亚圣”。他是儒家学派的重要代表人物，继承并发展了孔子的思想，主张“性善论”，认为人性本善，教育和环境对人的道德发展起到重要作用。孟子的政治思想提倡“仁政”，即统治者应以民为本，施行仁慈和正义的政策。孟子的思想对后世产生了深远影响，并被编入《四书》之一《孟子》一书中，成为中国传统文化的重要组成部分。
Mencius
Mencius (372 BC – 289 BC) was a renowned thinker, statesman, and educator during the Warring States period in China, and is honored as the "Second Sage." He was a key representative of the Confucian school, inheriting and expanding upon the ideas of Confucius. Mencius advocated the theory of the inherent goodness of human nature, believing that people are born good, and that education and environment play crucial roles in moral development. His political philosophy promoted "benevolent governance," which held that rulers should prioritize the welfare of the people and implement policies based on kindness and justice. Mencius's ideas had a profound impact on later generations and were compiled into one of the Four Books, "The Mencius," which became an integral part of traditional Chinese culture.
大运河
中国大运河是世界上最长的古代人工运河，始建于公元前5世纪，历经多个朝代的扩建和修缮，至今已有2500多年的历史。大运河南起杭州，北至北京，连接了长江、黄河、淮河、海河等重要河流，全长约2700公里。作为古代中国南北交通的大动脉，大运河不仅促进了经济和文化的交流，还为粮食运输提供了便利。2014年，大运河被联合国教科文组织列为世界文化遗产，成为中国灿烂文明的象征。
The Grand Canal
The Grand Canal of China is the longest ancient man-made waterway in the world, with construction beginning in the 5th century BC. After multiple expansions and renovations across different dynasties, it has a history of over 2,500 years. The Grand Canal starts in Hangzhou in the south and extends to Beijing in the north, connecting major rivers such as the Yangtze, Yellow, Huai, and Hai Rivers, with a total length of approximately 2,700 kilometers. As a vital artery for transportation between northern and southern China, the Grand Canal not only facilitated economic and cultural exchanges but also made grain transport more convenient. In 2014, the Grand Canal was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, symbolizing the splendor of Chinese civilization.
昆曲
昆曲是中国古老的戏曲剧种之一，起源于元末明初的江苏昆山，距今已有600多年的历史。昆曲的音乐优美，表演形式优雅，被誉为“百戏之祖”。昆曲剧目多取材于中国古典文学，涵盖爱情、历史、神话等多种题材，其中《牡丹亭》和《长生殿》是最具代表性的剧目。昆曲的表演注重唱、念、做、打四功，演员需经过严格的训练。2001年，昆曲被联合国教科文组织列入“人类口述和非物质文化遗产代表作名录”，它不仅是中国传统文化的瑰宝，也在世界文化中占据一席之地。
Kunqu Opera
Kunqu is one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera, originating from Kunshan, Jiangsu Province, in the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties, with a history of over 600 years. Known for its melodious music and elegant performance, Kunqu is often referred to as the "ancestor of a hundred operas." Its repertoire is mostly derived from classical Chinese literature and covers a wide range of themes, including romance, history, and mythology. Among the most representative works are The Peony Pavilion and The Palace of Eternal Life. Kunqu performances emphasize the four skills of singing, reciting, acting, and martial arts, requiring actors to undergo rigorous training. In 2001, Kunqu was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing it as a treasure of Chinese traditional culture with a significant place in world culture.
