This includes the theory of complementary opposites such Yin-yang, the Five Elements, the human body Meridian system and others. (Traditional Chinese medicine) the following quotation clearly shows the way in which Chinese medicine attempts cures and better health by looking at the overall situation of the individual. This is a very different approach to the conventional Western method focusing only on the central area of illness or concern. Traditional Chinese medicine has a "macro" or holistic view of disease. For example, one modern interpretation is that well-balanced human bodies can resist most everyday bacteria and viruses, which are ubiquitous and quickly changing. Infection, while having a proximal cause of a microorganism, would have an underlying cause of an imbalance of some kind. The traditional treatment would target the imbalance, not the infectious organism.

Traditional Chinese medicine)

Another aspect that characterizes the uniqueness of Chinese medicine is the development of extensive herbal remedies which can be used for the treatment "...of stomachaches, headaches, colds, the flu, and sore throats." (Chinese Herbal Medicine)

7. Economics

China is also amazing as a society in that way that it has made the transition from a largely agrarian economy to one of the world most advanced and fastest growing world economies. The Chinese government decided in 1980 to do away with the emphasis on collective farming and to allow private enterprise. This has resulted in the present reality in which China is seen as, "...one of the world's top exporters and is attracting record amounts of foreign investment. " (Country profile: China)

There has been a radical change from a "...Soviet-style centrally planned economy to a more market-oriented economy but still within the political framework, provided by the Communist Party of China. This system has been called "Socialism with Chinese characteristics" and is one type of mixed economy." (Economy of the People's Republic of China) China has also gained access to the World Trade Organization and its economy has consequently benefited for the increased access to overseas and foreign markets.

The country has also shown considerable advances in terms of the growth of industry. The major industries in the country now include, iron, steel, coal, machine building, light industrial products, armaments, and textiles. (Economy of the People's Republic of China)

The 1999 industrial census revealed that there were 7,930,000 industrial enterprises at the end of 1999; total employment in state-owned industrial enterprises was about 24 million. The automobile industry is expected to grow rapidly in the coming decade, as is the petrochemical industry. Machinery and electronic products have become China's main exports." (Economy of the People's Republic of China)

Inventions and technology

The inventive and technological achievements of China extend back to its earliest years of development. This covers a very wide field. For example, the Chinese invented numerous musical instruments, such as the Zheng, which formed the basis for many Western instruments such as the harmonica and organ. (China)

Some of the main inventions and technological achievements that are associated with Chinese culture are the compass, gunpowder, papermaking, and printing. (Four Great Inventions of ancient China)

These inventions are not only seen...

One has only to think of the affect that the history of gunpowder has had on nations, politics and warfare to understand the significance of these inventions.
The invention of printing has likewise had a profound impact to the world. "Printing was first conceived and developed in China. Primitive woodblock printing was already in use by the 6th century in China. "(Printing)

The invention of the compass was also an invaluable device that facilitated progress and travel.

There a many other and technological innovations and inventions that have been ascribed to the Chinese culture. These include; the crossbow, umbrella, the blast furnace, fireworks as well as medicinal whiskey. The toothbrush was also a Chinese invention, as well as the glider, hot air balloon and parachute and the clock and porcelain. These are only some of the many technologies and inventions that indicate the richness of Chinese cultural creativity.

9. Conclusion.

China is clearly one of the most amazing cultures in the world. It has not only produces numerous innovative technical inventions and instrument but has also contributed important philosophies and ideas to the contemporary world. Ancient China also gave us art and literature which still influences us to this day. The importance of China is not only historical, as the country is one of the most important players on the economic and political arena today.

One of the most amazing aspects of Chinese culture is that it has retained many of its ancient traditions and values in spite of modern advancements. While the country was until fairly recently mainly an agrarian society, it has also managed to achieve a remarkable industrial and trade growth. There is little doubt that in many areas and fields, China will continue to have a profound influence on our modern world.

Works Cited

China. July 12, 2006. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China

Chinese Art. July 13, 2006. http://library.thinkquest.org/26469/contributions/artintro.html

Chinese cuisine. July 13, 2006. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_cuisine

Chinese Herbal Medicine. July 13, 2006. http://library.thinkquest.org/26469/contributions/harbalmedicine.html

Chinese painting. July 13, 2006. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_painting

Country profile: China. July 12, 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia- pacific/country_profiles/1287798.stm

Economy of the People's Republic of China. July 12, 2006. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_the_People%27s_Republic_of_China

Feng Shui. July 12, 2006. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fengshui

Four Great Inventions of ancient China. July 12, 2006. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Great_Inventions_of_ancient_China

Library of Congress Country Studies: China. July 12, 2006. (http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r-frd/cstdy:@field (DOCID+cn0006)

Printing. July 12, 2006. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printing

Taoism. July 12, 2006. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism

Traditional Chinese medicine. July 12, 2006. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_traditional_medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine: NHS. July 14, 2006 http://www.nhsdirectory.org/default.aspx?page=TCM&t=y