“Chinese culture belongs not only to the Chinese but also 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, arts, religion, beliefs and traditions influence culture and society, among other things. Language and religion, constantly recognized as both unifying and dividing forces, provide a sense of identity to a society. Music, arts, beliefs and traditions arise over time from 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 elements mentioned above. Conflicts with bordering ethnic groups and rival nations have shaped their outlook and policies toward 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 developed 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 their elders, and the role that men and women play in society. Additionally, the importance of keeping “face” is vital in Chinese society. We cannot assess the impact of conflict 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 ......stoms 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: Geographyhttp://www.ancientchina.co.uk/geography/home_set.htmlCharacteristics of the traditional Asian familyhttp://www.coedu.usf.edu/zalaquett/mcdp/Asian%20handout.htmEncyclopedia Britannica; eb.com; China: Urban Areashttp://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/111803/China/70988/Urban-areasChina Knowledge: Infrastructurehttp://www.chinaknowledge.com/Default.aspxEmbassy of the People's Republic of China in Australia: Address by President Hu Jintao to the Federal Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australiahttp://au.china-embassy.org/eng/zt/hjtcf/t57097.htmMerriam-Websterhttp://www.merriam-webster.com/