Ethnic Minorities in China
China’s population is not only one of the largest in the world, but also one of the most ethnically diverse, and quantifying it recalls differing assessments from domestic and international groups. From the hinterlands of the north, to the lush jungles in the south, from the mountains of Taiwan in the east, to the top of the world in the west, China is home to 56 official ethnic groups as recognized by the national government. The largest group, the Han, make up approximately 92% of China’s population, and it is the elements of Han civilization that world considers “Chinese culture.” Yet, vast groups of peoples other than the Han continue to maintain their own rich traditions and customs, all of which contribute to Chinese culture.
See here to learn more about ethnic peoples’ groups additional to the official list of the government of the People’s Republic of China.
Chinese Holidays and Festivals
The Chinese observe a wide variety of traditional and modern holidays, based both on the lunar and solar calendars. The traditional Chinese calendar was based on a lunar cycle– that is, dates following the regular appearance of the full moon. Even so, the equinox and solstice were essential for determining seasons in China’s agrarian society. With the international use of the Gregorian Calendar, some modern holidays, such as the birthdays of national leaders, are based on that.
Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese animal signs are a 12-year cycle used for dating the years. They represent a cyclical concept of time, rather than the Western linear concept of time. The Chinese Lunar Calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, and is constructed in a different fashion than the Western solar calendar. In the Chinese calendar, the beginning of the year falls somewhere between late January and early February. The Chinese have adopted the Western calendar since 1911, but the lunar calendar is still used for festive occasions such as the Chinese New Year. Many Chinese calendars will print both the solar dates and the Chinese lunar dates.
Helpful Links
Visit San Francisco Chinatown’s official website, designed by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, managed by CCC. 
DONATIONS: The Chinese Culture Center welcomes donations of fine art pieces and antiques that will help Center’s growth. All donated item will be issued a Letter of Appreciation with an appraised value.
If you are interested in donating your collection to us, please fill out a donation form and send it with images to info@c-c-c.org, with the subject line, “Donation.”
APPRAISALS: Kindly note that the Center does not provide appraisal services. Please refer to the following list of agencies for such inquiries.
