Legend of the White Snake is one of the mostfamous tales spreading out among folks in ancientChina. The tale goes that a white snake came to thehuman world as she was longing for humanlife，and married a scholar named XuXian.However，this marriage was opposed by Fahai，a Buddhist monk.He then incarcerated thewhite snake under Leifeng Pagoda at the bank of the West Lake.The legend happened in theWest Lake of Hangzhou. Up to now，visitors may still recall the story as they view and admirethis scenic spot. Legend of the White Snake originated in the Tang Dynasty，the Five Dynastiesand Ten Kingdoms, and was handed down through the Ming and Qing Dynasties.It has laterexperienced an ever expanding influence and has become widely known in China;moreover, itspreads in many countries such as Japan, North Korea，Vietnam, and India.

　　景泰藍(Jingtailan)藝術是雕刻、繪畫和塑瓷(porcelainmaking)的獨特融合。據(jù)說景泰藍于元朝時誕生于北京，現(xiàn)存最古老的景泰藍就造于元朝。但是景泰藍在明朝時經歷了巨大的變革。那時，人們認為景泰藍最為復雜。然而，由于熔銅技術 (copper-melting techniques)的偉大發(fā)明，景泰藍于清朝時達到頂峰。用景泰藍能夠制成大件物品，如花瓶、其他器皿和裝飾品，也能制成小物品，如耳環(huán)、手鐲或筷子。新中國成立以來，涌現(xiàn)出了很多新品種的景泰藍，在國內外享有很高的聲譽。

　　The art of Jingtailan is a unique combination ofsculpture, painting and porcelain making.It is saidto have originated in Beijing during the YuanDynasty. The oldest extant piece was made duringthe Yuan Dynasty, but Jingtailan had a major changeduring the Ming Dynasty.At that time, Jingtailan was considered to be the most complicated.However, it reachcd its peak during the Qing Dynasty because of great innovations in copper-melting techniques.Jingtailan can be made into large objects such as vases and other largeutensils and decorative items, as well as small items like earrings, bracelets or chopsticks.Sincenew China was founded, quite a number of new varieties have been created.It enjoys a highreputation both at home and abroad.

　　書法(calligraphy)是中國文化的精髓。書法在中國隨處可見，與日常生活緊密相連。書法作品能裝點客廳、書房和臥室。它是將漢字寫在吸水性良好的宣紙 (Xuan paper)上，然后將作品貼在一塊鑲有絲綢邊的厚紙上，安上卷軸(scroll)或用畫框裝裱起來掛在墻上。書法作品通常是一首詩、一副對聯(lián)或主人很喜歡的座右銘。主人親自書寫的作品將體現(xiàn)他的愿望、興趣以及文學或藝術才華。一幅書法作品可以給白色的墻壁增添活力，為賓客友人帶來快樂。

　　Calligraphy is the essence of Chinese culture. It canbe found everywhere in China, and is closely linked todaily life. Calligraphic works decorate sitting rooms,studies and bedrooms. The Chinese characters arewritten on Xuan paper which is good at absorbingink. The work will be pasted on a piece of thick paper with a silk edge, and then mounted on ascroll or put into a picture frame for hanging on the wall.Usually, a calligraphic work contains apoem, a pair of couplets or a motto the owner likes very much. If the calligraphic work is writtenby the owner himself, it will demonstrate his wish and interest as well as his literary or artistictalent. A calligraphic work can bring vitality to the white wall,pleasure to guests and friends.