The Importance of Traditional Culture　With the rapid onset of globalization there is a da
nger of standardization where you would find businesses like Starbucks and MacDonald's eve
rywhere replacing local companies and customs. I believe that while people generally, and
specifically young people, welcome the new there is great importance in preserving and pro
moting traditional culture.　First, traditional Chinese culture such as martial arts, Peki
ng opera, Chinese calligraphy, tea culture, etc., have long been the common heritage of th
e Chinese people and have contributed towards a sense of national unity and pride, With th
e entry of China into the WTO and its emergence as a strong economic and trading force the
re has been a growing worldwide interest in China's history and culture. To meet this need
the government has set up over 100 Confucius Institutes abroad to showcase China's cultur
al heritage, Second, the government has recognized the importance of traditional Chinese f
estivals by shortening the May holidays and reintroducing ancient festivals such as Tomb S
weeping Day, and Dragon Boat Festival, These holidays help to remind people of a need to r
espect one's ancestors and to remember great heroes of the past.　In conclusion, the devel
opment of Confucius Institutes abroad and the promotion of traditional Chinese festivals a
t home have emphasized the growing importance of traditional Chinese culture and its relev
ance today, (215 words)