In this book, the famous sinologist V.V. Malyavin offers an original perspective not only on the traditional culture of China, but also on Chinese history. The author talks about the artistic culture, worldview and life of China in the 17th century - the century when art and the entire way of life received their most complete and sophisticated expression and at the same time the decline of traditional Chinese culture began. Using the example of various types of art - painting, calligraphy, architecture, theater, sculpture - the book reveals the general basis of the artistic canon, traces how culture, nature and man are related in the Chinese tradition, and talks in detail about the symbolism of culture.