Specifics of Understanding Traditional Chinese Culture: A View from China and Russia

The article highlights the views of Chinese and Russian researchers on traditional Chinese culture. A brief re-view of the literature is provided, key similarities and differences in the views of representatives of different national schools are highlighted. It is revealed that Chinese and Russian researchers are united by the recogni-tion of the importance of three main philosophical teachings, a high degree of continuity of values and tradi-tions. Differences in views are found in the definition of the core of traditional culture, the nature of its devel-opment and key areas of research. Chinese scholars often focus on Confucianism, while Russian researchers consider traditional Chinese culture in the context of the interaction of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Chinese researchers tend to perceive traditional culture as continuous, while Russian scientists study it through the prism of cyclicality and linearity. Chinese researchers focus on intangible heritage, while Russian scientists pay much attention to elements of material culture.