Traditional <i>Li</i> Culture and Its Modern Interpretation

Abstract As a nation of etiquette and righteousness with a long history, China’s concept of li (ritual and propriety) not only runs through the institutional construction and ethical practices of traditional society, but also profoundly shapes the unique spiritual world and behavioral patterns of the Chinese people. It serves both as a cultural gene embedded in daily life, social relations and even national governance, and as a crucial distinguishing feature that sets Chinese civilization apart from other civilizational systems. Against the backdrop of contemporary social transformation and cultural consciousness, re-examining the multi-layered connotations, social functions, and paths of creative transformation of li from a modern perspective will not only help understand the continuity logic of traditional culture in the present day, but also provide important ideological resources and practical references for constructing a modern civilization with Chinese characteristics. This research represents both a tracing of cultural roots and an exploration of future possibilities, bearing significant theoretical importance and practical value.