What are some of the misconceptions foreigners have about traditional Chinese culture?

I think there are the following aspects:

1. Marriage: In ancient times, traditional Chinese marriages were based on the principle of "the right person for the right family", because marriage is about the union of two families. However, under the influence of Western culture, the concept of marriage in China nowadays tends to be personalized, and it's good to choose an object that you like.

2. Science: Ancient Chinese traditional culture did not emphasize science, although from Cao Chong weighing elephants and the two children arguing about the sun, we can know that China has logical thinking, but because China attaches importance to craftsmanship rather than science, so in the past China is behind the West in science. Nowadays, China realizes the importance of science for the development of the country and tries its best to develop science, for example, introducing physics, chemistry and other scientific subjects, but these are imported from the West. Otherwise, the imperial examinations in ancient China were based on poetry and other literary subjects.

3. The view of nature: Nowadays, China cuts down a lot of trees and develops ores for business development. These are influenced by the western concept of conquering nature. It is important to realize that traditional Chinese culture in ancient times viewed nature as a sentient being and sought unity between man and nature, as well as harmony with nature.

4. Personality: Because the ancient Chinese society was mainly agricultural, the people's personality was pure and simple, following the nature, and regarded things as a matter of course. As a result, traditional Chinese people were peaceful and indifferent to political affairs. However, because of the influence of western democratic thinking, Chinese people nowadays are advocating democracy and want to participate in politics.

5. Ethics: Traditionally, the relationship between father and son in China is one of superiority and inferiority, and children must obey their parents. However, in the West, the relationship between father and son is one of equality, and the relationship is like that of a friend. Nowadays, many families in China are influenced by this aspect of the West, and the relationship between parents and children has gradually become equalized, speaking like a friend instead of the traditional way, which is very solemn and serious.