The traditional Chinese solar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms.

The 24 solar terms are determined by changes in the 【小题1】 (sun) position in the zodiac（黄道带）during the year. They 【小题2】 (use) first in China and now are followed in many other parts of the world. In China, the 24 solar terms were created thousands of years ago 【小题3】 (guide) agricultural production. They also reflect China’s rich history through the seasonal festivals, special foods, cultural ceremonies, family gatherings and even healthy living tips 【小题4】 correspond with each solar term.

Rain Water this year started on Feb 19 and ended on Mar 5. Rain Water signals the increase in rainfall and rise in temperature. With 【小题5】 (it) arrival, lively spring — like scenery starts blossoming: the river water defreezes, wild geese move from south to north, and trees and grass turn green again.

Rain Water is the 【小题6】 (good) time of the year to consume fresh bamboo shoots. It is said one can only know the taste of spring after 【小题7】 (feast) on the bamboo shoots. The cooking of bamboo shoots in China dates back to over 2,000 years ago, according to the Book of Songs.

As the old Chinese saying goes, 【小题8】 rainfall in spring is as precious as oil. In northern China, the spring drought is common and the precipitation (降水) of this season accounts 【小题9】 only 10 to 15 percent of annual average rainfall. 【小题10】 (consequent), Rain Water is considered as a key period for irrigation when the day gets warmer and rainfall increases.

It is believed that Chinese knotting, also known as zhongguojie, originated for recording information and exchanging messages 【小题1】 writing was invented. Over the past thousands of years, knots 【小题2】 (play) an important part in the life of Chinese.【小题3】 (initial), Chinese knots acted as good -luck charms to drive away evil spirits. Today, Chinese knots are widely used to decorate homes during festivities.

A major characteristic of Chinese knots is that they are often tied from a single continuous length of string. The knots are commonly named 【小题4】 the shape it takes. Chinese knots are created in a 【小题5】 (various) of colors such as gold, green, blue, or black, though the most commonly used color is red,【小题6】 symbolizes good luck and prosperity.

Crafting the Chinese knot is a three-step process 【小题7】 (involve) tying knots, tightening them and adding the finishing touches. The knots 【小题8】 (pull) tightly together and are strong enough to be used for binding or wrapping, making them very practical.

Today, most of such knots are often mass manufactured in factories. Skilled knot artists weave complex knots that you might see 【小题9】 (sell) as souvenirs that you can take back with you. If you have time, why not try your hand at it? Perhaps these age-old charms can add 【小题10】 touch of good luck to your daily life?

【小题1】 (regard) as the national opera in China, Peking Opera is one of 【小题2】 most influential Han operas in China. It has four main types of roles: Sheng, Dan, Jing and Chou.

Its main melodies (旋 律) came from Xipi and Erhuang and, over time, 【小题3】 (absorb) music and arias (咏 叹 调) from other operas, such as the historic Qinqiang. It was also 【小题4】 (strong) influenced by Kunqu. Techniques from other local operas, such as dialogue, are also included in Peking Opera.

【小题5】 is believed that Peking Opera gradually came into being after the late 18^th century when the famous Anhui Opera artists came to Beijing. It underwent fast development during the period of Emperor Qianlong, finally 【小题6】 (become) accessible to the common people.

In ancient times, Peking Opera 【小题7】 (perform) mostly on stage in the open air, teahouses or temple courtyards. The costumes and face paints of Peking Opera have unique Chinese characteristics, from 【小题8】 audiences can recognise the characters. For a typical performer, it takes lifelong efforts 【小题9】 (achieve) the highest level of performing the art.

With its spreading around the world, Peking Opera has become an important 【小题10】 (introduce) to traditional Chinese arts.