Magic empowered China is a captivating concept that combines the ancient and mystical elements of Chinese culture with the modern world of magic. The notion imagines a China where magic is not only real but also a significant part of everyday life. In this magical universe, the Chinese people have harnessed the power of magic to achieve incredible feats. Ancient magical techniques and practices have been passed down through generations, allowing individuals to control and manipulate the forces of nature. These magical abilities are highly regarded and respected across the land. The integration of magic into Chinese society has led to a unique blend of traditional Chinese culture and supernatural elements.

Daoism

A noted Chinese anthropologist has written that Chinese religion "mirrors the social landscape of its adherents. There are as many meanings as there are vantage points." The same could be said of the diverse tradition we call Daoism. Daoism was understood and practiced in many ways, each reflecting the historical, social, or personal situation of its adherents. While this diversity may confuse and perplex the outside observer, it accounts for the resilience of Daoism in China. Daoism was adaptable, evolving to fill spiritual gaps created by the vagaries of life.

Daoism can also be called "the other way." During its entire history, it has coexisted alongside the Confucian tradition, which served as the ethical and religious basis of the institutions and arrangements of the Chinese empire. Daoism, while not radically subversive, offered a range of alternatives to the Confucian way of life and point of view. These alternatives, however, were not mutually exclusive. For the vast majority of Chinese, there was no question of choosing between Confucianism and Daoism. Except for a few straight laced Confucians and a few pious Daoists, the Chinese man or woman practiced both—either at different phases of life or as different sides of personality and taste.

Classical Daoist philosophy, formulated by Laozi (the Old Master, 5th century B.C.E.?), the anonymous editor of the Daodejing (Classic of the Way and its Power), and Zhuangzi (3rd century B.C.E.), was are interpretation and development of an ancient nameless tradition of nature worship and divination. Laozi and Zhuangzi, living at a time of social disorder and great religious skepticism (see article on Confucianism), developed the notion of the Dao (Dao—way, or path) as the origin of all creation and the force—unknowable in its essence but observable in its manifestations—that lies behind the functionings and changes of the natural world. They saw in Dao and nature the basis of a spiritual approach to living. This, they believed, was the answer to the burning issue of the day: what is the basis of a stable, unified, and enduring social order? The order and harmony of nature, they said, was far more stable and enduring than either the power of the state or the civilized institutions constructed by human learning. Healthy human life could flourish only in accord with Dao>—nature, simplicity, a free-and-easy approach to life. The early Daoists taught the art of living and surviving by conforming with the natural way of things; they called their approach to action wuwei (literally, "no-action"), action modeled on nature. Their sages were wise, but not in the way the Confucian teacher was wise>—learned anda moral paragon. Zhuangzi's sages were often artisans>—butchers or woodcarvers. The lowly artisans understood the secret of art and the art of living. To be skillful and creative, they had to have inner spiritual concentration and put aside concern with externals, such as monetary rewards, fame, and praise. Art, like life, followed the creative path of nature, not the values of human society.>

Throughout Chinese history, people weary of social activism and aware of the fragility of human achievements would retire from the world and turn to nature. They might retreat to a countryside or mountain setting to commune with natural beauty. They would compose or recite poetry about nature, or paint a picture of the scene, attempting to capture the creative forces at the center of nature's vitality. They might share their outing with friends or more rarely>—a spouse, drinking a bit of wine, and enjoying the autumn leaves or the moon.>

Chinese utopian writings also often bore a Daoist stamp. Dao Qian's(T'ao Ch'ien, 372?-427? C.E.) famous "Peach Blossom Spring" told the story of a fisherman who discovered by chance an idyllic community of Chinese who centuries earlier had fled a war-torn land, and had since lived in perfect simplicity, harmony, and peace, obliviously unaware of the turmoil of history beyond their grove. Although these utopian surged him to stay, the fisherman left to share his discovery with friends and a local official. He could never find his way back. He did not understand that this ideal world was to be found not by following an external path, but a spiritual path; it was a state of mind, an attitude, that comprised the utopia.

If Daoist ideas and images inspired in the Chinese a love of nature and an occasional retreat to it from the cares of the world to rest and heal, it also inspired an intense affirmation of life: physical life --health, well-being, vitality, longevity, and even immortality. Laozi and Zhuangzi had reinterpreted the ancient nature worship and esoteric arts, but they crept back into the tradition as ways of using knowledge of the Dao to enhance and prolong life. Some Daoists searched for "isles of the immortals," or for herbs or chemical compounds that could ensure immortality. More often, Daoists were interested in health and vitality; they experimented with herbal medicine and pharmacology, greatly advancing these arts; they developed principles of macrobiotic cooking and other healthy diets; they developed systems of gymnastics and massage to keep the body strong and youthful. Daoists were supporters both of magic and of proto-science; they were the element of Chinese culture most interested in the study of and experiments with nature.

Some Daoists believed that spirits pervaded nature (both the natural world and the internal world within the human body). Theologically, these myriad spirits were simply many manifestations of the one Dao, which could not be represented as an image or a particular thing. As the Daoist pantheon developed, it came to mirror the imperial bureaucracy in heaven and hell. The head of the heavenly bureaucracy was the jade Emperor, who governed spirits assigned to oversee the workings of the natural world and the administration of moral justice.The gods in heaven acted like and were treated like the officials in the world of men; worshipping the gods was a kind of rehearsal of attitudes toward secular authorities. On the other hand, the demons and ghosts of hell acted like and were treated like the bullies, outlaws, and threatening strangers in the real world; they were bribed by the people and were ritually arrested by the martial forces of the spirit officials.5 The common people, who after all had little influence with their earthly rulers, sought by worshipping spirits to keep troubles at bay and ensure the blessings of health, wealth, and longevity.

The initiated Daoist priest saw the many gods as manifestations of the one Dao. He had been ritually trained to know the names, ranks, and powers of important spirits, and to ritually direct them through meditation and visualization. In his meditations, he harmonized and reunited them into their unity with the one Dao. However, only the educated believers knew anything of the complex theological system of the priest. Thus communal rituals had two levels: (a) a priestly level, which was guided by the priest's meditation and observed by major patrons, who were educated laymen; and (b) a public and dramatic ritual, usually performed by lower ranked Daoist assistants, which was theatrical in form. It conveyed the meaning through visible actions such as climbing sword ladders, or lighting and floating lanterns. The same ritual had a subtle metaphysical-mystical structure for the theologians, and a visible dramatic structure for the lay audience.

Daoism was also an important motif in fiction, theater, and folk tales. Local eccentrics who did not care for wealth and position were often seen as "Daoist" because they spurned Confucian values and rewards. In fiction Daoists were often eccentrics; they also had magical or prophetic powers, which symbolized their spiritual attainment. They healed, restored youth and vitality, predicted the future, or read men's souls. They were also depicted as the stewards of a system of moral retribution; the Daoist gods in heaven and hell exacted strict punishments for wrongdoing, and would let no sinner off the hook. On the one hand, then, they were non-conformists who embodied different values and life styles; on the other, their strict moral retribution reinforced the values of the society. Daoism was "the other way," but it did not threaten the moral consensus. It was, perhaps, a kind of safety valve to escape the pressures of society, or at least a complementary channel for alternative views and values.

Chinese communists see Daoism as fatalistic and passive, a detriment to socialist reconstruction. The People's Republic has kept alive some practical arts, such as the use of traditional herbal medicines, which have longstanding links with Daoism. In a larger sense, since Daoism functioned in imperial China as a retreat and withdrawal from the struggles of the political arena, one might say that in a very general way the current relaxation of political pressure in reaction against the excesses of the Gang of Four represents a Daoistic phase of Chinese Maoism.

The integration of magic into Chinese society has led to a unique blend of traditional Chinese culture and supernatural elements. Spellcasting, magical artifacts, and mystical creatures have become commonplace, coexisting with the country's rich history, traditions, and customs. The Great Wall of China, for example, is no longer just a symbol of architectural marvel.

Notes

Excerpted and adapted from Wm. DeBary, ed., Sources of Chinese Tradition, New York,: Columbia University Press, 1960, I: 56.

Arthur P. Wolf, "Gods, Ghosts, and Ancestors," in his (ed.) Religion and Ritual in Chinese Society, Stanford: Stanford University Press,1974, p. 131.

Cyril Birch, Anthology of Chinese Literature, Vol. 1, New York: GrovePress, 1965, pp. 167-168. This anthology contains excellent and readable translations of poems, biographies, essays, and stories that are very successful in conveying religious attitudes. A useful resource for classroom selections.

See Joseph Needham, Science and Civilization in China, Vol. 2, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1956, pp. 33-164.

Arthur P. Wolf, "Gods, Ghosts, and Ancestors," pp. 131-182.

Michael Saso, Taoism and the Rite of Cosmic Renewal, Pullman: Washington State University Press, 1972.

Author's note: This article and the one on Confucianism were written during the Indiana Religion Studies Project Institute for Teaching about Religion in the Secondary Social Studies Curriculum. The drafts were critiqued by the social studies teachers who attended with an eye to supplementing and correcting the information in textbooks and other materials used by teachers. The two articles should read as a pair;they complement each other in much the same way these two religions complemented each other throughout Chinese history.

Editor's Note: It is a matter of scholarly debate whether to change the term Taoism (or Taoist) into Daoism/Daoist to conform with pinyin's rules. Since Taoism is an coined, anglicized word, our choice is not to put it in the pinyin, in spite of the fact that we have changed "the Tao," the way, to "the Dao." The current literature on China includes both spellings. It remains for the future to determine which will predominate.

Author: Judith A. Berling.

Magic empowered china

Chinese vlogger Li Ziqi has set a new Guinness World Record for "most subscribers for a Chinese language channel on YouTube" with 14.1 million subscribers, providing a window to the world to witness the Chinese culture with an unfiltered lens.

Her videos showcase Chinese cuisines cooked with basic ingredients and traditional tools. They also feature folk handicrafts such as embroidery and idyllic rural life. These videos transcend the language barrier and cultural gaps, helping global subscribers discover and understand Chinese culture.

This is only one example that reflects the charm of Chinese culture. Chinese President Xi Jinping strongly advocates protecting the country's cultural heritage and has repeatedly called on the people to cherish, honor and deepen the knowledge of Chinese civilization and strengthen cultural self-confidence.

Technology assisting to revive culture

Like Li Ziqi, many young Chinese are leveraging technology and social media, such as the short-video platform TikTok, to provide a glimpse of Chinese culture to the world.

In recent years, Chinese youngsters have shown an ever greater appreciation for traditional culture.

People wearing colorful Hanfu, a traditional clothing of the Chinese in ancient times, has become a regular sight on the streets or in parks during holidays and festivals. Many see traditional attire as a symbol of their heritage and feel connected to their roots.

At the same time, many museums in China have developed various creative cultural products appealing to the public, spearheaded by the Palace Museum in Beijing, including cosmetics, stationery and even beverages featuring strong traditional Chinese traits.

Lipsticks developed by the Palace Museum on display in Beijing, September 26, 2020. /CFP

Chinese literature, such as sci-fi and online novels, has also captivated the hearts of many around the world with different translations and adaptations, thanks to the comprehensive Chinese culture they entail.

Hugo Award-winning novelist Liu Cixin's The Three-Body Trilogy was a huge hit after it was launched in Japan in 2019, with the first book, Remembrance of Earth's Past, reprinted eight times in four days after hitting stores.

Meanwhile, Chinese web novels which usually feature martial heroes or magic fantasies have readers from across the world yearning for their translated updates chapter by chapter. Spinoffs from such novels, including TV dramas and movies, also go viral abroad.

An essential pillar in nation's rejuvenation

As a living ancient civilization dating back over 5,000 years, Chinese civilization boasts a time-honored history of openness, inclusiveness and dynamism, always growing and keeping abreast of the times. Valuing traditional virtues of peace and harmony, it cherishes diversity, equality, mutual learning, dialogue and understanding.

As history testifies, the great spirit of the Chinese nation and fine values of the traditional culture have always empowered people with the inner strength needed to not just survive but thrive in the face of adversity.

Chinese President Xi Jinping urges increasing support for the protection of Chinese culture and intangible cultural heritage, including enhancement of research on the history and culture of ethnic groups, thereby inculcating a sense of unity and solidarity.

Following the inclusion of centuries-old martial art Chinese Tai Chi and traditional folk Wangchuan ceremony last December, China now has 42 intangible cultural heritage items on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, ranking No. 1 in the world.

Designated in 2006, China's National Cultural Heritage Day is observed annually on the second Saturday of June. Ahead of the occasion, online and offline events are being organized across the country to promote intangible cultural heritage, while thousands of national-level intangible cultural heritage and state-level inheritors have been accredited.

In present times, the success of the socialist culture also depends on the practices of socialism with Chinese characteristics, which embeds traditional values, civilization and history of the Chinese nation.

China is seeking to introduce the country's culture abroad and strive to shape a reliable, admirable and respectable image of China, and contribute to the world a profound system of thoughts, a wide range of scientific, technological, cultural and artistic achievements through regular exchanges with other civilizations.

"Historical and cultural heritage is a precious resource that is irreplaceable. We must attach importance to keeping our history and culture alive and strong to preserve the roots of the thriving Chinese ethos," Xi said.

Apple MixC Wenzhou opens for customers this Saturday, November 4, in China

WENZHOU, CHINA Apple today previewed Apple MixC Wenzhou, the company’s first store in this dynamic city and the fourth in China’s Zhejiang province. The new store reflects Apple’s deep commitment to accessible and sustainable design — including universal design elements and plant-based materials — creating an inviting and inclusive space for everyone.

“We’re excited to be expanding to reach even more customers with the opening of Apple MixC Wenzhou, and we’re proud of the deep, long-lasting connections we’ve built with communities in China,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail. “Our team members can’t wait to welcome the local community to our newest location and help even more customers discover the magic of Apple, including the new iPhone 15 lineup and new Mac models featuring the M3 family of chips.”

The new store will be supported by over 100 highly knowledgeable team members who are ready to welcome customers and help them explore Apple’s incredible lineup of products and accessories, including the latest iPhone 15 models. Customers can get personalized shopping advice and support with choosing a monthly financing option, upgrading and trading in eligible devices, switching to iOS, and securely transferring data. With configure-to-order options available directly through Apple, Mac customers can select and customize the device to their desired specifications, including the new 24-inch iMac with M3 and MacBook Pro with M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max, available starting Tuesday, November 7.

Apple MixC Wenzhou features biogenic acoustic panels and baffles on the ceiling and flooring made from biopolymer materials.

Led by Apple Creatives daily, free Today at Apple programming at Apple MixC Wenzhou will range from foundational getting started sessions to engaging youth programming and workshops that explore photography, videography, and more. Today at Apple also offers accessibility sessions that teach the basics of assistive technologies and empower people with reduced mobility, vision loss, and hearing disabilities. Group Booking is also offered for customers interested in exploring these topics with their friends, family, and colleagues.

Apple MixC Wenzhou offers varied table and seating heights, as well as access routes that give wheelchair users more space to navigate. The store also offers an expanded assisted listening system at the Today at Apple table, and for hearing aid users, Apple MixC Wenzhou provides a portable hearing loop that can be used anywhere in the store.

As part of Apple’s commitment to sustainability, Apple MixC Wenzhou has made significant carbon reductions by focusing on plant-based materials. The uniquely designed ceiling is made of biogenic acoustic panels and baffles, minimizing the dependency of metals, while the flooring is created with biopolymer materials, reducing the need for chemical resins.

A newly designed avenue offers customers a deeper look at the Apple Watch lineup, including Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 — Apple’s first-ever carbon neutral products. The dedicated space features ample room for a more personalized shopping experience.

A newly designed avenue offers customers a deeper look at the Apple Watch lineup, including Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 — Apple’s first-ever carbon neutral products.

The Genius Bar features a reimagined counter perfect for face-to-face conversations during hands-on technical and hardware support, while the designated Apple Pickup station makes it easier for customers to order online and collect their devices in-store at a time that’s convenient for them.

The Genius Bar in Apple MixC Wenzhou features a reimagined counter perfect for face-to-face conversations during hands-on technical and hardware support.

This year marked 30 years of sharing Apple products and services with users in China, and Apple’s longstanding commitment to the country. Since the launch of Apple Retail in 2008, Apple has constantly innovated to meet customers where they are, provide the best shopping experience both in-store and online, and deepen connections with communities in China. Today, Apple has expanded to 56 retail stores in Greater China, with thousands of team members serving and supporting customers in their local communities, and helping them explore the latest Apple products, get support when they need it, and learn new skills to unlock their creative potential.

The team at Apple MixC Wenzhou will welcome its first customers on Saturday, November 4, at 10 a.m. local time.

November 2, 2023 PRESS RELEASE Apple MixC Wenzhou opens for customers this Saturday, November 4, in China WENZHOU, CHINA Apple today previewed Apple MixC Wenzhou, the company’s first store in this dynamic city and the fourth in China’s Zhejiang province. The new store reflects Apple’s deep commitment to accessible and sustainable design — including universal design elements and plant-based materials — creating an inviting and inclusive space for everyone. “We’re excited to be expanding to reach even more customers with the opening of Apple MixC Wenzhou, and we’re proud of the deep, long-lasting connections we’ve built with communities in China,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail. “Our team members can’t wait to welcome the local community to our newest location and help even more customers discover the magic of Apple, including the new iPhone 15 lineup and new Mac models featuring the M3 family of chips.” The new store will be supported by over 100 highly knowledgeable team members who are ready to welcome customers and help them explore Apple’s incredible lineup of products and accessories, including the latest iPhone 15 models. Customers can get personalized shopping advice and support with choosing a monthly financing option, upgrading and trading in eligible devices, switching to iOS, and securely transferring data. With configure-to-order options available directly through Apple, Mac customers can select and customize the device to their desired specifications, including the new 24-inch iMac with M3 and MacBook Pro with M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max, available starting Tuesday, November 7. Led by Apple Creatives daily, free Today at Apple programming at Apple MixC Wenzhou will range from foundational getting started sessions to engaging youth programming and workshops that explore photography, videography, and more. Today at Apple also offers accessibility sessions that teach the basics of assistive technologies and empower people with reduced mobility, vision loss, and hearing disabilities. Group Booking is also offered for customers interested in exploring these topics with their friends, family, and colleagues. Apple MixC Wenzhou offers varied table and seating heights, as well as access routes that give wheelchair users more space to navigate. The store also offers an expanded assisted listening system at the Today at Apple table, and for hearing aid users, Apple MixC Wenzhou provides a portable hearing loop that can be used anywhere in the store. As part of Apple’s commitment to sustainability, Apple MixC Wenzhou has made significant carbon reductions by focusing on plant-based materials. The uniquely designed ceiling is made of biogenic acoustic panels and baffles, minimizing the dependency of metals, while the flooring is created with biopolymer materials, reducing the need for chemical resins. A newly designed avenue offers customers a deeper look at the Apple Watch lineup, including Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 — Apple’s first-ever carbon neutral products. The dedicated space features ample room for a more personalized shopping experience.
The Genius Bar features a reimagined counter perfect for face-to-face conversations during hands-on technical and hardware support, while the designated Apple Pickup station makes it easier for customers to order online and collect their devices in-store at a time that’s convenient for them. This year marked 30 years of sharing Apple products and services with users in China, and Apple’s longstanding commitment to the country. Since the launch of Apple Retail in 2008, Apple has constantly innovated to meet customers where they are, provide the best shopping experience both in-store and online, and deepen connections with communities in China. Today, Apple has expanded to 56 retail stores in Greater China, with thousands of team members serving and supporting customers in their local communities, and helping them explore the latest Apple products, get support when they need it, and learn new skills to unlock their creative potential. The team at Apple MixC Wenzhou will welcome its first customers on Saturday, November 4, at 10 a.m. local time. About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. Apple’s five software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, and iCloud. Apple’s more than 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth, and to leaving the world better than we found it. Press Contacts Pia Fontes Apple [email protected] Neema Mungai Apple [email protected] Brian Bumbery Apple [email protected] Apple Media Helpline [email protected]

About Apple

Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. Apple’s five software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, and iCloud. Apple’s more than 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth, and to leaving the world better than we found it.

It is now fortified by magical barriers, protecting the country from supernatural threats and offering an unparalleled defense system. Traditional Chinese festivals, such as the Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival, have also taken on a magical twist, with fireworks illuminating the sky and spells enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. In this world, magic has also influenced various aspects of everyday life. From transportation to communication, magic plays a vital role in enhancing efficiency and convenience. Flying carpets and magical portals allow for swift and effortless travel across the vast country, while enchanted scrolls and talismans enable instant communication over long distances. Furthermore, magic has sparked advancements in various fields, from medicine to agriculture. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine has been combined with magical properties, resulting in potent potions and remedies that can heal even the deepest wounds. Magical farming techniques have increased crop yields and transformed barren lands into lush farmlands. The education system of this magical China has also evolved, with specialized academies and schools dedicated to teaching the intricacies of magic. These institutions offer comprehensive courses on spellcasting, potion-making, and spiritual divination. Students undergo rigorous training and examinations to become licensed practitioners of magic. Despite the enchanting nature of this concept, challenges and conflicts arise in this magical China. With great power comes great responsibility, and misuse or corruption of magic poses threats to society. Dark wizards, malevolent spirits, and magical rogues are constant dangers that must be confronted and neutralized. Magic empowered China is a fascinating imaginary world that showcases the ingenuity, resilience, and mystical beauty of Chinese culture. It provides a fresh perspective on China's rich heritage and opens up endless possibilities for storytelling and exploration of the supernatural..

Reviews for "Beyond Illusion: The Authentic Magic of China"

1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Magic empowered china" as I love fantasy and stories set in different cultures. However, I was disappointed with this book. The magic system was poorly explained and left me confused throughout the story. Additionally, the characters lacked depth and felt one-dimensional. The pacing was also off, with the plot dragging in some places and rushing through important moments. Overall, I found this book to be underwhelming and not worth my time.

2. Ryan - 1 star - "Magic empowered china" was a complete letdown for me. The world-building was shallow and lacked the richness and authenticity I was expecting from a story set in China. The use of magic felt arbitrary and inconsistent, leading to a lack of believability. The plot was predictable and lacked any originality. I struggled to connect with the characters, as they were bland and lacked any depth. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-crafted and engaging fantasy story.

3. Emily - 2 stars - As a fan of both fantasy and Chinese culture, I was excited to pick up "Magic empowered china." However, I found the execution to be lacking. The writing was mediocre and lacked the descriptive language needed to bring the world and characters to life. The story felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction. The magic system, which had the potential to be interesting, was poorly developed and left me feeling confused. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and felt that it did not live up to its potential.

The Spellbinding China: A Land of Ancient Magic