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 Paintings
and calligraphy represent Chinese art at its finest for some Westerners,
who find it exotically different, in style and spirit, from European
art. In theory the Chinese artist becomes one with his work, which
means first mastering the material—ink, ink—stone, brushes and rice
paper before attempting to capture the essence of the subject, with
a few simple brush strokes or an intricate pattern.
Calligraphy
is, to the Chinese connoisseur, the ultimate art, because it marriage
of painting and poetry.
Martial
arts, such as kung fu (more properly wushu), enjoy great popularity
among Westerners, thanks to movies, particularly those starring Bruce
Lee and Jackie Chan. In fact the school at Shaolin Temple again offers
classes in kongfu, for foreigners as well as Chinese devotees. 
Folk art continues to flourish
in China, providing visitors with unique souvenirs such as paper cuts,
cloisonné ornaments, kites, fans, embroidered toys, pictures made
from feathers or shells, and intricate carvings in wood, bone, cork,
stone and metal.
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