Forms of leisure time activities in the Chinese society (documentary testimonies of Russian and West-European travelers of the XIX - early XX centuries)

The article is based on extracts from scientific researches and documentary materials compiled by Russian travelers of the XIX- early XX centuries where different aspects of daily life and customs of the traditional Chinese society are analyzed. Much attention is paid to the description of the traditional Chinese society, its customs, forms of leisure time, social relations and communication styles of its members. Through various segments of traditional culture an attempt is made to reveal value orientation and notions that predominated in the Chinese society, its ideals and models of behaviour.