2. As China is rising as a political and economic world power thanks to its three-decade reform and opening up, more and more people in overseas countries start to learn Chinese and turn to a Confucius Institute in their own countries as their first choice learning Chinese language and Chinese culture. Through learning Chinese, they have a strong interest in this ancient civilization, which is quite different from their own culture. They also have the opportunity to learn about Chinese philosophy, art, medicine and food culture, and experience the elegant demeanor of this ancient civilization.
