With a history spanning more than 5,000 years, China is the only continuous ancient civilisation. Other ancient civilisations have withered or perished. This week, I will guide you through some Web sites to explore the interesting side of Chinese history, culture and civilisation, which most people think boring. Chinese culture is rich and profound. China perhaps has more historical records than the rest of the world put together. There are numerous historical records from the pre-Christian era, not to mention the 26 history books of the imperial dynasties. China not only has a long history of Buddhism, but also boasts the richest Buddhist scriptures. Another outstanding area of Chinese culture is its pre-Industrial Revolution science and technology. Before this revolution, China had been the pace-setter not only in history and literature, but also in science and technology. Unfortunately, this fact had been neglected by the world and even by China itself. Fortunately, it has been discovered and proved by famous British scholar Joseph Needham. Thanks to his efforts, China's achievements have been universally recognised. The richness of Chinese cul ture also finds expression in its diversity and pluralism. China has always been a country of many ethnic groups. No matter which ethnic group was dominant, the people always worshipped the same emperor. Throughout China's history, there have been cycles of division and unification, but unification has outlived division. Different groups have traditions and legacies in common as well as ones that are uniquely their own. They form the nation. The trilingual China10k.com site ( http://www.china10k.com/ ) is a good place to start. It traces the history and culture of China from its ancient beginnings to the present day. The site features 220 topics which outline historical events - time-lines, people and names of places. There is also literature, poems, stories about the rise and fall of each dynasty, emperor or historical figure. Graphics are used to illustrate famous scenic spots, historical relics and maps. Exercises, games, a creative room and on-line discussion fo rums help users to rethink and reflect on Chinese culture and history. An examination database covering topics in Hong Kong, Taiwan and the mainland enhances students' interactive learning experience. The research corner, supported by a team of history experts, provides reviews, information, articles and reference materials on Chinese history and culture. The site provides information on different topics, including politics, military affairs, economics, society, education, literature and art. The site features a built-in search engine which helps users to find the information they are seeking. The Chinese Culture (http:// china.pages.com.cn/chinese_ culture/culture.html) Web site is an English site produced by mainlanders. It explores ancient Chinese history and traditions. The introduction (http:// china.pages.com.cn/chinese _culture/ancient/ancient.html) gives an account of China's history beginning with the first emperor, Qin Huang Di, to the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. The life story of Confucius ( http://china.pages.com.cn/ chinese_culture/confucius/ confucius.html), Lao Zi and Taoism ( http://china.pages.com . cn/chinese_culture/taoism/ taoism.html) and Sima Qian and the Record of the Great Historian ( http://china.pages.com.cn/ chinese_culture/record/record. html) will give you a better understanding of how past thinkers and historians influenced the intellectual development of ancient China. Other topics include Buddhism, Tang poetry, arts and crafts, Chinese acrobatics, architecture, medicine, painting, traditional opera, customs and festivals, minority groups, the Silk Road, the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, wushu and qigong. Most traditional Chinese festivals ( http://chicago.roc - taiwan.org/info/twtour/ english/tradition/601body.htm) are based on seasons, myths about gods and ghosts, or a combination of the two. Most stem from a belief in worshipping and appeasing the gods or ghosts to prevent misfortune. The site offers information on the Lantern Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival; Confucius' birthday and the Lunar New Year. Chinese calligraphy (http:// www.coe.uh.edu/~st5g5/ taiwan/words.html) is a unique form which involves a rich variety of form and design. You can also learn about Chinese tea-drinking ( http://www . coe.uh.edu/~st5g5/taiwan /tea.html), folk arts ( http://www . coe.uh.edu/~st5g5/ taiwan/folkarts.html) and food ( http://www.coe.uh.edu/ ~st5g5/taiwan/food.html). China net ( http://power . beijing.cn.net/bikeserver/ CultureC/Culture) features information on music, architecture, art, opera and dance. You can learn about outstanding historical figures who contributed to the political, economic and technological development of China, such as Dr Sun Yat-sen, Empress Dowager Ci Xi, Confucius and Genghis Khan at http://www.china-contact.com/ chinese/mingren/ and http:// chinese.yahoo.com/Arts_and_ Humanities/Humanities/ History/People/