Review of Cultural Exchange History between China and Malaysia

The cultural exchange between China and Malaysia has a long history, starting from the Han Dynasty and carried out through the Maritime Silk Road. Malaysia has become a hub for cultural exchange between the East and the West due to its geographical location. During the Three Kingdoms period, Sun Quan of Wu sent envoys to initiate diplomatic exchanges between China and Malaysia. During the Six Dynasties, Sui and Tang dynasties, Chinese monks and merchants traveled to India via the South China Sea route, and maritime trade was frequent during the Song and Yuan dynasties. During the Ming Dynasty, the Manchurian Kingdom had close relations with the Ming Dynasty, and Zheng He's voyages to the West promoted exchanges between China and Malaysia. After the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1974, exchanges and cooperation in the fields of politics, economy, culture, and education were strengthened. In 2011, there was mutual recognition of higher education degrees, and in 2014, the "Beijing International Symposium on Malay Studies" was held. The relationship between the two countries was upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership, and Malaysia became China's main trading partner in ASEAN.

The Spread and Innovation of Chinese Food Culture, Festival Culture, and Cultural Activities in Malaysia

The Malaysian Chinese community has inherited and innovated Chinese culture in terms of food, festivals, and cultural activities. In the culinary culture, Minnan snacks have been innovated to form Malaysian style delicacies such as Nyonya zongzi, pork bone tea, pounded tea rice, and stir fried rice noodles. In terms of festival culture, traditional festivals such as the Spring Festival, the Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) Festival and the Loong Boat Festival have been celebrated in Malaysia, while integrating local characteristics, such as the "Laosheng" of the Spring Festival and the "throwing oranges and receiving bananas" of the Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) Festival. In terms of cultural and entertainment activities, innovative forms such as the 24 Festival Drum and high stakes lion dance not only inherit Chinese culture, but also become a part of Malaysian culture, among which the 24 Festival Drum has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. These cultural activities not only enhance the cohesion of the Chinese community, but also promote the dissemination and development of Chinese culture in Malaysia.

3 Traditional Ways of Spreading Chinese Culture in Malaysia

Chinese immigrants have played a key role in spreading Chinese culture in Malaysia, including Peranakan and modern immigrants who showcase the integration of Chinese culture with local culture through traditional customs such as family values, clothing, cuisine, and weddings. Chinese education, as the main way to inherit Chinese culture, has a long history and complete system in Malaysia. From the early Wufu Academy to modern Chinese newspapers, it has provided support for Chinese education and cultural dissemination. Festivals are another important channel for the dissemination of Chinese culture. By organizing various traditional festival activities such as the Spring Festival temple fair and lion and dragon dances, it not only enhances the cultural confidence of Chinese people, but also attracts widespread participation from local residents, promoting cultural exchange and integration.

Innovation in the dissemination of Chinese culture in Malaysia in the new era

Innovations in the dissemination of Chinese culture in Malaysia in the new era include: 1) the construction of cultural venues such as the Johor Bahru Museum of Chinese History and the International Zheng He Culture and History Museum to preserve and showcase the history of Chinese culture; 2) Promote Chinese cultural books through the "Chinese Bookshelf" project and e-book borrowing services; 3) Utilize film and television resources, such as Chinese TV dramas and documentaries, with local language subtitles to expand the audience base; 4) Online platforms such as Tencent Meeting, Zoom, and social media host cultural events and share Chinese cultural content; 5) Encourage young people to participate in cultural experiences and exchanges, such as festival activities and art festivals, to promote cultural exchange and understanding between the youth of the two countries.

5 Conclusion

The dissemination and innovation of Chinese culture in Malaysia have had a profound impact on the local culture. Through unremitting efforts and innovation, Malaysian Chinese have been able to inherit and radiate Chinese culture to non Chinese communities. In terms of culinary culture, dishes such as stir fried rice noodles and Lao Sheng have undergone adaptive improvements, incorporating local flavors. Festival culture preserves reverence for ancestors through festive celebrations, becoming an effective way to spread Chinese culture. The innovative achievements of cultural and entertainment activities reflect the importance that the older generation of Chinese people attach to cultural inheritance. With the advent of the era of integrated media, the overseas dissemination of Chinese culture is facing new opportunities and challenges, requiring innovative communication methods, expanding influence, and developing in harmony with local culture.