A comprehensive understanding of traditional Chinese culture is needed to develop national identity in the pursuit of the national rejuvenation, said Xia Lu, associate professor with the Renmin University of China on Saturday.

Traditional culture plays a significant role in building a modern Chinese civilization, which is why Chinese President Xi Jinping recently called for optimum preservation of rich cultural heritage, Xia said during an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).
"Preserving the traditional culture and bringing the traditional culture back to the modern time is to help us understand what's the essence of China, how should China become nowadays, and (what kind of country should China become.) So, it is significant to get clear where did modern China come from and what kind of particular and general culture achievements China has made in its long ancient history," the professor of the School of Marxism Studies said.
He believes that reviving the profound traditional culture also contributes to the formation of a national identity.
"It is the basis for modern Chinese civilization, not only for the cultural (aspect), but also for a national identity. Because in my opinion, a common and largely-agreed or a largely-accepted national identity is the material basis for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," Xia stressed.