Literally fenced off from the world, China was not a mysterious country either in antiquity or in later times. The Great Wall protected against enemies, not being an obstacle for those who arrived in the country with friendly intentions. However, in order to become a friend, a foreigner had to master incredibly complex etiquette, the study of which was not conceivable without knowledge of history and local customs. The stock of information about the traditions, art and architecture of China is also useful to our contemporaries, especially those who intend to visit this peculiar state in the near or distant future.