While Japan and South Korea are both China's neighbors, their attitude toward Chinese culture varies.

"Japanese respondents generally hold a negative attitude, and South Koreans hold a comparatively positive attitude," Yu said.

She added that bilateral relations also affect foreigners' perception of Chinese culture.

Through the survey, we also found that foreigners in general are willing to learn about Chinese culture, Yu said.

What things generate associations?

The list of symbols recognized by foreigners as representing Chinese culture from the most widely recognized (top) to the least recognized:

1. Panda

2. Green tea

3. Yin/yang

4. Confucius

5. Yangtze River

6. Kung fu

7. Chinese ink painting

8. Hua Mulan

9. Peking Opera

10. Spring Festival

11. Shangri-La

12. The Art of War by Sun Tzu

13. Chinese suit (Tangzhuang)

14. Li Bai

15. Filial piety

16. Dunhuang Cave Mural

17. Face (mianzi)

18. The theory of harmony between nature and human