New arrivals to China often get the impression that Chinese people spend all of their time working. Yet, people in China devote quite a bit of time to leisure（休闲）.
Surprisingly, the Chinese love to relax. They love to spend their time taking care of flowers, raising birds and other pets. Chinese people are also fond of leisurely games, like the Chinese game Mahjong. The Chinese also love to play cards to pass the time. It is a national sport almost as widespread as petanque in France.
The Chinese have many ways to idle（休闲）, including gossiping or chitchat, which is seen as a true art. Taking a walk and doing some light reading are also considered as idleness. If a person does all of these things, they are definitely an idler.
Busy people should also have free time. When at work, Chinese people often say that they need to "steal some time" from work.
Taoism（道教）teaches that people should improve moral character through relaxation, and be happy to lead a simple and honest life. This is why Chinese people believe so strongly in enjoying a carefree and relaxed life.
Poet Tao Yuanming set up a way of life that emphasizes a balanced country life. In a sense, his way is both earthy and spiritual. It has given us a way to be relaxed and well, while being balanced and carefree.
In China, having a life that is too full is not a sign of wisdom. It is only when things are empty that they can be filled. Hopefully, this information will remind people to rest a little and make room for free time in a busy life.
