The Volume 5 of Key Concepts in Chinese Thought and Culture, with its plain language, explains the keywords or phrases that are fundamentally pertinent to Chinese traditional culture. They reflect the Chinese people’s wisdom, their profound spiritual pursuit and their ways of thinking.

The Volume 5 of Key Concepts in Chinese Thought and Culture, which mainly focuses on Chinese traditional thinking concepts and values, such as "caring for others", “being content with a simple but virtuous life” and “reflecting on oneself several times a day”. This volume also introduces readers key concepts in arts and critiques like “six rules of painting” and “six criteria”. The philosophy internalized itself in literary and music, which is either broad-mindedness, natural and fresh, free and flexible, or full of noble spirits. Various art styles reflect the diversity of lives, and also the compassion and moral standard of traditional Chinese intellectuals as they pursue the truth and care about others' lives.

The editorial committee of Key Concepts in Chinese Thought and Culture is composed of Yuan Jixi and other scholars.