Abstract: In the 21st century, we need an environment for many cultures to exist peacefully together, comple -menting each other, perfecting each other and each being in its proper place. In the course of cul tural e xchange and confluence, there wil l unavoidably be collisions and conflicts between dif ferent coutures. How to lead to mul ticul tural development amid di fferences? The tradi tional Chinese concept of  harmony upon dif ferencesmay provide a positive solution to this problem. This c oncept, when applied to the mat ter of culture, means that  dif ferences in cul tures should be acknowledged, respected and maintained, for  differences are the fundamental premise for any cul tural development .  Di fferences, ho wever, do not mean non- related or isolated existence. They must be readjusted by  harmony. Only in this way can a harmonious and cons truc t ive relationship be bui lt up between different cultures and can individual cul tures gain new progress.

Key words: multicul ture, harmony upon dif ferences, cultural exchange, Confucian culture, Wes tern culture, alien cul ture