Until very recently, the Chinese operated for centuries in self-imposed isolation, leading to very little diversity in genetics or social practices compared to other major cultures. As a result, I don't think they can teach us anything about nature versus nurture.
Personally, I've seen too many behaviors from my own DD to put too much stock in nurture over nature. She was literally born this way.
I would say that if being a hothouse parent runs against your personality, then don't. Not only are you likely to burn yourself out as a parent by doing something against your nature, but it's also quite likely your DS is wired like you are, and you'll burn him out, too.
Our approach is to mostly follow our DD8's lead, and provide opportunities for her to explore her interests. Where this can break down is where she first encounters challenge, feels outside her comfort zone, and wants to quit. That's where we step in, because for our part, this is the desired condition... we WANT her to be outside her comfort zone, challenge herself, and learn to overcome those challenges. The end goal here is building resiliency. A history of overcoming challenges fosters a belief in the ability to overcome the next one. The nature of the activity is irrelevant, as far as we're concerned.
In situations where it was a paid activity, this was easy. We'd just tell her she asked to participate, and she's paid through a certain date, so she has to hold up her end of the bargain by staying with it at least through then. By the time that date comes up, she's overcome the initial challenge, and maybe a couple more along the way.
It was a lot tougher when it involved something she was learning at home, like how to ride a bike or swim, but at least there was an intrinsic motivation to keep her coming back... eventually... after coaxing, and many tears...
Along with that, we see our role as setting her up for success in whatever she's doing. Sometimes this means steering her towards activities that play to her strengths (ie: no to track, yes to baseball), and sometimes it means providing the right equipment (DD has the largest shin guards on her soccer team for a good reason), or extra coaching/encouragement, tales of our own failures and recoveries, reinforcing positive accomplishments, etc.
As for perfect balance... what is that?
