Emma Lu

The Regret of a Traitor (Part 1)

The story of Su Wu (140-60 B.C.), a Chinese diplomat and statesman of the Han Dynasty who survived captivity for 19 years in a foreign territory while maintaining his integrity and loyalty to his homeland, has been an inspiration for generations of Chinese children. His good friend Li Ling, a well-known general and warrior, on ...

Emma Lu

Li Ling dancing.

A Consort’s Wisdom Saved the King and His Kingdom (Part 2)

King Zhuang was very fond of the company of his minister Yu Qiuzi and he would spend endless days and nights in discussions with him. One day, after a court session, Fan Ji came to see King Zhuang. She asked Zhuang: “What is so important that made you forget to eat and sleep?” Zhuang replied ...

Emma Lu

King Zhuang of Chu.

A Consort’s Wisdom Saved the King and His Kingdom (Part 1)

King Zhuang of the Chu State (reign 613-591 B.C.) was the most accomplished monarch among the five rulers during the Spring and Autumn period in ancient China. Lady Fan Ji was his principal consort. In the first three years of his reign, Zhuang indulged himself in hunting while neglecting his official duties. Fan Ji knew ...

Emma Lu

King Zhuang.

Is Foot Binding Still in Vogue in China?

Foot binding was a practice in ancient China where women used to break the bones in their feet to modify their size and shape. The practice is believed to have started among upper-class women in the 10th century and was later adopted by the general public. China’s foot binding The toes of the female would initially ...

Emma Lu

Chinese foot-binding.

Enoki, Matsutake, and Other Mushrooms Found in China

When it comes to eating mushrooms, most people in the West largely limit themselves to the button variety. As for the Chinese, they have been eating mushrooms for centuries, and their taste encompasses numerous other varieties as well. In fact, China is the biggest producer and consumer of mushrooms in the world. Here are five ...

Emma Lu

Mushrooms on a counter.

Ancient Rhymes: The History of Tang Poetry

Between A.D. 618 and A.D. 907, China was ruled by the Tang Dynasty. Considered one of the high points of Chinese civilization, the period is also known as the “Golden Age” of Chinese poetry. In 1705, the emperor of China commissioned a collection of Tang poetry, which was eventually published under the name Quan Tangshi and ...

Emma Lu

The Tang era.

Money, Love, and Family: A Chinese Fairy Tale Without a Happy Ending

In 1997, a Chinese couple moved to Canada with big dreams. They became quite successful and eventually ended up making millions. However, their marriage soon started to disintegrate and the couple eventually ended up in what the Supreme Court judged as “unrestrained warfare.” The husband, YZ, and the wife, AC, whose names have been hidden ...

Emma Lu

A Chinese fairy-tale setting.

These Soups Can Benefit the Lungs and Help Control Coughs

Autumn is the season in which the yang energy diminishes while the yin energy increases, along with the effect of pollutants in the air that can cause breathing problems and coughing. The following soups can help to clear and moisturize the lungs. Monk fruit and yellow pear soup Monk fruit can promote fluid production while yellow pear can ...

Emma Lu

Monk fruit.

A Chinese Tea That Costs More Than Gold

Da Hong Pao, also known as Big Red Robe, is a Chinese tea variety that is regarded as the most expensive in the world. Back in 2002, an individual paid around US$28,000 for just 20 grams of this delicacy. An expensive Chinese tea Da Hong Pao has an interesting history. Its cultivation began at the ...

Emma Lu

Tea cups full of tea.

Charitable Acts Can Change One’s Fate for the Good

Fate is predestined. However, helping others and doing charitable acts can alter some negative circumstances. Here is an example that shows how this can happen. There was a businessman in Anhui Province, China. He was in his 30s and married, but he had not been blessed with a child even though he wanted one so ...

Emma Lu

Yellow Mountain in Anhui Province.