Chinese Culture, Featured

The History and Cultural Significance of Chinese Fans

Imagine delicate handheld treasures crafted from silk, paper, bamboo, or feathers, with frames that gracefully unfold and collapse. Chinese fans have transcended social classes and backgrounds, weaving their way into the fabric of society. With every flick and flutter, these elegant creations whisper tales of tradition, aesthetics, and the enduring spirit of Chinese heritage. Skilled ...

Viena Abdon

A dancer holding a Chinese fan.

Ancient Technology: The Timekeeping Stone That Rings at Set Intervals

During the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1573-1620), in Guixi (now Guixi City, Jiangxi Province), a villager was plowing his field when he discovered the remains of an ancient city wall. Out of curiosity, the man started digging. As he dug further, he finally uncovered a beautifully colored stone. He decided to bring the ...

Tatiana Denning

Was there a timekeeping stone?

Chinese Folklore: Li Chushi’s Divination

According to Tang Que Shi, during the reign of Emperor De Zong of the Tang Dynasty, there was an official named Li Ao whose radical and straightforward character led to his offending Prime Minister Li Fengji. Consequently, Li Ao was demoted from the central Department of State Affairs and sent to a remote region, Luzhou, ...

Mikel Davis

3D rendering of the Yin-Yang symbol contained within a glass sphere.

Remembering the Tragic Events of July 20, 1999, in China

On July 20, 1999, a day of terror for many in China that would change their lives forever. For many, their most basic human rights were taken away, and the right to practice peaceful meditation and gentle exercises and to believe in Heaven and gods was taken away. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) banned the ...

Trisha Haddock

The Tian Guo Marching Band outside the Victorian State Library in Melbourne.

Ancient Tale: The Emperor’s Savior

Initially serving under Emperor Chai Shizong of the Later Zhou Dynasty, Zhao Kuangyin (known as Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty) was just an ordinary general. One day, he found himself embroiled in a deadly battle with the enemy. Zhao Kuangyin was in the thick of the fight when suddenly, an arrow struck his warhorse ...

Mikel Davis

Mural showing an ancient Chinese warrior with his horse.

Historic Chinese Tales Reveal the Consequences of Good and Evil Deeds

There is a universal belief in Chinese culture — good begets good, and evil begets evil. As stated in The Book of Changes, in the section on the Kun hexagram: “A family that accumulates good deeds will have abundant blessings, while a family that accumulates evil deeds will suffer calamities.” The historical records left by ...

Mikel Davis

Mural of a bronze Buddha with his disciple kneeling in the front to pray.

Unveiling the Secrets of Ancient Chinese Summer Cooling Methods

With the arrival of summer comes the goal of keeping cool and comfortable. Ancient Chinese society, for example, did not have access to conveniences like air conditioning. Nonetheless, the Chinese devised several summer cooling strategies to beat the summer heat and keep their homes comfortable.  This article will discuss some cooling strategies the ancient Chinese ...

Viena Abdon

The Beijing Summer Palace.

Overcoming Fate: A Chinese Family Reshapes Their Destiny

In the heart of Jiangsu, nestled by the Huai River, lived a man named Zhao. He was the only son in his family lineage and an ominous thread of destiny hung over their lives. This haunting destiny traced back to his great-grandfather, with each generation losing a man to the depths of the river. At ...

Tatiana Denning

The Huai River wetland park.

Chinese Cultural History: Showing Prosperity Through Long Fingernails

Would you believe that a poor farmer founded the most influential dynasty in Chinese history? The Ming Dynasty was founded by Emperor Hongwu, a commoner who became a rebel leader and led an uprising. This era is one of the three golden ages in history, and the economy was hugely improved.  Aside from the improvements ...

Viena Abdon

Empress Dowager Cixi with long fingernails.