Chinese Culture, Featured

The Inspirational Story of Kou Zhun’s Mother: A Lesson in Moral Education

China, with its 5,000-year-old civilization, has always been recognized for the importance it places on familial education. Ancient Chinese believed in nurturing good character and morals in their children, such as the renowned minister Kou Zhun, following the principle that one can only “manage the family, govern the country, and pacify the world” by leading ...

Max Lu

Chinese painting of Kou Zhun, an official during the Northern Song Dynasty.

Historical Tale From China: Murong Yanchao Outsmarts a Swindler

During the Later Han Dynasty (947-950), Yunzhou’s leading commander, Murong Yanchao, was celebrated for his exceptional wit and knack for capturing thieves. His reputation was unparalleled. A thriving pawnshop under the midday sun In the heart of Yunzhou City, there stood a bustling pawnshop of considerable size, renowned for its flourishing business and impeccable reputation. ...

Mikel Davis

The tower in Kaiyuan Temple with cherry blossoms.

The Power of Emotional Healing in Traditional Chinese Medicine

“The heart’s ailment requires the heart’s remedy,” remarked Zhang Jingyue, a renowned physician from the Ming Dynasty. He believed that diseases resulting from unresolved thoughts can only be cured when emotional desires are met and satisfied. Traditional Chinese medicine and emotional healing There are various psychological therapies in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Most of them ...

Emma Lu

Double rainbow over a field of yellow flowers with a tree in the background.

Wealth and Fate: The Salt Merchant’s Ambitious Son

Some individuals amass immense wealth through hard work, talent, opportune moments, or chance. Yet while some are able to retain their wealth, others can’t. Why is this? Is it pure coincidence, or is there an underlying inevitability to it? This can be attributed to the “fortune” predestined in one’s life. Imagine if a person’s life ...

Max Lu

Vintage open chest, coins on a wooden table, and a bright light from inside the chest.

Story From Ancient China: Wang Wei Identifies the Melon Thief

Wang Wei (701-761) was a renowned poet of the Tang Dynasty. Beyond his poetic prowess, he was an expert in music, painting, and calligraphy. As a child, he was not only bright, but he also possessed a strong sense of justice. A melon mystery in the neighborhood Near Wang Wei’s home lived an elderly man ...

Max Lu

Illustration of an ancient Chinese scholar seated beneath a tree.

2 Stories of Self-Defense Using Courage and Wisdom in Ancient China

The following two stories reveal how courage and wisdom can be used to defend oneself. 1. How Zheng outwitted an immoral king During the Tang Dynasty of Ancient China, King Teng was known for his highly lewd and immoral disposition. For instance, he swore to sleep with all the beautiful wives of the officials. To ...

Emma Lu

The Great Wall of China.

Traditional Chinese Hairstyles: Which Ones Have Stood the Test of Time

The traditional Chinese hairstyle has had many iterations, but many still appreciate its classic look. While most of them are often harder to follow compared to other modern hairstyles, the accomplishment of their aesthetic can be appreciated. If you’re curious about some of the most popular traditional Chinese hairstyles, check out this article to learn ...

Mike West

hairstyles

Song Dynasty Love Story: The Tale of Liu Tingyi

In the annals of Chinese history, some names shine brighter than others. Su Dongpo, also known as Su Shi, is one such luminary — a renowned poet, essayist, painter, and statesman of the Song Dynasty. His influence was vast, comparable to the likes of Shakespeare in the West. Su’s writings give us a profound window ...

Mikel Davis

Artwork titled 'Lone Scholar in the Autumn Woods' by Zhang Daqian, using ink and color on paper.

Essential Uses that Round Bronze Mirrors Played in Ancient China

Bronze mirrors were used as one of the daily essentials for the ancient Chinese people. They were used to check one’s appearance and for young ladies to apply make-up and style their hair. They were also esteemed as a kind of handicraft.   Additionally, they were also used as funerary objects. Ancient people believed that placing ...

Emma Lu

A Chinese bronze mirror.