ancient wisdom, character, chinese culture, chinese history, integrity, leadership, life lessons, marriage traditions, pei kuan, prudence, tang dynasty, wei xian

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.

Well-Known Physicians of Ancient China (Part 3)

During the time of the Ming Dynasty, there lived many well-known physicians who had exceptional medical abilities. In fact, some were even considered to possess supernormal skills.  In the third article of our series, let’s continue exploring some of the famous physicians of ancient China.  Liu Bangyong: The predictor of lifespans Liu Bangyong was born ...

Tatiana Denning

All kinds of traditional Chinese medicines.

The Ripple Effect of Kindness: A Tale of Good Deeds Bringing Good Fortune

Here is a tale about the fortune that comes from doing good deeds. It is said that Heaven wouldn’t allow such a kind person to live less than 100 years. During the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, there was a scholar who embarked on a journey to the capital to take the imperial examination. ...

Max Lu

Illustration of an elegant white Japanese crane flying in front of cherry blossom trees.

Learning From History: How the Ancient Chinese Responded to Plagues and Disasters

The recent pandemic is, without a doubt, one of the greatest catastrophes we have experienced in our lifetimes. Yet, in the long annals of Chinese history, numerous accounts exist of plagues and other calamities of similar scale. These instances from antiquity provide us with invaluable insights into how emperors and common folk alike managed to ...

Mikel Davis

Ancient Chinese observing a globe mechanism.

A Brief History of Chinese Drums

Did you know Chinese drums were used initially for combat because drums were considered all-inclusive magical weapons in ancient China? The beautiful sound of battle drums was essential for boosting the morale of an army from a distance. In this article, you’ll learn the history behind the ancient Chinese drums and why these ancient drums ...

Viena Abdon

Chinese drums.

Etiquette of the Chinese Lion Dance

The Chinese lion dance plays a vital role in Chinese culture. This dance is often featured during grand business openings, cultural and religious celebrations, and New Year’s. Therefore, it’s fulfilling to encounter a lion costume during events featuring beautiful dancers moving to a lively rhythm.  In addition, you could view the Chinese lion dance as ...

Viena Abdon

A Chinese lion dance costume.

The Importance of Family Teaching and Discipline in Chinese Culture

Since ancient times, the Chinese have paid special attention to family discipline and family education. Famous scholars in history, from the Song Dynasty (960-1279), the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and on down to the Qing Dynasty (1636-1912), have all left advice for their family members based on their own experiences. There are also many forms of ...

Mikel Davis

Drawing of a girl wearing ancient Chinese clothing standing in front of a table holding a scroll made from bamboo.