(二十四节气的步伐) 4 min read Ancient Chinese societies divided the annual solar cycle into 24 time segments, known as “solar terms” (节气), by correlating the sun’s movement with seasonal changes. Passed down from generation to generation, the solar terms have played a significant role in shaping traditional farming practices, food choices, wellness routines, and social […]
The 24 Solar Terms—Rhythms of the Seasons Read More »
(龙的传说) 4 min read Long (龙, dragon) is rich in symbolism. It is not a single animal but a composite cosmic creature—with the horns of a deer, the body of a snake, the scales of a carp, and the claws of an eagle. It flies without wings, controls the weather, commands the seas, and
The Legend of Dragon Read More »
(非凡的民间英雄—包拯) 4 min read Chinese history is rich in epoch-making figures such as Confucius (孔夫子), the First Emperor of Qin (秦始皇), Emperor Gaozu of Han (汉高祖), and Kublai Khan (忽必烈). Yet few of them have been enshrined as folk heroes. By contrast, a handful of comparatively humble figures—Bao Zheng (包拯), Mulan (木兰), Zhuge Liang
Bao Zheng—Icon of Justice Read More »
(木兰—享誉全球的文化偶像) 5 min read Sigh after sigh Mulan sadly sighs, (唧唧复唧唧) Facing the door while she weaves. (木兰当户织) Not a hint of the loom-shuttle’s sound, (不闻机杼声) Only the daughter’s sighs. (唯闻女叹息) Ask the daughter who’s in her heart, (问女何所思) Who’s on her mind? (问女何所忆) “No one is in daughter’s heart, (女亦无所思) No one is
Mulan—A Worldwide Cultural Icon Read More »
(北京中轴线的历史痕迹) 4 min read Just inside the north side of Beijing’s former city wall stand the Drum Tower and the Bell Tower (opening image), both built in 1272 during the Yuan dynasty (元朝). Together, the two towers offer panoramic views of central Beijing. Looking directly south from the Drum Tower, the line of sight
Beijing’s Central Axis Read More »
(中国古代佛窟) 4 min read According to a national survey, China has 2,155 cave-temple sites, most of which are Buddhist, though some are Daoist. Buddhist cave art constitutes a major component of traditional Chinese sculpture and painting. The construction of these cave temples was not driven primarily by artistic self-expression, but by karma—the Buddhist belief
Ancient Cave Temples of China Read More »
(长治久安的西安) 5 min read Chang’an (长安, meaning “lasting peace”), today’s Xi’an (西安), has a glorious past as the capital of several ancient Chinese dynasties. The region’s fertile soil and proximity to the Wei River (渭河)—the largest tributary of the Yellow River (黄河)—enabled it to sustain a large population for several millennia. The area
Xi’an—the City of Lasting Peace Read More »
(清代的御花园) 5 min read Qing-dynasty (清朝, 1644–1912) imperial gardens—such as the Mountain Resort in Chengde (避暑山庄), Yuanmingyuan (圆明园), and Yiheyuan (颐和园, also known as the Summer Palace)—are culturally significant because they represent microcosms of the Qing Empire. They showcase Chinese aesthetic traditions while embodying the interaction of nature, human design, and geopolitics. Although each
Imperial Gardens of the Qing Dynasty Read More »
(传统住宅的建筑风格) 5 min read Shaped by China’s vast geography, varied climate, ethnic diversity, and long-standing cultural traditions, traditional Chinese homes exhibit remarkable architectural diversity. Six representative styles are highlighted below. From north to south, they are the siheyuan (四合院), yaodong (窑洞), Anhui style (徽派), Hakka tulou (客家土楼), Cantonese style (粤派), and qilou (骑楼) homes.
Architectural Styles of Traditional Homes Read More »
丝路行旅—从西安至敦煌) 7 min read The ancient Silk Road was not a single road, but a network of trade routes connecting China with Central Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, and Europe. Our Silk Road journey traced the Chinese section of this network, traveling westward from Xi’an (西安) through Lanzhou (兰州), Jiayuguan (嘉峪关), Dunhuang (敦煌), Ürümqi (乌鲁木齐), and
Modern Travelers on the Ancient Silk Road (1): From Xi’an to Dunhuang Read More »
