Category Chinese Culture & Tradition

The Cultural Confidence Movement in China: A Path to Openness, Tradition, & Global Understanding

China's Cultural Confidence Movement has been gaining momentum in recent years, driven by a desire to reassert the nation's cultural identity and heritage in a globalized world. This movement emphasizes the importance of embracing and promoting traditional Chinese culture, practices, and values, contrasting with a history of adopting Western or foreign influences. The term “cultural confidence” reflects a growing sense of pride and belief in the intrinsic value of Chinese culture, aiming to bolster national unity and global recognition.

China’s Dragon Boat Festival: A Celebration of Culture, History, and Tradition

The Dragon Boat Festival, known as Duanwu Festival (端午节) in Chinese, is a traditional holiday celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. This festival, rich in cultural heritage and history, is observed with a variety of customs and activities that reflect China's deep-rooted traditions and community spirit. The festival commemorates the life and death of the famous Chinese scholar Qu Yuan and is marked by dragon boat races, the eating of zongzi (rice dumplings), and other festivities.

Buddhist VS Shaolin Monks: What’s the Difference?

The Shaolin Temple, nestled in the Songshan Mountains of Henan Province, China, is renowned for its rich history and dual traditions of Buddhism and martial arts. Within its sacred grounds, both Buddhist monks and Shaolin warrior monks live and practice, each following distinct paths of spiritual and physical cultivation, providing a fascinating glimpse into two distinct yet intertwined traditions.

Ethnicities of China: Part 2

In the vast tapestry of China's cultural landscape, the Tibetan, Mongol, Manchu, and Miao ethnicities stand out as vibrant threads, each weaving a distinct story of heritage, tradition, and identity. Through centuries of history and cultural exchange, these four ethnic groups have left an indelible mark on China's rich mosaic of diversity. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the historical significance, cultural nuances, and contemporary challenges faced by these fascinating ethnic communities.

Celebrating Chinese Labor Day & Golden Week

In China, May 1st marks a special day on the calendar – Chinese Labor Day, also known as International Workers' Day or May Day. It's a time to honor the invaluable contributions of workers to society and to advocate for their rights. In combination with Golden Week, the holiday runs from May 1st to May 7th.

Qingming Festival: Honoring Our Ancestors

The Qingming Festival, also known as Chinese Memorial Day or Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese festival that honors ancestors and pays respects to the deceased. It is celebrated on the 15th day after the Spring Equinox, typically falling around April 4th or 5th in the Gregorian calendar. The festival has a history of over 2,500 years and is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and customs.

Ethnicities of China: Part 1

China, renowned for its rich history, vast landscapes, and vibrant culture, is home to a diverse array of ethnicities, each contributing to the country's unique identity. In this explorative series, we delve into the rich diversity of China's 56 ethnic groups, highlighting their unique customs, traditions, and contributions to the nation's history and cultural heritage. Part 1: Han, Zhuang, Uyghur, and Hui

Understanding Yi Jing

Yi Jing Yin and yang, elements, and hexagrams
The Yi Jing, also known as the I Ching or the Book of Changes, is an ancient Chinese divination text and one of the oldest Chinese classics. It has been a fundamental source of Chinese philosophy, cosmology, and metaphysics for over 3,000 years. The Yi Jing consists of a set of 64 hexagrams, each made up of six lines, either broken (yin) or unbroken (yang).