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Why Spring Festival Sucks Posted by sasha on Feb 19, 2015
It’s that time of year again – fireworks are going off everywhere, auspicious couplets are hanging outside of doors, children are counting up their lucky money, and millions of people are moving around the country to see their loved ones. Ah yes, it’s Spring Festival (春节 – chūn jié) in China once more. It’s both…
A Beginner’s Guide to the Spring Festival Posted by sasha on Feb 18, 2015
Chinese New Year is almost here, which means we’re about to say goodbye to the Year of the Horse and welcome in the Year of the Goat. This year, China will celebrate its New Year’s Eve on February 18th with the annual CCTV Gala, and plenty of fireworks will usher in the New Year that begins…
A Long Journey Home Posted by sasha on Feb 16, 2015
The Spring Festival is fast approaching, and millions of Chinese people are heading home to ring in the New Year with their loved ones. For many, it’s a long and tiring journey home. Trains are packed to the brim, airports are bustling, and roads are full of cars, trucks, and buses all across the country…
25 Chinese Words and Phrases for Valentine’s Day Posted by sasha on Feb 12, 2015
Western holidays are becoming more and more popular in China with each passing year. In October, English schools, restaurants, and bars in big cities throw Halloween parties. Come December, “Jingle Bells” can be heard around every corner, and you may even see hundreds of Santas parading around Beijing. Even though China has its own holiday…
Chinese Names for 50 Famous Foreign Companies Posted by sasha on Feb 10, 2015
Whenever I introduce myself to Chinese people, I usually get a nice laugh for my silly name – it literally translates as “Happy Field” (田乐 – tián lè). This is fine for a goofy English-teaching, blogging, backpacking hippie such as myself, but for foreign companies looking to do business in China, you probably don’t want…
Understanding Chinese Names Posted by sasha on Feb 9, 2015
Choosing a Chinese name is tough, even for Chinese people. Just read this article about a young couple’s struggle to choose a proper name for their baby girl. Many things must be taken into consideration when naming a child and it can get quite complicated. This is why plenty of people are happy to pay…
Go Take a (Beijing) Hike Posted by sasha on Feb 4, 2015
While Chinese mega-cities are known for their air pollution, ridiculous traffic jams, and crowded streets, there’s a whole other world awaiting you outside in the far reaches of huge municipalities such as Beijing. Nature lovers will be happy to hear that it’s not all concrete jungle and smoggy skies in the Chinese capital; there are…