Archive for 'Culture'
Chinese Valentine’s Day – Qi Xi Festival (七夕节) Posted by sasha on Aug 4, 2011
In China, the seventh day of the seventh month on the lunar calendar is known as the Qi Xi Festival (七夕节 – qī xì jié). This ancient Chinese festival goes by many names, including: the Night of Sevens, the Magpie Festival, and in the more modern sense of the word, Chinese Valentine’s Day (情人节 –…
Beijing Breakfast – Jian Bing (北京早餐 – 煎饼) Posted by sasha on Jul 29, 2011
A staple dish for breakfast in Beijing, the jian bing (煎饼) is a delicious Chinese pancake that is cheap and quick – perfect for the fast pace of Beijing life. In this short video, watch an expert whip up a jian bing at a local supermarket in just under two minutes.
One Year of Videos (Top 10) Posted by sasha on Jul 27, 2011
You know, they say time flies when you’re having fun. Well, the last year has gone by in a flash, and I’ve had tons of fun writing and producing videos for Transparent Chinese in that time. Throughout the past year, the blog has seen videos about many different aspects of life in China: festivals, traveling…
China – From the Last Emperor to Mao Zedong Posted by sasha on Jul 21, 2011
Way back in October 2010, I decided to set out on writing a condensed history of China from the last emperor to Mao Zedong. With little knowledge of that time period myself, I was curious to learn more about Chinese history and in turn share some of my findings with our readers. Little did I…
Shaolin Photo Gallery (少林画廊) Posted by Stephen on Jul 20, 2011
Youtube Slideshow: Performance (表演): Thumbnail Gallery: Follow Steve on twitter: @seeitbelieveit
Shaolin Kung Fu (少林功夫） Posted by Stephen on Jul 19, 2011
Shaolin kung fu or 少林功夫 (shàolín gōng fu) is China’s oldest institutionalized form of martial arts, and includes both internal (breathing and meditation) and external (physical activity) practices. For centuries, people from all over China (and the world) have flocked to the Shaolin Temple (少林寺) to study the esoteric practices of these monks. You’ll recognize them…
The Beautiful Bones: Bone-Stretching (骨拉伸) Posted by Stephen on Jul 12, 2011
Bone-stretching or 骨拉伸 (Gǔ lā shēn) has become quite popular in China, with over a million people partaking in the excruciating (and unnecessary) surgery. Why? The never-ending quest for beauty and success, which by the Chinese standards, means you must be taller. Here’s an in-depth National Geographic documentary on bone stretching in China and Asia: Now…