Archive for 'Uncategorized'
Very Superstitious Posted by sasha on Feb 18, 2012
Every culture has its own unique superstitions (迷信 – mí xìn), and China is no different. Chinese culture is rich in beliefs, customs, and superstitions that vary greatly from those in the West. Let’s take a look at some of these, and how they will bring you either good luck or bad luck. Numbers In…
China’s Next Leader: Xí Jìnpíng (习近平) Posted by Stephen on Feb 15, 2012
We all know that Hu Jintao is the man, and currently the highest ranking political leader in China. But who’s the man behind the man? After all, Hu Jintao is expected to step down and pass the torch this year. With China’s rise as a regional superpower and economic juggernaut, people want to know who’s behind…
Basketball (篮球) Posted by Stephen on Feb 13, 2012
Move over pingpong and say so long to soccer because China has turned into a nation obsessed with the sport of basketball. Walk outside to various parks and sports centers and you’ll notice grassy fields going unused and pingpong tables acting as dust collectors while every basketball court is filled with 5 on 5 half…
Lin-sanity (林書豪) Posted by Stephen on Feb 12, 2012
When Yao Ming retired from the NBA, China’s influence among the sport of Basketball began to wane substantially. That was, until Lin-sanity swept the league. Now everyone is talking about the former Harvard Star and Taiwanese native, who has carried the previously slumping New York Knicks to five straight wins with him starting at point…
Sū zhōu aka “Venice of the Far East” (苏州) Posted by Stephen on Jan 31, 2012
Suzhou or 苏州 (Sūzhōu) is a major Chinese city located in the southeast quadrant of Jiangsu Province in Eastern China, adjacent to Shanghai Municipality. The city is situated on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and on the shores of Taihu Lake and is a part of the Yangtze River Delta region. Suzhou is…
Harnessing your Inner Qi: Traditional Medicine Theory Posted by Stephen on Jan 28, 2012
Now that we’ve introduced traditional forms of) Chinese medicine, it’s time to take a look at the theory behind these timeless practices. Traditional Chinese Medicine (中医) is based on Yinyangism (later absorbed by Daoism).From this follows the belief that all parts of the universe (including the human body) are interconnected by correspondence of “qi”, blood, bodily fluids, zang-fu…
Spring Festival Superstitions and Traditions Posted by sasha on Jan 21, 2012
When the Spring Festival rolls around, there’s a lot to be done. As this festival lasts for 15 days, there’s something different for each day, and preparations for the celebration begin weeks before the actual festival. Let’s learn about some of the superstitions and traditions associated with the most important Chinese holiday. Superstitions Leading up…