Chinese Directional Complements (Part Two) Posted by sasha on Mar 14, 2016
The last post talked about Chinese directional complements, a lesson I’ll continue today with some more examples and practice. Go back and read that first post if you haven’t to get caught up. Let’s start with the answers to the practice questions I gave: Practice Question Answers 1. Your friend is outside of your door…
Chinese Directional Complements (Part One) Posted by sasha on Mar 9, 2016
Today I’d like to talk about two very important verbs in Chinese related to direction and how to properly use them in directional complements: go (去 – qù) come (来 – lái) The first thing you’ll want to remember about these two characters is this: If the action is moving towards the speaker, use 来. If the…
Real Chinese Food – Snacks Posted by sasha on Mar 7, 2016
We’ve already had three full meals of real Chinese food over the past few months – breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you thought we were finished there, think again – there’s always room for more food in China! Anyone who’s ever been on a bus or a train in China knows just how popular snacks…
San Yue Jie Festival Video Posted by sasha on Mar 2, 2016
On the third full moon of the lunar calendar, the streets of Dali come alive for the San Yue Jie festival. Merchants sell a wide array of goods, there’s horse racing, and even makeshift tattoo parlors. Check it out in this short video highlight: San Yue Jie (三月街 – sān yuè jiē) Bai people (白族…
Mt. Cang Cloud Traveler’s Path – Dali, Yunnan Posted by sasha on Feb 29, 2016
The Old Town of Dali can be intense with the traffic and crowds, but it’s still possible to find peace and quiet – you just have to hike up a mountain! Check out this video highlight of walking the Cloud Traveler’s Path along Mt. Cang.
San Yue Jie – A Street Festival in Dali Posted by sasha on Feb 25, 2016
On the third full moon of the lunar calendar, the circus comes to Dali. Ok, it’s not exactly a circus, but it sure looks like one. San Yue Jie (三月街 – sān yuè jiē), or “Third Month Street”, is the biggest festival of the year for the local Bai people. If you’re wondering why the festival uses…
The Quiet Side of Dali Posted by sasha on Feb 22, 2016
Although the town of Dali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China, it’s still possible to escape the crowds here. Stay in a village along the beautiful Er Hai Lake for a more peaceful, relaxing trip.






