As the world commemorates the 100th anniversary of Jin Yong's birth, a cinematic tribute unfolds across theaters in Hangzhou and Jiaxing from June 16th to 23rd, 2024. The legacy of Jin Yong, also known as Louis Cha, spans generations, captivating audiences with his timeless tales of chivalry, honor, and martial arts prowess. To honor his enduring influence on literature and cinema, a special film exhibition will showcase six classic martial arts movies adapted from his iconic works. Among the selected masterpieces are "The Swordsman" series, including "The Swordsman" and "The Swordsman II: The East is Red," which delve into the intricate world of martial arts sects and their intricate power struggles. "The East is Red" follows the saga of the invincible Eastern Heretic, a character etched in the annals of martial arts lore. Also featured is "The Return of the Condor Heroes," a gripping tale of love and heroism set against the backdrop of ancient China. This adaptation brings to life the epic romance between Yang Guo and Xiaolongnü, two star-crossed lovers destined to defy fate and conquer adversity. "Ode to Gallantry," another cinematic gem on display, transports viewers to the enchanting realm of Jianghu, where alliances are forged and…

The dragon boat festival (端午节) will occur on the 14th of next month. The dragon boat festival is also called the double fifth festival (五月节）because it is held on the fifth day of the fifth month in the traditional Chinese calendar. Yet another name of the festival is Tuen Ng. This holiday is celebrated to commemorate the death of Qu yuan, an advisor in the court in the Chu dynasty. He lived during the warring states period. Legend has it that he killed himself in the Miluo river in Hunan province and became a spirit in the water. For many years, his supporters threw rice into the water to feed him but was always taken by the water dragon instead. For many years later, Qu yuan couldn't take it and came back to tell the people to wrap the rice leaves so the dragon couldn’t eat it. The rice wrapped in leaves became known as zongzi 粽子. Today, people celebrate by eating zongzi, drinking xionghuangjiu 雄黄酒, watching dragon boat races, eating with family, and hanging calamus and wormwood to ward off evil. Dragon boats are long boats with the head of a dragon and scales on its sides. These boats…

The Chinese documentary "Wen Mai Chun Qiu" which premiered on November 23rd, is a treasure trove documentary that chronicles the history and culture of famous historical cities. For the first time, it takes the backdrop of the geographical changes in the five thousand years of Chinese history, focusing on "historical and cultural famous cities." Through the combination of virtual digital technology and real-world visuals, it showcases the historical changes and cultural landscapes of ancient cities from different perspectives, while also exploring the culture and civilization of ancient cities, and even China as a whole. This documentary selects historical and cultural famous cities from different regions and ethnic groups in the East, West, South, North, and Central regions of China. By examining the evolution of the terrain and historical maps of cities during different periods, it explores the characteristics of city site selection, urban planning, street design, and housing. It showcases the wisdom of adapting to local conditions and the ideal of harmonizing human habitation with nature, as well as the design philosophy of unity between heaven and man displayed by the Chinese people throughout history. Currently, the Langzhong section and Shaoxing section have been presented to the audience. It can…

In recent years, with the rise of the China-Chic trend, many gold stores have also begun to favor products of traditional culture and launched the so-called ancient gold craft and inheritance series of Chinese gold jewelry. The ancient Chinese used goldware as body decoration, dating back to the Xia Dynasty 4,000 years ago. The gold eardrops unearthed in Gansu is the best proof. The simple circle obviously cannot reflect the skill level of the ancients, so today let’s take a look at the gold earrings and gold bracelets in the museum’s collection of cultural relics. Let’s experience the luxury aesthetics of ancient Chinese gold jewelry. Gold earrings, 2100-1600 B.C., collection of Gansu Provincial Institute of Archaeology   Eardrop Eardrops (Er Zhui, 耳坠) is a kind of traditional Chinese earrings, with an additional part of the drop than earrings. Gold earrings, Warring States period, collection of Ordos Museum This pair of gold eardrops in the Warring States Period adopts a cone and spring design, and the color matching of gold and turquoise is even more ingenious. Gem-set gold earrings, Northern Wei Dynasty, collection of Datong Museum This pair of gold eardrops from the Northern Wei Dynasty is composed of amber, silver…

In the bustling city of Hangzhou, amidst the preparation fervor for the upcoming Paris Olympics, a unique confectionery has emerged to represent Chinese cultural innovation on the global stage. Crafted by Hangzhou Xiao Re Hun (小热昏) Food Technology Co., Ltd., in collaboration with CHNSCI (China Sports Cultural Development Center), this creation—known as the "Cultural Pear Paste Lollipop"—will accompany China's sports delegation as a symbolic gift to international guests. Rediscovering Tradition through Innovation Behind the revival of "Xiao Re Hun," a storied brand with roots in traditional pear confections, stands Zheng Lei, a prominent figure in China's cultural creativity sector. Zheng, at 37, hails from the business community in Yueqing, known for his transformative efforts in blending heritage with contemporary appeal. Taking over "Xiao Re Hun" four years ago was not merely a business decision for Zheng; it was a mission to infuse vitality into a venerable cultural icon. For Zheng, heritage brands like "Xiao Re Hun" embody profound historical and cultural significance, ripe for revitalization. However, attracting a younger audience necessitated bold innovations. Retaining the traditional craftsmanship of pear confections while introducing modern packaging and playful concepts became Zheng's strategy. This delicate balance between tradition and innovation has been pivotal in appealing…

Like Chinese Hanfu costumes, ancient Chinese hairstyles also have a long history. The hair is placed at the head of the body, and it is the key to showing the beauty of the human body. The ancient Chinese hairstyles culture is diverse and gorgeous, a special and wonderful part of Chinese culture, and likewise, it shows the unique aesthetics of China that has rich content. This article contains female ancient Chinese hairstyles and male ancient Chinese hairstyles, and introduces the traditional hairstyle characteristics of different historical periods through the order of dynasties. We hope that you can have a new understanding of Chinese hairstyles through the article. Let's get started!   Female Ancient Chinese Hairstyles Although there are many styles of historical hair bun, depending on the person, the part of the bun is different and can be divided into two categories: one is the hanging bun located at the back of the neck, mainly in the Warring States and Qin and Han dynasties. The other is the high bun on the top of the head, popular in the Eastern Han Dynasty, Wei, and Jin Dynasty, and reached its peak in the Tang and Song Dynasties, with many variations that…

The "The Longest Day in Chang'an" theme block in Xi'an is now open! Xi'an's first immersive Tang-style city life district has been unveiled! Six immersive experiences and cultural consumption scenes will awaken your memories of Chang'an. Reproduction of scenes from the drama "The Longest Day in Chang'an" The art team of "The Longest Day in Chang'an" has once again brought their talent by injecting scenes from the drama and Tang Dynasty marketplace culture into the 24,000 square meter commercial space. This is not only a full scene restoration of the drama, but also an industry model for transforming the drama into a cultural tourism project. The "The Longest Day in Chang'an" block combines the plot, characters, props, and story features of the original drama to create a space for experiencing the original Tang market life and a Tang-style themed recreational space for both the elegant and the vulgar to trace the Tang market style and let you experience the daily life of the Tang dynasty. In the theme block, the classic scenes and props from the drama are presented one by one; Zhang Xiaojing, Li Bi, Tan Qi, Xu Hezi, you can also choose a character and leave your own…

The power of the written word has long been recognized by humankind, and throughout history, books have played a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the world around us. From the earliest manuscripts to modern-day publications, each text holds a wealth of knowledge and insights into the past. The documentary "Ancient Books Through Time" takes viewers on a fascinating journey through the ages, exploring the evolution of the written word and uncovering the secrets that lie within some of the ancient Chinese books. Through a combination of expert analysis, stunning visuals, and compelling storytelling, this documentary offers a rare glimpse into the past, illuminating the extraordinary impact of books on human history. The documentary "Ancient Books Through Time" shows us in the most convincing way that ancient books come through time and can also be integrated into our lives. 1 Vivid life in the ancient books Everyone's life is always inseparable from food, clothing, housing, and transportation, and it was the same in ancient China. Let's start with food and clothing, and learn how the ancient people lived from the ancient Chinese books. If we travel back to the Song Dynasty, we should not have to worry that we…

there has been a remarkable resurgence of interest in traditional Chinese attire, known as Guofeng Guochao, across various regions in China. Luoyang (洛阳), renowned for its rich historical legacy as one of China's ancient capitals, has emerged as a focal point for this cultural revival. Visitors strolling through the streets of Luoyang can now frequently encounter tourists donning a variety of Tang dynasty and Song dynasty costumes. Whether riding electric bikes, commuting on buses, or capturing moments amidst pavilions and towers, these individuals have become a unique and vibrant addition to the city's cultural landscape. The sight of tourists dressed in Tang and Song dynasty costumes is not merely a nostalgic reenactment but a celebration of cultural heritage brought to life. Luoyang's comprehensive reforms and innovative cultural tourism initiatives have played a pivotal role in revitalizing its historical narratives. By bridging the gap between ancient texts and contemporary city life, Luoyang has transformed its streets and alleyways into living testaments of its thirteen dynastic histories. Luoyang's approach to cultural tourism goes beyond superficial displays of history; it integrates immersive experiences that resonate with both locals and visitors alike. The blend of ancient attire with modern transportation and photography exemplifies this…

Unveiling the Magic: Jiaxing's Thriving Children's Drama Festival In the serene district of Xiuzhou in Jiaxing (嘉兴), Zhejiang Province, the summer air is filled with laughter and anticipation as families gather for a unique cultural extravaganza. The 13th China Children's Drama Festival, a significant event in the local calendar, kicked off on July 20th amidst much fanfare, marking the beginning of a season dedicated to nurturing young minds through the magic of theatre. For the next two months, from June to August, Xiuzhou will transform into a hub of artistic expression and cultural exploration, offering local children an opportunity to immerse themselves in a world-class theatrical experience right at their doorstep. This festival, renowned as a "national-level" theatrical event, aims not only to entertain but also to educate, blending learning with fun in carefully curated performances. "I've played Little Shell in 'The Little Tadpole Finds Its Mother' and even Pinocchio before. Children's theatre is so much fun because I get to learn English, dance, and acting, and make new friends!" exclaimed 6-year-old Chang Juanran, a standout member of the local Xiwa Theatre Society, eagerly sharing her performance experiences before the curtain rose. Educational Entertainment: The Role of Children's Theatre in Cultural…

Wuxia (武俠), which is a type of Chinese fantasy with a lot of martial arts. It’s a lot of attractive people flying aroundwith swords using powers, and it’s amazing. What you see wuxia world in dramas, what you think is the ancient Chinese cultural ideal world is actually created within the last say a little bit over half a century in the 1950s. In this post, I am going to attempt to explain the rather complicated concept of Wuxia and Jianghu that even a lot of Chinese native people actually don't quite know about that. So if you're coming from a different cultural background and you don't speak the language it might be even more confusing for you to understand what jianghu. So first we have to understand the word Wuxia, and then the concept of Jianghu. Wuxia World in Chinese Dramas If you have been watching a lot of Chinese dramas, you may realize a large proportion of current Chinese dramas are of the period drama genre and within this genre. A large proportion is the Wuxia genre or versions that branch off from this genre or even if it's really a serious political or Romantic period drama, which…

What Are “Irons” Irons is a kind of tool that irons wrinkled clothes and cloth with heat. In modern times, iron is one of the common household appliances, which is used to iron clothes. Nowadays, irons are of various types according to different designs. However, in ancient times, the irons were originally made of stones, pottery, copper and iron pieces, which were heated on the fire and pressed on the clothes to make them flat. The Origin Of The Name “Irons” On the origin of the name “irons”, there are two explanations in ancient Chinese. One is to take the meaning of Beidou, and the other is that the shape of iron is very similar to that of an ancient cooking utensil “dou”. According to research, the ancient Chinese iron was invented earlier than the electric iron in the West in 1880, and it was the first country in the world to invent and use iron. The Development History Of Irons Shang Dynasty The earliest prototype of the iron appeared in the Shang Dynasty, when it was used as a tool of torture, specially used to burn prisoners’ skin. Until the late Qin and early Han Dynasty, its function was…

In the feudal society of ancient China, men were often valued over women. Women often become the vassal of men, and they have no chance to realize themselves. But in the history of China, did all dynasties really value men over women? In fact, it was different from the Song Dynasty. In the Song Dynasty, most ordinary families like to have daughters. If they are boys, they may be abandoned by their parents. Song Dynasty was the heyday of economic and cultural development in ancient feudal society in China. How was the dominant position of women in society affected by the economic culture of the Song Dynasty? The advantages of daughters in Song Dynasty: 1) Women in Song Dynasty had the right of inheritance as men, and played an irreplaceable role in the entertainment industry and textile handicraft industry; 2) Politically, there were as many as five empress dowagers in power in Song Dynasty; 3) In the Song Dynasty, women’s dowry was very rich when they got married, and women’s remarriage in the Song Dynasty was not discriminated against. Why did the Song Dynasty place so much emphasis on women than men? 1) An enlightened ethos of the times The…

The Warring States Period, spanning from 475 BC to 221 BC, was a time of chaos and transformation in ancient China. This era was marked by incessant warfare and the rise and fall of states, ultimately leading to the unification of China under the Qin Dynasty. Here are 15 key facts that paint a vivid picture of this tumultuous period. 1. A Long Era of Warfare The Warring States Period lasted for 254 years, beginning in 475 BC and ending in 221 BC. It was the final chapter of the Zhou Dynasty (1046–221 BC), which itself was divided into three phases: Western Zhou (1046–771 BC), the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC), and finally, the Warring States Period. 2. The Fall of the Zhou Dynasty The Warring States Period began when nobles withdrew their support for the Zhou Dynasty. The vassal states, granted autonomy through a system of enfeoffment, declared independence and vied for territory, transforming into independent kingdoms. 3. Seven Dominant States (Image from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warring_States_period) By the middle of the Warring States Period, the landscape had consolidated into seven major states: Qin, Chu, Zhao, Wei, Han, Yan, and Qi. Each state controlled significant regions, with Qin in the west, Chu…

In a year and a half, this blogger has only updated 22 videos, but one of them has made him gain a million followers. He is the top blogger of Chinese style cosplay, Zhu Tiexiong (朱铁雄). He used the ultimate special effects to ignite the passion and romance in the hearts of all ancient style fans.    01 Chinese-style passion and romance Zhu Tiexiong inspires the emotions rooted in our heart with his moving stories. His first video is very short. He uses cheap cardboard to pretend to be Sun Wukong, guarding the dreams of sick children, but when he is mocked and belittled, he does a backflip and rises into the air, transforming into Qi Tian Da Sheng. "Those dreams that seem so ridiculous are the light we guard with all our might". He is also the majestic Zhao Yun, riding a white horse, heroic rescue. Behind his gorgeous chinoiserie costume transformation, is the heroic nature and chivalry. Through the constant reversal of the plot, it touches our emotions. But Zhu Tiexiong does not intend to let the audience stay only in the visual enjoyment, he hopes to convey more values. He began to try to add traditional…

Hairpins, earrings, brooches, bracelets, and other antique jewelry in a wide range, tweezers, wire drawing board, spitfire, and other tools filled the workbench. In the studio of "Jia Xu Zao Wu (甲戌造物)" located in Jinan, Shandong Province, "post-90s" young man Lü Jikai is using the millennium-old filigree inlay craft to process custom traditional jewelry for customers. Among the popular culture in China in recent years, the ancient trend represented by hanfu, cheongsam and traditional jewelry is especially sought after by young people like Lü Jikai. More and more "post-90s" and "post-00s" have turned their love for Chinese costumes and traditional jewelry into a career, becoming the promoters of the Chinoiserie culture. "8 years ago, when I first joined the industry, the demand for traditional jewelry is not high, and few people do it, like the old craft of filigree inlay, but few people know." Lü Jikai said. But in recent years, traditional Chinoiserie culture is receiving more and more attention, oriental aesthetics get more young people like, traditional Chinese jewelry also began to capture the hearts of more consumers. "In the past, only a few orders a month, now the orders are basically scheduled to three months later.Some people specify…