SHIJIAZHUANG, July 11 ( tasteallchina ) -- Andreev Anton, a martial arts enthusiast from Moscow, practiced martial arts with Chinese master Liu Lianjun in Qingxian County of Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province. "We met Liu about eight years ago. We come to his school every year to train and learn the art of Baji boxing since then," Anton said. At an international martial arts competition held in Russia in 2016, Anton saw an exquisite performance by Liu Lianjun, the principal of Pangu Martial Arts School in Qingxian. After that, he decided to come to Qingxian County to learn martial arts. "He (Anton) came to learn Baji boxing. I explained some movements and characteristics. He took me as his master," said Liu. In the summer of 2018, Anton became Liu's apprentice following a Chinese traditional ceremony. Over the past few years, Anton learned with dedication and passion, gradually skillful on more martial arts styles and moves. "My master always has a lot to teach me. I feel my skills are improving. I'm very grateful to him," Anton said. Anton learned numerous skills in Qingxian County. He opened his own martial arts school in Moscow. He also led students to come to…

Davide Quadrio, curator of the Asian Art Museum, rearranges a decoration of the museum in Turin, Italy, on March 11, 2024. ( tasteallchina /Li Jing) ROME, May 23 ( tasteallchina ) -- In the heart of Turin, Italy, stands a museum of oriental art, which serves as a unique bridge between the Southern European country and China. At the helm of the museum is Davide Quadrio, an Italian curator whose life's work has been fostering cultural exchanges between these two ancient civilizations. The Asian Art Museum in Turin, with its impressive collection of nearly 2,300 works spanning from the Neolithic era to the early 20th century, holds a special place in Quadrio's heart. Among its five rooms dedicated to permanent exhibitions, the Chinese section stands out, showcasing hundreds of ancient artifacts from the Han, Tang, and Yuan dynasties. For Quadrio, this collection is the museum's soul, and a testament to the enduring influence of Chinese culture on his life and work. This year, the museum unveiled a landmark exhibition called "Translation and Tradition of Eurasia", commemorating the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo's death. The exhibition, which opened in April, features an array of blue and white ceramic wares, meticulously curated…

Basic Introduction to Italian Glass ArtifactsAs early as the 15th century, with the invention of glass-blowing techniques and the development of processes such as manufacturing milk glass, Italy's glass industry was already thriving. The glass products made here are characterized by exquisite shapes and finely detailed craftsmanship, which makes them highly favored by consumers. Copper oxide added to the glass produces green; cobalt, blue; and gold, red glass – a specialty of Italy. Common glass-forming methods include blowing, pressing, drawing, casting, and rolling. Product CharacteristicsArt glass is an item that uses colored art glass as its medium and combines various fine arts techniques to recreate reality, emotion, and ideals, bringing together imagination to achieve the mutual objectification of the aesthetic subject and the aesthetic object. To be more specific, colored art glass is a reflection of people's spiritual world in their daily lives and is also the organic product of artists' perceptions, emotions, ideals, and intentions. Historical FolkloreThe history of Venetian glass in Italy can be traced back to after the fall of the Western Roman Empire when glassmaking techniques from the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East were brought to Venice by refugees. By 982 AD, the glass industry…

 Previously, Cup of Tea recommended an article titled “Why Should You Stock Up on Tea When You’re Young?” Many tea enthusiasts had questions about how to store tea. So, Cup of Tea has done its homework and prepared this informative piece for you. It’s a common belief that even the finest tea becomes no different from ordinary tea if left for some time without being consumed. When buying tea at a shop, the more upscale the store, the more refrigerators you’ll find inside—a trend in line with improved living standards and increased awareness of food preservation. This approach appears advanced but overlooks its negative consequences. Firstly, people are hesitant to buy tea, always considering how much they can consume in a short period; after purchasing, they worry about storage. Secondly, it encourages the sale of tea that hasn’t been fully processed. Standard tea production aims to ensure the tea is stable in quality before it’s considered complete. Thirdly, it limits the potential for aging tea and reduces opportunities for consumers to enjoy aged teas. This segment of the market, which could account for one-third of sales, is thus diminished. Experienced tea makers often discuss storing new tea, considering how to…

QINGDAO, June 1 ( tasteallchina ) -- China will start construction of its national museum of marine archaeology this year in the eastern coastal city of Qingdao in Shandong Province, local government has confirmed. The museum will be built in the Qingdao Oceantec Valley with a planned area of 29,333 square meters and a total construction area of about 26,000 square meters, according to Qingdao authorities. The administration bureau of Qingdao Oceantec Valley has said that the museum, the first of its kind in China, will showcase China's marine archaeological history, achievements and ancient marine civilization with rare underwater cultural relics permanently displayed in the museum. In addition, the museum will serve as an important platform for public education and scientific research on marine archaeology, showcasing China's efforts to protect its underwater cultural heritage, according to the administration bureau. It added that four major exhibition areas will be set up, including the national archaeological research center exhibition area, the underwater archaeology restoration exhibition area, the underwater archaeology touring exhibition area, and the Qingdao marine archaeology exhibition area. The museum is also expected to contribute to Qingdao's efforts in promoting cultural relics conservation and archaeological work, and building a coastal tourism…

An inauguration ceremony for the operation of the first cross-border electric tourist coach between Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Shenzhen City in Guangdong Province is held at a cross-boundary coach terminal in Sheung Shui, Hong Kong on June 24. The 49-seat coach was designed and produced by Hong Kong International Electric Vehicles (Holdings) Ltd and Anhui Ankai Automobile Co, Ltd. Free ride service will be provided from June 25 to July 24 after the first cross-border electric tourist coach between Hong Kong and Shenzhen commences on June 24. The photo shows the motor and other power components of the tourist coach Ankai 49 while the coach stops at a cross-boundary coach terminal in Sheung Shui, Hong Kong on June 24. Guests attend the inauguration ceremony at a cross-boundary coach terminal in Sheung Shui, Hong Kong on June 24. The 49-seat tourist coach stops at a cross-boundary coach terminal in Sheung Shui and is ready for operation.

Couples dressed in traditional costumes pose for photos during a group wedding in Shiyan, central China's Hubei Province, May 20, 2024. Ten couples participated in a group wedding here on Monday. (Photo by Cao Zhonghong/ tasteallchina ) Couples dressed in traditional costumes take part in a group wedding in Shiyan, central China's Hubei Province, May 20, 2024. Ten couples participated in a group wedding here on Monday. (Photo by Cao Zhonghong/ tasteallchina )

A sculpture titled "Marco Polo" is on display at "Marco Polo in China" exhibition at the Academy of the Arts of Drawing (Accademia delle Arti del Disegno) in Florence, Italy, on July 23, 2024. (Photo by Fu Xiao/ tasteallchina ) FLORENCE, Italy, July 23 ( tasteallchina ) -- A middle-aged man sits upright on horseback, gazing firmly into the distance. His bushy beard and distinctive headgear hint at his Western origin. This small sculpture, exuding a bronze sheen with simplistic yet expressive Chinese aesthetics, is at an exhibition that is currently being held at the Academy of the Arts of Drawing (Accademia delle Arti del Disegno) in Florence, Italy, and the sculpture depicts none other than the famous Italian explorer Marco Polo. Titled "Marco Polo in China," the exhibition commemorates the 700th anniversary of the famous Italian explorer's death through sculptures and paintings by Wu Weishan, the renowned international artist and curator of the National Art Museum of China, showcasing Marco Polo's journey to China centuries ago and engaging audiences worldwide. As Wu 's first solo exhibition in Florence, the exhibition features about 50 pieces by the artist, including well-known works, unfinished sculptures, and his latest paintings. The Academy, with…

Aerial photo shows rescue workers fixing a road linking to Hailuogou scenic area around Moxi Town of Luding County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 7, 2022. ( tasteallchina /Shen Bohan) CHENGDU, Dec. 12 ( tasteallchina ) -- Hailuogou, a popular scenic area in southwest China's Sichuan Province, reopened to visitors on Tuesday, over a year after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake forced its closure, according to its management committee. To ensure a positive sightseeing experience and the safety of tourists, the site has temporarily capped its daily arrival capacity at 500 visitors and is only accepting reservations made by travel agencies. "We have widened the road and built new tunnels and bridges to bypass areas destroyed by the earthquake," said Sun Lai, chairman of Sichuan Jiaojian Tianlu Construction Engineering Co., Ltd. The overall time it takes to travel to the attraction's core area has also been reduced significantly, he added. The 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Luding County in southwest China's Sichuan Province on Sept. 5, 2022, killing over 90 people.

Basic Introduction to Tumin Carthamus Without ThornsTumin Carthamus Without Thorns is a specialty product of Tumin County, Tacheng Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The unique water and soil conditions give the seeds of the carthamus grown in the county the highest levels of linoleic acid, vitamins, and other trace elements in the world. Among them, the pure carthamus seed oil produced from the seeds of the thornless carthamus planted in Tumin has a linoleic acid content of up to about 83%, earning it the title of "King of Linoleic Acid." It was approved for registration as a geographical indication for agricultural products by the Ministry of Agriculture in 2011.Carthamus is an annual or perennial herb with a taproot system. Carthamus oil is clear and bright, delicious when consumed, and has medicinal uses, capable of treating hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and other cardiovascular diseases. Carthamus oil has a high iodine value (150), making it a higher-grade drying oil. Industrially, it is widely used to make coatings, soaps, printing oils, and softening agents for photosensitive materials. After dehulling and oil extraction, the remaining carthamus meal has a protein content of 19%, making it an excellent feed for livestock. Extracting edible protein from it represents…

"Friendship and mutual trust are particularly important in a world that is undergoing changes unseen in a century, which further highlights the significance of the movie The Composer," said Sabit Kurmanbekov, an art director of the movie and a screenwriter from Kazakhstan, during a recent interview with People's Daily. "The Composer" is the first movie jointly produced by China and Kazakhstan. Kurmanbekov said he is proud to be a part of it, adding that cultural cooperation between the two countries under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) enjoys bright prospects. Photo shows a monument commemorating Chinese composer Xian Xinghai on Xian Xinghai Boulevard in Almaty, Kazakhstan. (People's Daily/Qu Song) The movie was an outcome of the inter-government co-production shooting agreement signed by China and Kazakhstan in 2016. It tells the story of how late Chinese composer Xian Xinghai was saved and helped by a Kazakh peer during World War II when he got stranded in Almaty, Kazakhstan while trying to return to China from the Soviet Union. Kurmanbekov was initially invited by the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan to be an art director of the movie. During the production, filmmakers from the two countries soon made friends with…

High-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) trains stop at Halim Station in Jakarta, Indonesia, Dec. 25, 2023. The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway has handled more than 1 million passengers since its commercial operation was officially launched on Oct. 17. Passengers pose for photos at Halim Station in Jakarta, Indonesia, Dec. 25, 2023. Passengers walk on the platform of Halim Station in Jakarta, Indonesia, Dec. 25, 2023. Passengers walk on the platform of Halim Station in Jakarta, Indonesia, Dec. 25, 2023. Passengers check in by swiping their tickets at Halim Station in Jakarta, Indonesia, Dec. 25, 2023. Passengers wait to take the high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train at Halim Station in Jakarta, Indonesia, Dec. 25, 2023. High-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) trains stop at Halim Station in Jakarta, Indonesia, Dec. 25, 2023.

Basic Introduction to Mozambique Rose QuartzRose quartz, also known as rosy quartz, lotus quartz, lotus stone, or rose crystal, is a type of quartz and a famous gemstone of love. The texture of rose quartz is brittle, forming a pink color due to trace amounts of titanium. Pure quartz allows certain wavelengths of ultraviolet light, visible light, and infrared light to pass through, exhibiting optical rotation, piezoelectricity, and electro-optic properties. Its transparency ranges from opaque to semi-transparent and transparent. History and FolkloreIn Greek mythology, when Paris was a young shepherd, the goddess of love, Aphrodite, gave him a rose quartz bracelet with a prophecy of love. When he grew up, Paris followed the orders of King Priam of Troy to lead a large fleet to Sparta to negotiate the return of his aunt Hesione (who had been abducted by Heracles). After completing his sacrifice to the goddess of love in the temple on the island of Cythera, he saw Helen (the most beautiful woman in the world at that time) entering the temple to make an offering.Paris was speechless with admiration as she walked in, almost unable to control himself. He had heard of Helen's beauty and found her even…

Jin Jun Mei, a name that shines like a brilliant pearl in the tea world, has captivated countless tea enthusiasts with its unique qualities and flavors. To truly appreciate the extraordinary allure of Jin Jun Mei, the correct brewing and tasting methods are essential. Today, we will delve into how to brew and taste this gem among teas, guiding you through each step and savoring every nuance. I. The Unique Charm of Jin Jun Mei Jin Jun Mei, as a representative of high-end black teas, is highly regarded for its golden, translucent infusion, distinctive aroma, and rich flavor. Its leaves are selected from premium tea trees in Xingcun, Wuyi Mountain, meticulously picked and processed to present a tight, golden appearance. Once brewed, the tea emits an enchanting floral and fruity fragrance with a robust yet sweet aftertaste, leaving a lasting impression. II. Careful Preparation Before Brewing Before brewing Jin Jun Mei, it's important to prepare adequately to ensure the perfect presentation of the tea's unique flavors. Firstly, selecting high-quality Jin Jun Mei leaves is crucial. When choosing, focus on the appearance, aroma, and taste. High-quality Jin Jun Mei leaves have a tight, sturdy shape, a golden luster, and emit a…

Audiences buy popcorn and drinks at a cinema in Yubei District of Chongqing, southwest China, July 30, 2023. ( tasteallchina /Chu Jiayin) BEIJING, May 19 ( tasteallchina ) -- Chinese comedy "The Last Frenzy" claimed the top spot on the daily box office chart in the Chinese mainland on Saturday, data from the China Movie Data Information Network showed. The film, exploring life's choices in the face of death, raked in 20.11 million yuan (about 2.83 million U.S. dollars) on the 18th day of its release. It was followed by domestic crime thriller "Hovering Blade" with 18.55 million yuan of daily box office sales. Hong Kong action crime thriller "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In" came in third with a daily earning of 17.2 million yuan. The Chinese mainland's box office revenue totaled 111.49 million yuan on Saturday.

BEIJING, June 11 ( tasteallchina ) -- China looks forward to strengthening exchanges and cooperation with all parties to let world heritage shine brighter, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday, adding that world heritage protection requires intercultural dialogue and cooperation. June 8 was China's eighth Cultural and Natural Heritage Day. At a daily news briefing, spokesperson Lin Jian elaborated on China's efforts and achievements in world heritage protection, noting that China is one of the world's leading countries in terms of world heritage. "We now have 57 world heritage sites, ranking second in the world, and have the world's largest number of world natural heritage sites as well as cultural and natural heritage sites," he said. China attaches great importance to world heritage protection, Lin said. Since joining the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage in 1985, China has made steady progress in this field, ensured rigorous protection and sustainable utilization of natural and cultural heritage in a balanced way, and promoted the conservation and development of the fine Chinese history and culture, he added. Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, China has made heritage protection part and parcel of efforts to…

In the vast world of tea, white tea stands out with its unique freshness and elegance, much like a tranquil recluse hidden amidst lush greenery. It requires no elaborate embellishment; just a pot of boiling water to reveal its purest essence. However, there are some misconceptions about brewing white tea, particularly the notion that it needs to be steeped for a long time to develop flavor. This not only misunderstands the true nature of white tea but can also ruin its inherent grace. Let's delve into the proper way to brew white tea, ensuring every cup is at its best. I. The Elegance of White Tea: The Art of Quick Brewing White tea, in its natural state with minimal processing, retains the most original aroma and taste of the leaf. High-quality white tea has a fresh fragrance, a sweet taste, and a lingering aftertaste. The correct brewing method not only awakens the inner charm of white tea but also prevents it from becoming bitter. Boiling water and quick brewing are key to releasing the essence of white tea. It's like an instant symphony where the leaves and water meet briefly to create the most harmonious melody. Incorrect prolonged steeping, however,…

The heart of a vegetable is the tender center, such as the hearts of Chinese cabbage, rape, and lettuce. Because the heart is very tender, dishes made with it are crisp and delicious. So how do you make delicious dishes with cabbage hearts? Whether stir-fried, served cold, or in soups, cabbage hearts can be prepared in various ways, offering a refreshing taste that clears the stomach and helps cut through greasy foods. Next, let's introduce how to cook delicious dishes using cabbage hearts!How to Make Tasty, Heat-Clearing Chinese Cabbage HeartsIngredients Preparation400g Chinese cabbage hearts. Salt, sugar, rice vinegar, Sichuan pepper, dried chili peppers, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and vegetable oil as needed.Cooking Steps1. Separate the cabbage hearts and wash them clean. Drain thoroughly, then slice them horizontally into long sections and vertically into thin strips. Sprinkle an appropriate amount of salt and let them sit for 10 minutes. Drain off the water, add sugar, rice vinegar, and MSG, then mix well.2. Pour oil into a pan and heat until it reaches 50% hot, then add Sichuan pepper and dried chili peppers to fry until fragrant. Remove the pepper and chilies.3. Pour the Sichuan pepper oil over the cabbage hearts and mix…

XIAMEN, June 22 ( tasteallchina ) -- The "Looking China Youth Film Project" on Saturday kicked off its cultural experience activities in Xiamen University in east China's Fujian Province. Ten young filmmakers from the United States, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Fiji are involved in the project, which will run till July 6. Paired with Chinese youth, they will head to cities such as Xiamen, Quanzhou, Zhangzhou and Sanming to film a 10-minute documentary, telling their stories about Fujian's unique customs and cultural heritage. Jay Hughlan Hubert, an American professor with the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and instructor of the project in Fujian, said that it is a valuable form of international cultural exchange. "It is not just an opportunity for foreign and Chinese students to work together and make meaningful documentaries about China and the Chinese culture. It's really an honor for these students from abroad to come here and learn about the incredible history and all the great things that make China so wonderful and meaningful," Hubert said. Haden Garcia Gillespie, one of the participants from the United States, said that his film topic is going to be porcelain carving, which is used on the temples' rooftops…