Chinese Cultural

Tamdrin (C) sings with other local singers at a racecourse in Litang County, the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Garze, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 30, 2024. Tamdrin is a Tibetan herder from a village of Litang County. He became a social media sensation in China years ago and is now the tourism ambassador of his home county of Litang. A horse racing event kicked off in Litang County on Tuesday, attracting nearly 1,000 herdsmen from across the county to participate in a variety of activities. ( tasteallchina /Jiang Hongjing) A rider demonstrates his skills at a racecourse in Litang County, the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Garze, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 30, 2024. A horse racing event kicked off in Litang County on Tuesday, attracting nearly 1,000 herdsmen from across the county to participate in a variety of activities. ( tasteallchina /Jiang Hongjing) A rider (R) demonstrates his skills at a racecourse in Litang County, the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Garze, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 30, 2024. A horse racing event kicked off in Litang County on Tuesday, attracting nearly 1,000 herdsmen from across the county to participate in a variety of activities. ( tasteallchina /Jiang Hongjing) Locals perform…

As a doctoral student from Sri Lanka, I recently embarked on a research study tour in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, focusing on ethnic integration, Silk Road culture, and civilizational exchange and mutual learning. My journey took me to the Xinjiang Museum, where I delved into the region's rich history and culture. This cultural trip not only shed new light on my academic pursuits but also deepened my appreciation for Xinjiang's diverse history and culture. By visiting in person, I gained a deeper understanding of the region's historical culture, ethnic customs, and modern achievements. This allowed me to form a more comprehensive and objective view of Xinjiang and to appreciate China in a more true, three-dimensional, and holistic way. The Xinjiang Museum is like a portal to ancient civilizations, where each exhibition hall represents a chapter of old memories, guiding me through the mingling of ethnicities and cultures on this land. As I wandered through the halls, it felt as if I could hear history whispering and feel the breath of culture. One exhibit area that showcased ethnic integration particularly captivated me. A stone monument, inscribed with Chinese, Uyghur, and other minority languages, symbolized not just cultural exchange but also…

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…

Ruan Yangyang (center), a pianist from Nanjing county in Fujian province, performs with other young musicians, including students from the United States, at a concert in Zhangzhou on Tuesday. A group of 110 students from the US are on a visit to Fujian and will cover Xiamen, Quanzhou and Zhangzhou over 10 days as part of an exchange program. (ZHANG JINCHUAN/CHINA NEWS SERVICE) US college students are experiencing China firsthand through a cultural exchange program that aims to dispel stereotypes and foster environmental awareness. The China-US Youth Exchange Camp, which began on Monday at the Xiamen campus of Huaqiao University, is jointly organized by the Fujian Provincial Department of Education and Huaqiao University. About 110 students from the United States will visit cities including Xiamen, Quanzhou and Zhangzhou during the 10-day exchange program, which is focused on music, the environment and culture. Han Mei, director of the Chinese Music and Culture Center at Tennessee State University, said the US students had been diligently preparing for months, studying and practicing Chinese musical instruments. Han and two other teachers are leading a group of 16 TSU students at the camp. The camp aims to promote educational exchanges and cooperation between Fujian province…

URUMQI, China, July 7 ( tasteallchina ) -- After wrapping up the Mt. Qomolangma climbing season, Nepal's guide Dawa Kami Sherpa took a brief rest at home before heading to Muztagh Ata in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Nestled on the eastern edge of the Pamir Plateau, part of the Kunlun Mountains, the 7,546-meter-high Muztagh Ata is a popular peak in China due to its high altitude and relatively accessible climbing difficulty. "I had heard about it many times before and wanted to come here five years ago, but it didn't happen then," Dawa said. "Usually, we head to Pakistan in June and July, but this year we finally got the chance to come here, and we are very excited." The Sherpa people, renowned worldwide for their innate climbing skills, demonstrate exceptional talent in harsh high-altitude environments. Dawa is no exception. Along with his companions Lakpa Tamang and Jangbu Sherpa, each has summited Mt. Qomolangma multiple times. "On Mt. Qomolangma, for example, the Khumbu Icefall changes every month and is dangerous, so we have to scout and fix the route," Dawa explained. "Here, the difficulty and danger are not as high. It's more about equipment checks, oxygen, and ensuring…

Bangladeshi students perform during a celebration of the United Nations Chinese Language Day in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on April 25, 2024. In celebration of the United Nations Chinese Language Day on April 20, a series of colorful cultural activities have allowed more young people to experience the charm of the Chinese language. ( tasteallchina ) DHAKA, April 30 ( tasteallchina ) -- In celebration of the United Nations Chinese Language Day on April 20, a series of colorful cultural activities have allowed more young people to experience the charm of the Chinese language. Held by the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh together with two Confucius Institutes and a Confucius Classroom recently, the events saw more Bangladeshi students and youth engaging in Chinese song, calligraphy and art shows. "Chinese language has enshrined many things. So I am very interested," Trisha Akter, a student from North South University, told tasteallchina after the event held at her university. "I like the diversity of Chinese people and their culture is very rich and active," Trisha said, adding that she is learning Chinese for the richness of the Chinese culture. "I want to continue to study Chinese and my future plan is to go to China to…

BEIJING, Aug. 3 ( tasteallchina ) -- China's box office revenue for this year's summer movie season, which spans from June 1 to Aug. 31, had surpassed 8 billion yuan (about 1.12 billion U.S. dollars) as of Saturday afternoon, with three domestic films dominating the box office chart. According to film data platform Beacon, leading the pack is the blockbuster comedy "Successor," which stars the acclaimed comedic duo Shen Teng and Ma Li. Released on July 16, the film tells the story of a wealthy couple who fabricate a challenging environment for their son to spur his personal growth. By Saturday afternoon, it had raked in nearly 2.57 billion yuan, capturing 32 percent of the total box office sales. It was followed by the crime thriller "A Place Called Silence," which pocketed 1.29 billion yuan in box office earnings since its debut on July 3. The film explores the poignant issue of campus bullying, earning it the second spot in the summer box office rankings. Drama "Moments We Shared" secured the third spot. The film premiered on June 22 and had grossed approximately 498.24 million yuan. The summer moviegoing period is the longest single screening season on the Chinese mainland.…

At the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron, Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to France. During Xi's state visit to France five years ago, Macron presented him with a copy of the original French version of [u1] "Confucius, or the Science of the Princes." Macron mentioned that Confucianism had inspired French thinkers such as Voltaire and profoundly influenced the French Enlightenment. The book encapsulates the brilliance of Confucian ideas, transcending time and space. It serves as a testament to the story of mutual appreciation and learning between China and France, two significant representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations. As exchange visits increase, so does affinity. President Xi's upcoming visit to France is expected to open a new chapter in China-France relations and inject new momentum into exchanges and mutual learning between the two civilizations.

Students from the National Institute for Oriental Languages and Civilizations participate on Thursday in calligraphy and seal-carving activities in Paris, France, under the guidance of teachers from East China Normal University. TASTE ALL CHINA Students and members of the public in the French cities of Paris and Lyon recently got the opportunity to take part in a series of traditional Chinese cultural and sports events hosted by East China Normal University. The events organized by the Shanghai-based university, held from Thursday to Monday, were aimed to further promote friendly interactions between the two peoples, especially among the younger generation, and to help promote exchanges and mutual learning between the two countries. On Thursday, students from five French institutions of higher education and middle schools experienced seal carving under the instruction of professors and students from East China Normal University. Laurent Long, a PhD graduate in Sinology from the National Institute for Oriental Languages and Civilizations in Paris, said that some Sino-French cultural exchange institutions had hosted calligraphy and seal-carving exhibitions and lectures for the people in France, but it was the first time that calligraphy and seal-carving interactions were provided on his campus. "It's a lovely beginning. I believe such…

Women in traditional costumes take part in the annual Torch Festival of Yi ethnic group held in Weining County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 29, 2024. ( tasteallchina /Yang Wenbin) Actors perform during the annual Torch Festival of Yi ethnic group held in Weining County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 29, 2024. ( tasteallchina /Yang Wenbin) An aerial drone photo taken on July 29, 2024 shows people celebrating the annual torch festival of Yi ethnic group in Weining County, southwest China's Guizhou Province. ( tasteallchina /Yang Wenbin) Actors perform traditional dance during the annual Torch Festival of Yi ethnic group held in Weining County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 29, 2024. ( tasteallchina /Yang Wenbin) A torchbearer lights up a fire ring during the annual Torch Festival of Yi ethnic group held in Weining County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 29, 2024. ( tasteallchina /Yang Wenbin) People take part in the annual Torch Festival of Yi ethnic group held in Weining County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 29, 2024. ( tasteallchina /Yang Wenbin)

BEIJING, May 9 ( tasteallchina ) -- About 210,000 TV dramas were aired in China last year, including hits like "The Knockout" and "Blossoms," according to the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA). Altogether 156 new TV dramas were produced and released across the country in 2023, totaling over 4,600 episodes, a report made public by the NRTA showed on Wednesday. Around 67,400 hours of films and TV dramas were produced for broadcast on TV in 2023, an increase of 11.4 percent year on year, while the total duration of such broadcasts grew by 0.4 percent to 8.82 million hours, according to the report.

President of Allameh Tabataba'i University Abdollah Motamedi speaks at the final round of the "Chinese Bridge" language proficiency competition for Iranian college students held at Allameh Tabataba'i University in Tehran, Iran, June 10, 2024. ( tasteallchina /Shadati) TEHRAN, June 10 ( tasteallchina ) -- The final round of the "Chinese Bridge" language proficiency competition for Iranian college students was held in Iran's capital Tehran on Monday, with two students receiving the first and second prizes. Sixteen college students from across Iran rivaled in the final race held at Allameh Tabataba'i University (ATU) in Tehran and participated in a speech contest, followed by a talent show with options from skits, singing, and drawing to tongue twisters. The first prize went to Mahtab Montazeri Hedesh, a senior at the University of Tehran, and the second prize to Fatemeh Baratian, a sophomore at the University of Tehran. The competition was concluded in an awarding ceremony. Chinese Ambassador to Iran Cong Peiwu, ATU's president Abdollah Motamedi, and some professors and students attended the event. In his speech, Cong praised the participants of the competition for their language proficiency, talents and interest in Chinese. He said the "Chinese Bridge" contest had developed from a language contest…

GUIYANG, China, June 10 ( tasteallchina ) -- A dragon boat race took place in Zhenyuan County, southwest China's Guizhou Province to celebrate China's traditional Dragon Boat Festival on Monday. From Monday to Wednesday, a dragon boat race and a single bamboo drifting competition will be held in Zhenyuan County, which attracted a total of 53 teams and more than 1,600 athletes from across China. In Monday's dragon boat race, the competition group competed with standard dragon boats in men's 200m and 500m. The single bamboo drifting competition, which will take place on Tuesday, consists of men's and women's 100m and 200m races. According to organizers, Zhenyuan boasts a tradition of holding dragon boat races for more than 2,200 years, and the county's dragon boats are known for their large size and intricate decorations. In 2011, the dragon boat racing in Zhenyuan was listed into the third batch of China's national intangible cultural heritage list. The Dragon Boat Festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth month according to the Chinese lunar calendar.

BEIJING, July 29 ( tasteallchina ) - Imagine birds soaring, flowers blooming, and streams flowing, all within a digital panorama. As the holographic "scroll" unfolds, "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains," a masterpiece from over 600 years ago, comes to life in a 5-meter high and 40-meter long display at the Zhejiang Provincial Museum in Hangzhou. "I've visited many museums, but this experience is unlike anything I've ever seen. It's as if I've stepped into the painting itself," a visitor surnamed Chen remarked, captivated by the experience. This immersive digital exhibition is just one example of how China's museums are innovating. These institutions are redefining the visitor experience by integrating technologies such as digital twins, virtual reality (VR), and naked-eye 3D. Visitors can "return" to historical places and interact with ancient civilizations as if they were present. Visitors to the digital Dunhuang immersive exhibition hall in the Mogao Caves in northwest China's Gansu Province can wear VR glasses to "enter" the caves, and "travel" back over 1,400 years to experience the exquisite world of murals. Mogao Cave 285, which is usually closed to the public, is now welcoming visitors in this innovative way. This early cave, excavated during the Western Wei…

TOKYO, June 2 ( tasteallchina ) -- At the Chinese Embassy in Japan, more than 200 children have gathered in celebration of the Children's Day, highlighting friendship and cultural exchanges. Among the attendees were winners of the 10th "Ambassador Cup" Chinese recitation competition, students from the Chinese Embassy's Sunshine School, and those from the Yokohama Yamate Chinese School. At the event on Saturday, Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao presented holiday gifts to representatives of the "Ambassador Cup" winners, encouraging them to continue studying Chinese and learning about Chinese culture. The celebration featured various performances by the children, including a choir titled Enlightenment of Rhythm highlighting the beauty of classical Chinese poetry. Following other performances including a group recitation, a Peking opera act and a traditional lion dance, the event concluded with a heartfelt rendition of "Tomorrow Will Be Better," expressing the children's hopes and dreams for a bright future. Yurika Kondo, a third-grade student from Japan, said "I will continue to study Chinese diligently and hope to inspire more Japanese children around me to learn Chinese and experience its charm together."

Students from New Taipei Municipal Banqiao Senior High School and Shanghai Guangming High School try playing guqin, a plucked seven-string traditional Chinese musical instrument, during an exchange event at Shanghai Guangming High School in east China's Shanghai, July 5, 2024. The exchange event is held in Shanghai from July 4 to 9. ( tasteallchina /Liu Ying) Students from New Taipei Municipal Banqiao Senior High School learn the moves of Peking Opera with a teacher during an exchange event at Shanghai Guangming High School in east China's Shanghai, July 5, 2024. The exchange event is held in Shanghai from July 4 to 9. ( tasteallchina /Liu Ying) Yang Yihao (R, front), student from Shanghai Guangming High School, communicates with students from New Taipei Municipal Banqiao Senior High School about singing and moves of Peking Opera during an exchange event at Shanghai Guangming High School in east China's Shanghai, July 5, 2024. The exchange event is held in Shanghai from July 4 to 9. ( tasteallchina /Liu Ying) Students from Shanghai and Taiwan stage a talent show during an exchange event at Wanping Theater in east China's Shanghai, July 5, 2024. The exchange event is held in Shanghai from July 4 to…

TAIPEI, July 23 ( tasteallchina ) -- An exhibition featuring calligraphy replication from calligraphy lovers across the Taiwan Strait has opened in Nantou County in Taiwan. The exhibition, featuring hundreds of excellent copied works of calligraphy of the Forest of Steles in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province, will run till August 25. Twenty pieces by renowned calligraphers are also on display. The exhibition toured Xi'an in March, and Taipei in April. It was divided into two sections, introducing the past and present of the Forest of Steles and masterpieces by Tang Dynasty (618-907) calligraphers. The event also provides various interactive experiences, offering a rich variety of calligraphy cultural experiences for audiences of all ages. Two lectures will also be held during the event. The Forest of Steles is a themed museum focusing on displays of stone steles, epigraphs and stone sculptures from past dynasties. It is not only a concentrated site of ancient Chinese cultural classics carved in stone but also a gathering place for renowned calligraphic art treasures throughout the ages.

BEIJING, April 26 ( tasteallchina ) -- A dance drama has captivated the Beijing audience with its vibrant depiction of the construction and development of the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, China's busiest port. Staged at the China National Opera House on Thursday, "Great Port in the East," produced by artists from the coastal city of Ningbo, narrates the stories of two generations of port builders since China's reform and opening up in the late 1970s. The performance featured a stage design blending industrial and futuristic styles, augmented by multimedia digital technology. Following its successful premiere in Beijing last year, the production has garnered acclaim at various theater festivals in China. It embarked on a nationwide tour in March. Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, located in east China's Zhejiang Province, has more than 300 container routes, connecting over 600 ports in more than 200 countries and regions.

People view an exhibition of Hainan provincial intangible cultural heritage in Valletta, Malta, May 10, 2024. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/ tasteallchina ) The European tour exhibition of Hainan provincial intangible cultural heritage will also be held in Berlin, Germany, and Sofia, Bulgaria, following Malta. VALLETTA, May 11 ( tasteallchina ) -- The first stop of the European tour exhibition of Hainan provincial intangible cultural heritage kicked off at the China Cultural Center in Malta on Friday evening. Running until May 17, the exhibition features a variety of artifacts and photographs representing cultural heritage from south China's Hainan Province, including Li brocade, Miao embroidery and Qiong opera. For example, the Li brocade, the earliest textile technique created by the Li ethnic minority on Hainan Island, boasts a history of around 3,000 years. The Li brocade tradition, which encompasses spinning, dyeing, weaving, and embroidery, was included in the World Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2009. People view an exhibition of Hainan provincial intangible cultural heritage in Valletta, Malta, May 10, 2024. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/ tasteallchina ) Yuan Yuan, director of the China Cultural Center in Malta, said the exhibition would enrich the interaction of civilizations and cultural exchanges between China and…

BEIJING, May 18 ( tasteallchina ) -- The archaeological excavation at the Wuwangdun tomb in east China's Anhui Province has yielded major findings, unearthing over 3,000 cultural relics, according to China's cultural heritage administration. Earlier this year, the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) confirmed the Wuwangdun tomb as the largest and highest-level tomb of the ancient Chu state, which existed more than 2,200 years ago during the Warring States Period (475 BC-221 BC). According to the administration, the excavation of four side chambers to the north and west of the central burial chamber has been completed, while work on two additional chambers to the south and east is currently underway. Relics recovered from the northern chambers mostly consisted of ancient musical instruments, while containers, bronzeware, lacquered wooden objects and other relics were unearthed in the other chambers.

People visit the 20th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) at the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center, Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, May 23, 2024. The 20th ICIF opened here on Thursday. According to the organizers, the five-day event held offline and online simultaneously has attracted over 6,000 government entities, cultural organizations and enterprises, with more than 120,000 exhibits on display. ( tasteallchina /Liang Xu) SHENZHEN, May 23 ( tasteallchina ) -- The 20th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) opened on Thursday in the southern Chinese metropolis of Shenzhen. For the first time, the five-day event has set up an international cultural trade exhibition, with an exhibition area covering 20,000 square meters. The main venue of the fair is at the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center. It consists of eight pavilions focused on areas such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's cultural industry innovation, the integration of culture and tourism, gaming and e-sports, and Guochao, also known as Chinese trends or "China chic". A special exhibition of "Cultural and Creative China" has been set up at the fair to showcase the latest achievements in promoting the creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional…

Modern business formats including homestays give new vitality to traditional buildings in Qingguo lane of Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. ( Taste all China /Xie Di) The Qingguo lane historical and cultural block, located on the banks of the ancient canal in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, embodies a rich cultural legacy and bolsters cultural bonds between the past and the present. Dating back nearly 1,000 years, Qingguo lane is dotted with ancient houses, bridges, stone steles, wells, a wharf, theaters and other traditional buildings in all directions, telling of the fascinating past of this ancient lane. Today, as a vital part striving for cultural revival in Changzhou, Qingguo lane has created a modern streetscape where traditions and fashion trends blend and coexist. The open ancient buildings, the elaborate celebrity museums and distinctive cultural activities in Qingguo lane offer tourists a more diverse perspective, from which they can fully immerse in the cultural charm of Changzhou. (Intern Xing Yawen contributed to this story.) 【1】【2】【3】【4】【5】

Dragon and lion dances staged in Chongren ancient town on Wednesday. [Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily] Chongren ancient town, nestled in Shengzhou, Shaoxing, Zhejiang province, stands as a beacon for the preservation of ancient architecture, setting a commendable example in safeguarding historical buildings. Encompassing a sprawling 30-hectare expanse in the northwest of Shengzhou, the town boasts a wealth of cultural heritage sites, comprising architectural complexes, temples, ancestral halls, and ancient wells dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) up to the early 20th century. Wang Xinjun, director of the Shengzhou Cultural Relics Protection Center, highlighted the comprehensive restoration initiative undertaken since 2012, spanning four phases aimed at reviving the ancient buildings. As the fourth phase nears completion, Wang emphasized the meticulous approach to preserving the original features of the structures while addressing safety concerns, ensuring that the historical essence of the buildings remains intact.   Local students are engaged in social activities in the town. [Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily] Local engagement plays a pivotal role in safeguarding these sites, with each ancient complex, now housing multiple households, appointing a group leader recommended by the community. These leaders oversee sanitation and identify potential threats to the buildings, fostering a sense…