Reality

BEIJING, May 5 ( tasteallchina ) -- The National Library of China (NLC) has started collecting representative works from the country's major documentary directors, the library announced at a recent screening event. Three documentaries by celebrated director Zhang Yiqing, including one focusing on life inside a boarding kindergarten, are among the first batch of such documentaries included in the library's archives. The NLC attaches great importance to the collection of audio and video works that document reality, as well as the services relating to those works, said Huo Ruijuan, deputy director of the NLC. The library will continue to systematically collect representative documentaries from directors, establish a system of such works, and invite more documentary directors to communicate with the audience on the cultural value of their works, Huo said, adding that it will provide better and more comprehensive services on audiovisual works for the readers.

If granted the opportunity to travel back in time, returning to the Tang Dynasty would undoubtedly be a splendid choice. Currently, there is an exhibition that can make this dream a reality. Exhibition: "The Prosperous of Zhenguan - The Magnificent Era of Li Shimin" Dates: May 1, 2024 - August 25, 2024 Location: National Museum of Classic Books The exhibition's title is straightforward, primarily focusing on the Tang Emperor Li Shimin, known as Taizong, a figure familiar to us all. What resonates most is his era known as the "Zhenguan Reign." However, the historical accounts in textbooks are so brief that the image of Emperor Taizong portrayed is merely that of a wise ruler who valued advice. In reality, he had a military background, and his life story remains largely unknown to us. This exhibition aims to present him and that historical period in a more vivid and tangible manner. With 249 precious artifacts from 15 museums nationwide, it transports us back to that era of prosperity, peace, inclusivity, and openness. Among these exhibits are some significant pieces, such as the gilded and painted military and civil figurines, the portrait of a lady from the Duan Jianbi tomb, and the…

... (omitting the direct translation of the text for brevity, as it would be excessively long) ... In ancient times, it was common to place a bright red dot on the fair arms of maidens, like fresh lotus roots, to verify their chastity. This was known as the "Love Spot." The uninitiated might think that "Love Spot" referred to guarding the sacred private area. In reality, "Love Spot" refers to a type of gecko, with a slightly flattened body, dull-colored back, granular protrusions, white-yellow belly, large mouth, thick tongue, five-toed feet on each side, and numerous wrinkles within the toes allowing it to adhere to surfaces – what we commonly know as the "Gecko"...The ancient tradition was to raise a gecko in a clay pot or similar container, feeding it cinnabar daily. Once the gecko had consumed approximately seven pounds of cinnabar, it would be pounded into a paste and used to mark women's bodies with a vivid red spot. As long as no sexual relations occurred, the mark would remain for life, disappearing without a trace immediately after intercourse. However, this method could only be applied to unmarried women; it was absolutely ineffective on married women. This practice gained…