China is wonderous and awe-inspiring. It has a history of five thousand years. It is the only continuous ancient civilization. Other ancient civilizations have changed, discontinued, withered or perished. Why is it so enduring? Why is it so coherent, often sticking to itself, remaining undivided? Why is it so dynamic, always able to revive, regenerate and revitalise itself? Why is it an immortal phoenix able to rise again on its ashes? These are enduring questions. Nobody can give a complete answer, full stop. They will stimulate intellect, provoke interest, engage investigation. > read more
Chinese Traditional Painting - Baishi
Qi Baishi (1863-1957) is one of the most celebrated contemporary Chinese artists. His life shows that he had achieved success by combining talent with hard work. He was born in a peasant family in Xiangtan County, Hunan Province. At the age of eight he went to school, but a year later, he quit because of illness.
Chinese Traditional Opera - Beijing
Among the hundreds of forms of opera throughout China, Beijing Opera has had the greatest influence, and is therefore regarded as the national form.
Chinese Customs & Festivals
Duan Wu, or the Dragon Boat Festival, falls on the
fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar.
During the festival there are dragon boat races, and
people eat zongzi, pyramid-shaped dumplings wrapped
in bamboo or reed leaves. They are made of glutinous
rice and stuffed with pork, ham, chicken, dates, or
sweet bean paste.
Revised June 20, 2011