TRADITIONAL CULTURE

Prayers, Calligraphy, and Hanfu: How Chinese Kids Usher in Their First Day of School

Incoming first-graders in China participate in the “First Writing Ceremonies” before starting elementary school to better their chances of a gainful education

TRADITIONAL CULTURE

Why are Chinese Doctors’ Offices Full of Red Pennants?

The bestowing of red pennants, or “jinqi,” has evolved from a simple acknowledgment of appreciation to a token for career advancement and even a means to subvert authority

TRADITIONAL CULTURE

The Fast and Furious Dragon Boat Racers of Foshan

In Foshan, the Ming-dynasty tradition of dragon boat racing continues to draw daring local competitors and big crowds

TRADITIONAL CULTURE

China’s Forgotten Tulou Buildings and Their Last Residents

Life in Guangdong’s ancient, neglected, and crumbling “Earth Buildings”

TRADITIONAL CULTURE

Flames of Fortune: A Chinese Village’s Fiery Leap into the Lunar New Year

The people of Zhengpan celebrate the Lunar New Year by charging into flames for good fortune

TRADITIONAL CULTURE

How One Village Sows the Seeds of Wealth at Lunar New Year

The people of Fengxi village celebrate the Lunar New Year with a unique folk ritual involving sugarcane, deities, and fire

TRADITIONAL CULTURE

Celebrating Chinese Little New Year

China’s Lunar New Year celebrations begin with rituals and offerings to the kitchen god

TRADITIONAL CULTURE

Ban or Bang? China’s Fireworks Paradox

Why does the land that invented fireworks and firecrackers prohibit them in so many places?

TRADITIONAL CULTURE

Marketplace of Memories

Capturing Shandong’s market culture as it evolves with the times

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TRADITIONAL CULTURE

How China’s Dancing Lions Get Their Heads

Peek inside the workshop of a Chinese artisan, who is trying to keep alive the centuries-old craft of making “heads” for traditional lion dance