Spring flowers walking tour of ShangHai

University exchange to SanYa University 三亚 大学 (SānYà DàXué), HaiNan, plus a trip to south YunNan ...

美國大叔賣掉房屋，移居中國14年：在百年老宅找到人生理想

With All By Ana Paula ...

In AnHui province.

Introduction China's traditional arts and crafts reflect its rich cultural heritage and diverse ethnic backgrounds. These art forms have been passed down through generations, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and profound cultural significance. Here are the top 50 traditional Chinese arts and crafts, along with their origins and associated ethnicities. 1. Chinese Calligraphy (书法, Shūfǎ) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Chinese calligraphy is the art of writing Chinese characters with a brush and ink. It is highly regarded for its aesthetic qualities and expressive potential. 2. Chinese Painting (国画, Guóhuà) Origin: Neolithic Period Ethnicity: Han Traditional Chinese painting involves brushwork on paper or silk, depicting landscapes, flowers, birds, and human figures. 3. Cloisonné (景泰蓝, Jǐngtàilán) Origin: Yuan Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Cloisonné is an ancient technique for decorating metalwork objects with enamel, featuring intricate patterns and vibrant colors. 4. Chinese Embroidery (刺绣, Cìxiù) Origin: Zhou Dynasty Ethnicity: Han, Miao, Yi, Zhuang Chinese embroidery is a decorative art that involves stitching intricate patterns onto fabrics using silk or cotton threads. 5. Paper Cutting (剪纸, Jiǎnzhǐ) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Paper cutting is a folk art where designs are cut into paper, traditionally used for window decorations and festival celebrations. 6. Porcelain (瓷器, Cíqì) Origin: Shang Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Chinese porcelain, known for its delicate beauty and durability, has been highly prized for centuries and is often decorated with intricate designs. 7. Jade Carving (玉雕, Yùdiāo) Origin: Neolithic Period Ethnicity: Han Jade carving is the art of shaping jade into ornaments, figurines, and ritual objects, revered for its beauty and spiritual significance. 8. Chinese Opera Masks (戏曲面具, Xìqǔ Miànjù) Origin: Tang Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Opera masks are used in traditional Chinese theater to represent various characters and their traits through colors and patterns. 9. Silk Weaving (丝织, Sīzhī) Origin: Shang Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Silk weaving is an ancient craft involving the production of silk fabric, known for its smooth texture and luxurious appearance. 10. Chinese Knotting (中国结, Zhōngguó Jié) Origin: Tang and Song Dynasties Ethnicity: Han Chinese knotting is the art of creating decorative knots using a single length of cord, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. 11. Bronze Casting (青铜铸造, Qīngtóng Zhùzào) Origin: Shang Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Bronze casting is an ancient method of creating bronze objects, including vessels, weapons, and ritual items, through mold casting. 12. Batik (蜡染, Làrǎn) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Miao, Buyi Batik is a traditional textile art involving wax-resist dyeing, creating intricate patterns on fabric, commonly practiced by the Miao and Buyi people. 13. Lacquerware (漆器, Qīqì) Origin: Neolithic Period Ethnicity: Han Lacquerware involves coating objects with lacquer to create a hard, shiny surface, often decorated with intricate designs and inlays. 14. Bamboo Weaving (竹编, Zhúbiān) Origin: Zhou Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Bamboo weaving is the craft of creating items like baskets, mats, and furniture using bamboo strips, valued for its durability and flexibility. 15. Chinese Puppetry (木偶戏, Mù'ǒuxì) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Chinese puppetry involves using hand-crafted puppets to perform traditional stories and plays, combining art, music, and storytelling. 16. Thangka Painting (唐卡, Tángkǎ) Origin: 7th Century Ethnicity: Tibetan Thangka painting is a Tibetan Buddhist art form that involves creating religious images on cloth, used for meditation and teaching. 17. Pottery (陶器, Táoqì) Origin: Neolithic Period Ethnicity: Han Pottery is one of the earliest forms of Chinese art, with hand-crafted ceramic vessels used for cooking, storage, and rituals. 18. Chinese Shadow Puppetry (皮影戏, Píyǐngxì) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Shadow puppetry involves manipulating flat puppets behind a screen to create shadows, telling stories with music and narration. 19. Rattan Weaving (藤编, Téngbiān) Origin: Ancient Times Ethnicity: Dai, Li Rattan weaving is the craft of making furniture, baskets, and other items using rattan, commonly practiced by the Dai and Li ethnic groups. 20. Dough Figurines (面人, Miànrén) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Dough figurines are traditional folk art made from colored dough, sculpted into various characters, animals, and scenes. 21. Silver Jewelry Making (银饰, Yínshì) Origin: Tang Dynasty Ethnicity: Miao, Yi Silver jewelry making involves crafting intricate silver ornaments, often worn during festivals and ceremonies by the Miao and Yi people. 22. Chinese Seal Carving (篆刻, Zhuànkè) Origin: Zhou Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Seal carving is the art of engraving characters or designs onto stone or wood seals, used for stamping documents and artwork. 23. Tangka Embroidery (唐卡刺绣, Tángkǎ Cìxiù) Origin: 7th Century Ethnicity: Tibetan Tangka embroidery combines traditional embroidery techniques with religious themes, creating elaborate and colorful textile art. 24. Peking Opera Costumes (京剧服装, Jīngjù Fúzhuāng) Origin: Qing Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Peking Opera costumes are elaborate and symbolic garments worn by performers, representing different characters and social statuses. 25. Wooden Fish Carving (木鱼雕刻, Mùyú Diāokè) Origin: Tang Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Wooden fish carving is a traditional craft involving the creation of wooden fish sculptures, often used in Buddhist temples as percussion instruments. 26. Tie-Dye (扎染, Zhārǎn) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Bai Tie-dye is a textile art practiced by the Bai people, involving the tying and dyeing of fabric to create intricate patterns and designs. 27. Paper Fans (纸扇, Zhǐshàn) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Paper fans are traditional hand-held fans made from paper and bamboo, often decorated with calligraphy and paintings. 28. Dragon and Lion Dance (舞龙舞狮, Wǔlóng Wǔshī) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han The dragon and lion dance are traditional Chinese performances involving large, colorful costumes, performed during festivals to bring good luck. 29. Ethnic Costumes (民族服饰, Mínzú Fúshì) Origin: Varies Ethnicity: Various (e.g., Yi, Zhuang, Miao) Ethnic costumes are traditional garments worn by various ethnic groups in China, each with distinct styles, colors, and patterns reflecting their culture. 30. Kesi Weaving (缂丝, Kēsī) Origin: Tang Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Kesi weaving is a highly intricate form of silk tapestry weaving, creating detailed and colorful patterns often used for clothing and artwork. 31. Woodblock Printing (木版画, Mùbǎn Huà) Origin: Tang Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Woodblock printing is a technique for printing text, images, and patterns, involving carving designs into wooden blocks and pressing them onto paper or fabric. 32. Shadow Play (皮影戏, Píyǐngxì) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Shadow play is a traditional form of storytelling using silhouetted figures manipulated behind a translucent screen, accompanied by music and narration. 33. Chinese Garden Design (中国园林, Zhōngguó Yuánlín) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Chinese garden design is the art of creating harmonious landscapes that combine natural elements like rocks, water, and plants with architecture and art. 34. Miao Silver Jewelry (苗银, Miáo Yín) Origin: Qing Dynasty Ethnicity: Miao Miao silver jewelry is known for its intricate designs and craftsmanship, often worn during festivals and ceremonies by the Miao people. 35. Chinese Paper Umbrellas (油纸伞, Yóuzhǐ Sǎn) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Paper umbrellas are traditional umbrellas made from oiled paper and bamboo, used for protection against rain and sun, and as decorative items. 36. Tibetan Thangka Painting (唐卡, Tángkǎ) Origin: 7th Century Ethnicity: Tibetan Tibetan Thangka painting involves creating religious images on cloth, used for meditation and teaching in Tibetan Buddhism. 37. Chinese Shadow Puppetry (皮影戏, Píyǐngxì) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Shadow puppetry is a traditional form of storytelling using silhouetted figures manipulated behind a translucent screen, accompanied by music and narration. 38. Hunan Embroidery (湘绣, Xiāngxiù) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Hunan embroidery is a traditional Chinese embroidery style known for its fine craftsmanship and lifelike images, often depicting nature and animals. 39. Guizhou Batik (贵州蜡染, Guìzhōu Làrǎn) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Miao, Buyi Guizhou batik is a traditional textile art involving wax-resist dyeing, creating intricate patterns on fabric, commonly practiced by the Miao and Buyi people. 40. Tibetan Rugs (藏毯, Zàngtǎn) Origin: 7th Century Ethnicity: Tibetan Tibetan rugs are hand-woven woolen rugs known for their vibrant colors and intricate designs, used for both practical and decorative purposes. 41. Hanfu Clothing (汉服, Hànfú) Origin: Zhou Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Hanfu is traditional Chinese clothing worn by the Han people, characterized by flowing robes, wide sleeves, and intricate embroidery. 42. Tibetan Singing Bowls (西藏唱盘, Xīzàng Chàngpán) Origin: 8th Century Ethnicity: Tibetan Tibetan singing bowls are metal bowls that produce a resonant sound when struck or rubbed, used in meditation and healing practices. 43. Manchu Embroidery (满绣, Mǎnxiù) Origin: Qing Dynasty Ethnicity: Manchu Manchu embroidery is a traditional embroidery style known for its intricate designs and vibrant colors, often depicting nature and animals. 44. Suzhou Embroidery (苏绣, Sūxiù) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Suzhou embroidery is a highly detailed and refined embroidery style known for its realistic images and delicate stitching, often depicting landscapes and flowers. 45. Traditional Chinese Musical Instruments (传统乐器, Chuántǒng Yuèqì) Origin: Various Ethnicity: Various Traditional Chinese musical instruments include the guzheng, erhu, pipa, and dizi, each with its own unique sound and playing technique, used in various forms of Chinese music. 46. Tibetan Butter Sculpture (酥油花, Sūyóu Huā) Origin: 7th Century Ethnicity: Tibetan Tibetan butter sculpture is a traditional art form involving the creation of intricate sculptures from colored butter, often used in religious ceremonies. 47. Yi Embroidery (彝绣, Yíxiù) Origin: Ancient Times Ethnicity: Yi Yi embroidery is a traditional embroidery style known for its bold colors and geometric patterns, often depicting nature and cultural symbols. 48. Dong Brocade (侗锦, Dòngjǐn) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Dong Dong brocade is a traditional textile art practiced by the Dong people, known for its intricate patterns and vibrant colors, often used for clothing and household items. 49. Zhuang Brocade (壮锦, Zhuàngjǐn) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Zhuang Zhuang brocade is a traditional textile art practiced by the Zhuang people, known for its intricate patterns and vibrant colors, often used for clothing and household items. 50. Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony (茶道, Chá Dào) Origin: Tang Dynasty Ethnicity: Han The traditional Chinese tea ceremony is a cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of tea, reflecting Chinese values of harmony, respect, and tranquility. Conclusion These traditional Chinese arts and crafts offer a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage, showcasing the creativity and skill of various ethnic groups. They continue to be celebrated and preserved, contributing to the vibrant cultural tapestry of China.

With Pascal Coppens ... YT comments : As an ABC, I have traveled to China over a dozen times over the last 40 years. The changes over this period have been breathtaking, but the biggest change has been the deliverance of nearly 800,000,000 citizens out of poverty. Gob-smacked Americans are agape but have gone out of their way to minimize and demonize any Chinese accomplishments. It is getting tiresome hearing racist, biased Western politicians cry about "potential national security" risks. I just returned from another phenomenal trip to China (Shenzhen and Chengdu). Based on my interactions with friends and relatives in China, they are not preoccupied with Anti-American sentiment. America's hysteria about all things Chinese is rooted in unadulterated racism and the inability to accept that China could EVER be a formidable rival." "The following article is written by Ismail Bashmori, he is an Egyptian China watcher. The truth is that China is the greatest country on the face of the earth. It makes all other countries look insignificant and contemptible. It is the most brilliant, most industrious, most ambitious, most educated, meritocratic and technocratic, most modern, sophisticated, and civilised, and best-governed by far. . It is the first non-white, non-Western country to reach this status since the 1600s. The determination of this country is indescribable. Supernatural. There is no force that can stop it from accomplishing anything it wants to do. It doesn’t matter who we are. Egyptians, Syrians, Pakistanis, Indians, Africans, even Americans. Next to the Chinese, we are pathetic. We can’t do what they do. We would have a mountain, an Everest of changes to make, and we would whine and bicker and fail at every one of them. China’s story since the 1980s has been one of an almost divine metamorphosis. Next to China the entire Western world from Alaska to New Zealand has stagnated. Next to China the entire developing world from Brazil to Madagascar has progressed only at a crawl. China is the mother of all gargantuan bullet trains. Every day it manages to create something new and astonishing. And unlike the United States, unlike the British Empire, unlike the French, Dutch, Germans, Spanish, Portuguese or any other Western nation that had its turn at being a superpower in the past four centuries, China doesn’t need to run anybody over or take something from somebody else, to rise majestically. China is also standing up to the West all by herself. The West can’t believe their four-hundred-year-old global supremacy is being challenged. They hoped that the more China developed, the more it would submit to their influence, interests, and leadership. That didn’t happen. So now they will do anything possible, short of a nuclear war, to make China end. Their goal is to destroy this country. That’s why, although the United States has killed several million people and turned several regions of the earth into hellscapes. China is the worst fear of our planet’s Western masters. They want you to despise and dread a country that’s done nothing to you, that hasn’t invaded anyone, bombed or sanctioned anyone, that hasn’t overthrown any foreign government, or used its military on anything since 1979. China is the only major country in the nonwhite developing world, to stand up to the West. To look it in the eye when challenged or threatened. The Global South are simply Western puppets who submitted long ago. Even the most powerful ones. Saudi Arabia, Brazil, India. The 1500s—1000s BC were Egypt’s time. Antiquity belonged to the Greeks and Romans. The 1700s belonged to France, and the 1800s to Britain. From 1945 to the present, the world has been under American overlordship. And they call it the Pax Americana but there isn’t much Pax in it. There’s plenty of Pax if you’re in Europe or Australia. But the Middle East? Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Iran and Yemen in the past 20 years. Latin America? They’ve destroyed that part of the world beyond any hope of recovery. Africa? It’s only been spared because of disinterest. The US sees Africa as nothing. The whole West does. But in the twenty-first century, we are witnessing the rise of China. We are decades away from China becoming the greatest power on earth. This will be China’s time, and there’s nothing anyone can do about it. Attack China all you want, curse her and monger rumours and hysteria — but the truth is that none of your accusations are backed up by evidence. The Western press is under the thumb of Western governments that want to stay on top of the world for eternity. And the truth is that China is not affected by the noise and maneuvers of her enemies. For her first thirty years, from 1949 to 1979, China was basically blockaded and isolated economically and politically by the West. It didn’t even have a seat in the UN General Assembly. And it was dirt-poor in those days, barely a speck of the global economy, a tiny fraction of Japan’s or Germany’s GDP — not even able to prevent famine. And it still didn’t submit to pressure or take any orders. Why on earth would it do that now? China will be the next global power. There’s nothing that can be done about that. The first stage is that its economy only needs to grow at 4.7 percent per year to become the world’s largest by 2035. That means the usual, historical bare-minimum of 6 percent is already overkill. The US can build as many bases as it wants, slap as many sanctions as it wants, recognise whatever bogus genocides it wants. That’s what it’s been doing all along. Has any of it made a difference? China can adapt to any situation. It took China a mere ten years to go from being barred by the US Congress from participating in the “International” Space Station, to building its own Space Station from zero.

A 16-year-old girl embarks on a fantastical and dangerous adventure after transforming into a dolphin. When a boy sacrifices himself to save her, she uses magic to bring him back to life -- only to learn that this power comes at a serious price. Directors: Liang Xuan, Chun Zhang "Never short on visual or emotional wonder, Big Fish & Begonia contemplates mortality with the imagination of an old soul who has been given new eyes." In Big Fish and Begonia, viewers are acquainted with characters and deities who are charismatic, flippant, heartbroken, stoic, and all other manners appropriate for an epic fantasy about the emotional inclinations of gods and men ... A wonderful film - don't miss it !

An enchanting water town on the outskirts of Shanghai, ZhuJiaJiao retains it's ancient charm ... The name literally translates as 'Zhu Family home/corner', reflecting its earliest origins. The town lies on the south side of the YangTse River and has many picturesque canals crossed by hundreds of original Ming and Qing dynasty bridges.