Interact China

Dizi 笛子 (flute) is the oldest Han musical instrument discovered so far, and it's also the most representative and ethnically characteristic wind instrument among the Han musical instruments. Most of them are made of bamboo. But they can also be made of wood, jade, stone, or even bones. What is curious is that since 笛 and 涤 have the same pronouciation and 涤 means "wash", people believe that Dizi can cleanse the evil.

In China, teaware is more than some tea making tools. It's sometimes part of the home décor, fitting into the interior design. Teaware can be made of ceramics, glass, zi sha (literally "purple clay" because its surface seems to shine a purple twilight), wood, bamboo, etc., and a whole set of teaware includes teapot, tea cups, tea cup holders, tea bowl, tea strainer, tea tray, and possibly more. The true tea artist would use different shapes of teawares or teawares made of different materials for different types of tea. But even if someone who knows little about tea, his or her family must have at least one set of teaware. That's the Chinese culture!

Can Kungfu artists fly? This might seem to be a funny question, but everyone who has watched films or read novels with kung fu elements can't stop think about it. Why? There is a very special discipline of kungfu called Qing Gong (轻功, skill of being light). Writers depict people who know Qing Gong walking on water, fighting on trees, and moving around in the air without a support point. It's also a great visual enjoyment when these situations come to big screen. But is Qing Gong real? Yes. The core idea of Qing Gong is to be QUICK AND STEADY. To practice Qing Gong, one must have great flexibility, balance, and willpower (to control one's body weight). There are exaggerations in artistic creations such as jumping from ground to a tree's top. But like parkour, if you are agile enough (usually with years of practice), you would be able to move around complex environment (walls, eaves, or some wooden planks floating on the water!).

If you ever watched some Qing palace drama, you might have noticed that many women would wear something on their fingers. They're like thimbles, but long and thin and more exquisite. Is wearing them a stylish choice? Yes and no. They were first invented to protect one's long fingernails because people thought long fingernails were fashionable (and fragile, thus protection is needed). The next thing you know, as time goes by, the fingernail protection gradually becomes fashion itself.

There are many Chinese delicacies. Today let's talk about the palace dim sum. This dim sum is unique, exquisite and delicious! A true work of art. Through these desserts, the luxury and enjoyment of the ancient palace life can be experienced. We can also admire the chef's superb skills. Have you ever tried this dessert before?

The Miao people have always been known for their unique national handicrafts. Today we will take a look at their batik art. Essentially, batik refers to drawing patterns on fabrics, and then using paints to color them. Miao batix consists of using a homemade ladao or knife-like instrument to apply the melted beeswax on a white cloth or fabric. After the wax drawing, the cloth is thrown into a dyeing jar with indigo. Then, the fabrics are put into boiling hot water to remove the beeswax, which reveals beautiful patterns with a unique artistic charm.

When it comes to traditional Chinese musical instruments, Suona is undoubtedly the most distinctive. Its pronunciation is very penetrating and infectious, and it is widely used in folk ceremonial accompaniment such as weddings and funerals. Anyone who has heard it can't forget its unique sound.

The wood-man game that appeared in the TV series "Squid Game" has actually become popular among Chinese folks in the 1980s and is especially loved by children. This kind of game that can gather everyone without need of space or money can develop children's intelligence and physics. Are there traces of this game in your childhood?

Room dividers or Pingfeng (meaning windbreak) were created 3000 years ago for the Emperor. It was placed behind the throne as a symbol of position and power. After its continuous evolution, it can now be used to provide privacy, embellish your living space, or modify a space through Fengshui. The unique design allows Pingfeng to make people feel connected whilst separated. It has both practical and ornamental value, bringing a little taste of the Orient to your home.

One cannot practice kung fu without a pair of comfy, durable kung fu shoes! Kung fu shoe is a type and style of cloth slip-on shoe that is traditionally made in China, and is worn while practicing martial arts. The most common kind is typically black, with minimal lining; it has a low-sided cloth upper, and a pale brown hard plastic sole. But there are also many other versions with beautiful and creative patterns, ornaments, and symbols. If you are an enthusiastic martial arts/tai chi practitioner, or simply someone who wants a pair of comfy shoes for daily casual wear, check out our diverse selections of kung fu shoes at: https://www.interactchina.com/shoes/. Our handmade, premium quality kung fu shoes are designed for maximum traction with the greatest comfort and durability in mind. They are ideal for both your martial arts/tai chi practice as well as day-to-day use!

Feeling blue today? If you know what Ikat is, you may agree that blue is not necessarily a bad thing. Coming from the Malay-Indonesian word mengikat (to tie), Ikat is an ancient textile art particularly diffused in Southeast Asia, particularly in China, Indonesia and Thailand. The technique is complex and time-consuming, mainly consisting in dyeing the cotton yarns before weaving. Named after such a technique, the Ikat fabric can come in a variety of colours and patterns, although one of the most popular variations is the blue-patterned one. Ikat weavers use pigments of indigo, the local plant which famously gives the characteristic colour to denim, to obtain the particularly dense, sky-like blue. This is probably why in Persia Ikat technique is known as abr brandi, which literally means tying the clouds.

The Great Wall is one of the most amazing architectural creations around the world up to date. The purpose of the wall was to safeguard Qin Shi Huang’s territory against intruders or enemies. The 20,000-kilometer network of walls continued to be flourished throughout Qin Dynasty and Ming Dynasty (14the and 17th centuries CE). One surprising fact about the Great Wall is that sticky rice was found in the mortar recipe because the amylopectin substance helped the wall gets enough strength and endurance. How interesting do you think this approach is?

New Year’s Day 2024 is here! Happy New Year everyone!

New Year's Day is an official holiday in many countries, but different countries celebrate the day in unique ways. So what is New Year in China like? How do Chinese people celebrate it? Let’s take a closer look!

In China New Year’s Day is called “元旦 (yuán dàn).” “元 (yuán)” means beginning, and many things that happen first are called, “元(yuán).” For example, in ancient China, “状元 (zhuàng yuan) was the number one scholar in the imperial examination (current-day civil servant exam). “旦 (dàn)” is a pictograph, with the “日 (rì)” on the top meaning the sun, and the “一 (yī)” at the bottom referring to the horizon. Therefore, “旦 (dàn)” means that the sun is rising slowly from the horizon, which indicates the beginning of a new day. Thus, the combination of these two words, “元旦 (yuán dàn),” refers to the first day of the new year.

The legend of “元旦 (yuán dàn)” dates back to the ancient times in China. 4000 years ago, China was a tribe successively led by three great and beloved leaders “尧 (yáo),” “舜 (shùn)” and “禹 (yǔ).” People during that time regarded the day when “舜 (shùn)” held a ritual ceremony for the late leader “尧 (yáo)” as the beginning of the new year. That day is called “元旦 (yuán dàn).” Thus began the tradition in ancient China, where emperors of every dynasty would hold big ceremonies on “元旦 (yuán dàn)” for gods and ancestors, praying for peace and prosperity.

A popular celebration is the holding of the New Year’s Gala by organizations like schools, companies, factories, etc. Nowadays, many people will also go out with their friends for a countdown party to welcome the coming of the new year with hundreds and thousands of people on the squares and malls.

Share the New Year traditions from where you are from in the comment section below!
#2022

Let's get ourselves familiar with Naxi wood craving today!

Naxi tribe has adhered the Dongba civilization about 1000 years ago, which considered humans and nature were brothers, and bestows a spirit of harmony between the heaven and humans. Dongba culture consists of scriptures, paintings, music, dances, ritual implements and religious services, and has preserved them, in particular the scriptures, through the wood carving. In these artworks, you can see their sophisticated carving skill, and their artistic talent with abundant inspiration derived from their unexploited land and nature. Aren't they lovely?

The dragon dance is one of the most recognized traditions all around China during the New Year festival. It was introduced during the Han Dynasty as a symbol of good luck, great power, fertility, dignity and wisdom, hence the longer the dragon formation, the more benefits and happiness the community will receive. The dragon has a bold, rich and unique design, chosen to represent the imperial authority due to its benevolent disposition. Have you ever seen a dragon dance in person? Comment down below!

Have you ever seen this object before? This is called a rattle, which is an ancient Chinese folk musical instrument and toy. When turning the handle in between the hands, the attachments on both sides will hit the drum making a sound. This kind of sound is light and crisp, and the rhythm is joyful. Nowadays it is often used to amuse children, becoming a common folk toy.

If you ever have the chance to visit China, don't miss the beautiful Suzhou classical gardens. The ancient Chinese people pursued harmony with nature, so in Suzhou city where we find dense populations and lack of natural scenery, they built gardens combining residences and gardens. This set up is the leader of Chinese garden culture and has great artistic value. 🍃

What is ZEN? The word is derived from Buddhism, but it’s nothing too far from us. It can be reflected in many ways from your choice of clothing to your reaction to a dilemma. It could be different to many people, but the goal of living a zen life is all about feeling peaceful, relaxed, and calm. Why not start today to develop your own zen style?

Maybe you think wearing shiny jewellery in your daily life is a bit too much and you want to add something more descrete? Why not try wearing a wooden hairpin! This unique piece adds a touch of natural beauty through its simple design and oriental aesthetic flavor. It is 100% hand carved with superior quality wood of high density and fine texture. You will love the aboriginal design, simple and natural style and its full expression of oriental beauty! Check out the full range through the link in our bio.

We will end this series of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature by discussing Water Margin, or Shui Hu Zhuan (水浒传).

Attributed to Shi Nai’an (施耐庵), the novel was written around the 14th century, with the setting in Northern Song dynasty (around 1120). The story tells of how a group of 108 outlaws gather at Mount Liang to rebel. Later they were granted amnesty and enlisted by the sovereign to resist the nomadic conquest of the Liao dynasty and other rebels. Drawing on a variety of plot lines from professional storytellers and Yuan Dynasty dramas, Shi Nai’an called his work “the story of the just and patriotic.” In essence, Water Margin is a novel written out of indignation over the unjust rulers.

Now we’ve introduced all four of the Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature, which one interests you the most? No matter which one you decide to read first, it will be a great start for you to explore traditional Chinese literature!

Let’s talk about Dream of the Red Chamber this time!

Dream of the Red Chamber, or Honglou Meng (红楼梦), was written in the middle of the 18th century during the Qing dynasty by Cao Xueqin (曹雪芹). The novel is believed to be semi-autobiographical, mirroring the rise and decline of author Cao Xueqin’s own family and, by extension, of the Qing dynasty.

As the author details in the first chapter, it is intended to be a memorial to the women he knew in his youth: friends, relatives and servants. The novel is remarkable not only for its huge cast of characters and psychological scope, but also for its precise and detailed observation of the life and social structures typical of 18th-century Chinese society. Its pages contain a sampling of all of the major modes of the Chinese literary tradition. Long considered a masterpiece of Chinese literature, the novel is generally acknowledged to be one of the pinnacles of Chinese fiction. There is even a field of study exclusively devoted to this work - “Redology”!

“The empire, long divided, must unite; long united, must divide. Thus it has ever been.”

This is the opening line of Romance of the Three Kingdoms (三国演义‎), a 14th-century historical novel attributed to Luo Guanzhong (罗贯中), with the background setting in the turbulent years towards the end of the Han dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period in Chinese history.

The story – part historical, part legend, and part mythical – romanticises and dramatises the lives of feudal lords and their retainers, who tried to replace the dwindling Han dynasty or restore it. While the novel follows hundreds of characters, the focus is mainly on the three power blocs that emerged from the remnants of the Han dynasty, and would eventually form the three states of Cao Wei, Shu Han, and Eastern Wu. The novel deals with the plots, personal and military battles, intrigues, and struggles of these states to achieve dominance for almost 100 years. Fascinating story, isn’t it?

In the next post, we will be introducing another one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature - Dream of the Red Chamber😉

'In the following four posts, we will talk about the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature, which are not only among the world’s longest and oldest novels, but also the most read, studied, and adapted works of pre-modern Chinese fiction.

I bet you’ve heard of the famous Monkey King, but do you know of the novel that it’s from - Journey to the West (西游记)? It’s one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature, and will be the topic of today!

Written by Wu Cheng’en (吴承恩), a novelist and poet of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), the novel is based on the actual 7th-century pilgrimage of a Buddhist monk Xuanzang to India in search of sacred texts. The story is composed of 100 chapters, and can be divided into three major sections.
1) The first seven chapters deal with the birth of a monkey from a stone egg and its acquisition of magic powers
2) The next five chapters relate the story of Xuanzang, known as Tripitaka, and the origin of his mission to the Western Paradise
3) The rest of the novel recounts the 81 adventures that befall Tripitaka and his entourage of three animal spirits—the magically gifted Monkey, the slow-witted and clumsy Pigsy, and the fish spirit Sandy—on their journey to India and culminates in their attainment of the sacred scrolls.

What are you waiting for? Start reading now!

Have you ever heard of The Book from the Sky? No, I didn’t mean an actual book from the sky, but rather one of the most intriguing Chinese art installations of the century and the nifty work of none other than the celebrated Chinese artist Xu Bing. This installation comprises a set of 4 hand-printed books, as well as wall and ceiling scrolls printed in the style of a wood letterpress. What’s more interesting is that these books and scrolls are filled with invented glyphs and pseudo-characters designed to mimic traditional Chinese characters.

“……when visitors first entered the space, they thought that the words they saw were words they could read. However, when they actually tried to read the words, they couldn’t. They thought that some of the words were wrong. Then they realized that all of the words were wrong. Their expected response was disrupted.” — Xu Bing

Another example of "the simplest makes the best" today! Sanxian (三弦琴, three string) is a three-stringed traditional Chinese musical instrument, from which the Japanese shamisen is derived. The sound of sanxian is rather dry, loud and heavy. Let's enjoy one of the famous sanxian pieces now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIIWV-sGEzA

Ever notice Chinese kids with cute tiger-headed shoes? These adorable shoes are an example of traditional Chinese folk crafts. These children’s shoes, made from a variety of soft fabrics, feature a tiger at the front of the shoe and embroidered soles. In Chinese culture, tigers are considered very special animals, so women embroider the vamp of the shoe in the shape of a tiger, hoping that their children will become as strong and vibrant as this animal. In addition, the bright image of the tiger’s head has been thought to chase away evil spirits and to protect children from diseases or disasters in their lives. As a guardian animal and devourer of demons, the tiger protects the child against evil spirits, together with symbols also embroidered under the shoes.