Across Europe and North America there is a commonly held belief that people from China are inherently good at Mathematics. This stereotype has been reinforced in popular culture, with the geeky Chinese student a regular fixture in memes, cartoons and high school movies. These stereotypes are supported by some factual data, such as the international recognised ‘Programme for International Student Assessment’, PISA Mathematics rankings. Over […]
An awe-inspiring archaeological find at a site in China’s Sichuan province, is forcing historians to rewrite the history of Chinese civilization. The recently unveiled discoveries of at the Sanxingdui site date from 1,200 B.C.. The treasures discovered indicate that the mysterious Shu Kingdom, which ruled the upper reaches of the Yangtze River until 316 BC, had advanced bronze crafting skills and was a highly developed civilisation. […]
One question we are often asked by students wishing to learn more about China is, ‘What are the best books to read about China?’ China has a very rich literary tradition dating back thousands of years, making it often difficult for readers to know where to start. To provide an entry point to China’s literature canon, we recommend the following ten books. These texts are […]
2020 was a difficult year, and nearly everyone is happy to put the Year of the Rat behind them. There are high expectations that 2021 will be a better year for us all. In Chinese astrology, 2021 is the Year of the Ox, and according to Chinese beliefs this will be a good year for some, but a difficult year for others. For success in […]
Mooncake Festival Falling on the 15th day of the 8th month according to the Chinese lunar calendar, the Mid-Autumn Festival is the second grandest festival in China after the Chinese New Year. On the festival day, family members gather to appreciate the bright full moon, tell stories of the moon to the children, eat moon cakes, and express love toward family members and friends who […]
In China, younger generations have enthusiastically adopted a number of western festivals, including Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas and Valentine’s Day, much to the annoyance of traditionalists who fret over the Westernisation of Chinese culture. What is interesting about China’s adoption of February 14 Valentine’s Day is that China already has special days which celebrate love and romance. In fact, Chinese couples are now able to confess their undying […]
On Saturday 25 January, 2020, millions of people across the world will celebrate Chinese New Year and the arrival of the Year of the Rat (鼠年). The Year of the Rat, which will run from 25 January, 2020 to 11 February, 2021, is considered a year for optimism, new experiences and new beginnings. While in English we refer to this year as Year of the […]
How China’s anti-valentine’s became the world’s biggest shopping day Not only does China celebrate Valentine’s three times a year , but the country also has an anti-valentine’s celebration, known as Singles Day (光棍节), and it’s become the world’s biggest shopping day. While Chinese society continues to exhort traditional family values , there remains enormous pressure on young people, especially women, to marry, settle down and start families before they […]
Halloween is among a handful of western festivals which are celebrated in China. Although the manner in which these festivals are celebrated may not be particularly traditional, the enthusiasm with which they are celebrated can not be questioned. Across Europe and North America, Halloween is widely celebrated by children, families, teens, young adults and local communities through ‘trick or treating’, fancy dress and Halloween parties. […]
Peppa the Pig – Lovably Swine, Gangster Thug or Hollywood Superstar? Award winning cartoon ‘Peppa the Pig’ is one of the most popular children’s television programmes in the world, with fans in 180 territories and the show available in more than 20 different languages . However, despite Peppa the Pig’s global appeal, this loveable swine’s relationship with China has been a complicated affair littered with ups and downs. […]
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