Fresh explainers, culture news, practical guides, and evergreen stories for readers who want to understand China with context.
Xiangqin (相亲, xiāngqīn) translates as “mutual introduction,” and that literal meaning is the whole idea: two people, introduced by someone who knows them, meeting with a shared …
When people outside China picture “traditional Chinese dress,” two very different garments usually come to mind. One is the flowing, …
If you visit China around Lunar New Year, you will eventually hear the word miaohui (庙会, miàohuì), usually translated as “temple fair.” …
Walk through any Chinese city park on a sunny weekend and you may spot a young woman in a long, flowing robe with wide sleeves and a delicate sash, …
In Chinese culture, the zodiac isn’t just a fun way to describe your personality — it’s a tool for predicting how well two people will get …
Few things reveal a culture faster than how it drinks and toasts. In China, the dinner table — especially the jiǔjú (酒局, “drinking …
Ask a Chinese person about their favorite comfort food and the answer will often be dumplings (饺子, jiǎozi). These little pockets of dough and filling …
Stepping into a Chinese business meeting for the first time can feel like navigating a maze without a map. The handshake is different. The business …
If you have been invited to a Chinese funeral — or you want to understand the customs when a Chinese friend or colleague loses a loved one — knowing …
If you have been invited to a Chinese wedding, or you are planning your own with Chinese heritage, the customs and rituals can feel overwhelming. …
Quick answer: In Chinese culture, red (红色, hóngsè) is the luckiest color, symbolizing happiness, prosperity, and protection. Gold and yellow represent …