Understanding social interactions in China Ralph Jennings is an author and journalist who recently wrote “50 Useful Tips on China”, published by Earnshaw Books. He lived in Beijing for seven years, working as a news editor for China Daily, an advice columnist for 21st Century weekly, and with Kyodo News. Jennings also taught writing at the Communication University of China for nearly five years. Now based in Hong Kong, he covers the Chinese economy for the South China Morning Post. READ THE BOOK What inspired you to write “50 Useful Tips on China”?  I spent a lot of time in China with nor ..read more

A Conversation with Susan Wan Dolling: Bringing Tang Dynasty Poets to Contemporary Audiences Susan Wan Dolling is a writer, teacher, and translator celebrated for her work on Tang Dynasty poetry. Her series, “My China in Tang Poetry,” published by Earnshaw Books, offers new translations and insights into the poems’ meanings and contexts. The series consists of three volumes: “Superstars,” “Floating on Clouds,” and “Friends and Lovers.” The first volume, “Superstars,” features poets Li Bai (李白) and Du Fu (杜甫), providing vivid portrayals of their lives and works. What drew you to explore and stu ..read more

Mystical Beasts and Demonic Spirits: A Glimpse into Chinese Folklore Art Chinese mythology, a vibrant repository of tales and traditions, holds a unique place in the world’s cultural heritage. Its extensive pantheon of demons and mythological creatures finds vivid expression in the visual arts, especially in paintings and handscrolls from the Ming (明, Míng, 1368-1644) and Qing (清, Qīng, 1644-1912) Dynasties. This article illuminates the fascinating representations of these supernatural entities, each embodying stories and beliefs deeply rooted in Chinese folklore. The Artistic Heritage of the ..read more

Artists and Guests Gather for MASS MoCA’s Anniversary, Featuring Cai Guo-Qiang’s Explosive Art On May 24th, the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) celebrated its 25th anniversary with a gala event that highlighted its legacy as a prominent space for contemporary art. The event honored the contributions of artists, collaborators, and the diverse communities that have supported the museum. Approximately 500 guests, including artists, art enthusiasts, and community members from around the world, attended the gala. Notable figures such as MASS MoCA board chair Mariko Silver, arti ..read more

China’s Cultural Revolution: When Sports Became Propaganda 30 Rare color and black and white images describe a different aspect of everyday life during the Cultural Revolution: the sporting life of the young and less young Chinese people. The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) in China was a period marked by monumental socio-political upheaval, spearheaded by Mao Zedong to preserve Chinese communism by purging remnants of capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society. While this era is often remembered for its intense political campaigns and struggles, it also had a lesser-known, yet v ..read more

I Hear the Water Dreaming: A Solo Exhibition by Li Chevalier at the Museum of Oriental Art in Venice The Museum of Oriental Art in Venice presents “I Hear the Water Dreaming”, a solo exhibition featuring the work of French-Chinese artist Li Chevalier. Curated by Paolo De Grandis and Carlotta Scarpa, the exhibition runs from May 1 to September 15, 2024, at Ca’ Pesaro in Venice. Visitors can explore this exhibition Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Li Chevalier was born in 1961 in Beijing (北京) and has established a significant presence in the international art scene. Educated in ..read more

Chengnan Hospital Incident: Suspect Detained, Victims Hospitalized A deadly knife assault occurred at a hospital in Zhenxiong County, Zhaotong Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China, leaving two people dead and 21 others injured. The incident transpired shortly before midday on Tuesday, prompting a swift response from local authorities. According to a police report, the attack took place at 11:37 a.m. local time at Chengnan Hospital, located within the Zhenxiong county area of the broader Zhaotong prefecture-level city. Chinese state media and local reports identified the assailant as a male from ..read more

Malaysian Actress Michelle Yeoh Receives US’ Highest Civilian Honor On May 3, President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, to 19 distinguished individuals. Among the recipients was Michelle Yeoh, the celebrated Malaysian actress and recent Academy Award winner. Yeoh, acclaimed for her wide-ranging roles in cinema that include martial arts, romantic comedies, and science fiction, was honored for her contributions that have significantly enriched and enhanced American culture. During the ceremony, Biden praised her for breaking s ..read more

Comprehensive List of Traditional Chinese Musical Instruments Traditional Chinese music, with its origins tracing back to the Neolithic age, represents a fundamental aspect of Chinese culture. Unlike Western music which often focuses on harmony and counterpoint, traditional Chinese music is primarily melody and rhythm driven. The music is deeply intertwined with various aspects of Chinese life, often serving as an accompaniment to dance, opera, and ceremonial practices. One of the defining characteristics of traditional Chinese music is the importance of expressing emotion and depicting nature ..read more

The Making of ‘The Ink Trail: Hong Kong’. Andreas von Buddenbrock is a Swedish artist known for his detailed ink drawings and the main illustrator of the “World’s Largest Coloring Book,” a Guinness World Record-winning project. Educated at BASIS School of Art in Stockholm and the Savannah College of Art and Design, he has worked in New York and is now based in Hong Kong, where he illustrates under “The Ink Trail: Hong Kong“, published by Blacksmith Books. His work includes commissions for FC Barcelona and Hang Seng Bank among others. Buddenbrock is recognized for his black and white imagery, e ..read more