Introduction In the bustling heart of China, a culinary revolution is unfolding. The prefabricated food market, once a niche segment, has exploded into a phenomenon that’s reshaping the way Chinese people dine. This trend, driven by the twin engines of modernization and evolving lifestyle preferences, is not just a passing fad but a testament to the changing dynamics of China’s food culture. Prefabricated food, or “预制菜” as it’s known in China, refers to meals that are partially or fully prepared before being packaged and sold. These products range from simple ingredients that require a quick s ..read more

Neil Buchanan, a name that might not ring a bell for everyone, but for a generation of Chinese kids growing up in the 90s and early 2000s, he was the cool uncle who opened up a world of creativity. As the host of “Art Attack,” Neil wasn’t just teaching art; he was a beacon of inspiration, showing us that art was accessible, fun, and not just for the elite. With his signature red sweater and a knack for turning everyday trash into treasure, Neil made art a game, a challenge, and a source of endless fascination. “Art Attack” aired in China as part of the “Little Dragon Club,” and it was a hit. I ..read more

Hello readers, welcome back to my Chinese Urban Legends column. Let’s continue exploring the ghost stories and urban legends circulating on the Chinese Internet. On October 2, 2013, a university student in Qinhuangdao took to Weibo to share a chilling encounter she and her best friend experienced during a trip over the May Day holiday earlier that year. They had inadvertently checked into a mysterious hotel in a city in the Northeast that, as they later discovered, didn’t exist at all. The poster, affectionately referred to as “Miss Sister” by her online followers, recounted staying for three ..read more

“To Live,” a poignant narrative that has etched its place in the annals of Chinese literature, is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience amidst the relentless tides of fate. This novel, penned by the acclaimed author Yu Hua, is a stark portrayal of life’s vicissitudes, offering readers a window into the tumultuous journey of its protagonist, Fugui, and his family. Yu Hua, known for his candid and unadorned storytelling, weaves a tale that resonates with the rawness of life itself. His writing style is characterized by a raw honesty that strips away the veneer of pretense, revealing the ..read more

Hello, dear readers! As someone who lives in China and has a keen interest in mysticism, I’ve decided to embark on an exciting new series. In this series, I will translate or narrate urban legends circulating on the Chinese internet. If you’re intrigued by the mysterious and the unexplained, make sure to follow along. This is the first installment of the series. Stay tuned for more tales from the shadowy corners of the web! In the shadowy corners of the internet, where urban legends and ghost stories intertwine, there’s one tale that has captured the imagination of many—a tale so chilling it h ..read more

Hey there! Welcome to our blog, where today we’re diving into a uniquely Chinese phenomenon that’s been making waves lately – “Tiaoxiu.”(调休) You might’ve heard about it, or maybe you’re just as curious as we are about this system that’s got people talking. Well, buckle up, because we’re going to unravel the mystery of “Tiaoxiu” and see what all the fuss is about. So, what is “Tiaoxiu,” you ask? It’s a bit like a jigsaw puzzle where your weekends get shuffled around to create longer, uninterrupted holiday periods. Sounds like a sweet deal, right? But here’s the catch – it often means you’ve got ..read more

At the end of 2023, douban.com published its annual reading list. It shows the books that Chinese people followed in their reading list in 2023. Founded in 2005, Douban.com is the largest cultural product review website in China. On Douban, users can comment on products such as movies, TV shows, books and games, and leave their opinions. It is a Chinese version of Yelp+IMDB for multicultural products. The data for the list on Douban comes mainly from reviews by users in mainland China. This time, it announced several lists in the book field, the main of which are: most popular books ..read more

As the year 2023 passes, Douban.com has released its annual list of film. Founded in 2005, Douban.com is the largest cultural product review website in China. It is a Chinese version of Yelp+IMDB for multicultural products. Users can comment on Douban for films, books, TV shows, games and other content and express their opinions. As such, its annual list is one of the most important lists in the Chinese cultural market sector. We can use these lists to understand the preferences of young Chinese consumers for cultural products in different areas. In 2023, the Chinese film market experienc ..read more

Welcome to the world of beauty where the ancient meets the modern, and where the subtle elegance of the East is redefining the global beauty scene. In recent years, there’s been a resurgence of interest in Eastern aesthetics, a movement that’s not only capturing the hearts of the Asian market but also making waves internationally. And at the heart of this cultural revival is a name synonymous with artistry and innovation: Mao Ge Ping. Mao Ge Ping, a renowned Chinese makeup artist turned entrepreneur, has been a pivotal figure in this transformative journey. His eponymous brand, MAOGEPING, has ..read more

Welcome to my blog, dear readers! Today, I’m thrilled to share a story that’s not just about ice cream and tea, but a tale of resilience, innovation, and the power of dreams. This is the story of Mixue Bingcheng, or as it’s known internationally, Mixue Ice City, a brand that has become synonymous with sweet treats and a refreshing experience for millions across China and beyond. Mixue Ice City, founded in 1997, has grown from a single store in Zhengzhou, China, to a global phenomenon with thousands of outlets. It’s a brand that has captured the hearts of consumers with its affordable yet high ..read more