Category Culture

What are the Four Evil Creatures of Chinese Mythology?

February 6, 2025

In Chinese mythology and astronomy, the Four Evil Creatures, or Four Perils/Four Fiends (四凶; Sì Xiōng) are a group of four creatures that have been exiled by the gods and are the antagonistic counterparts of the Four Celestial Animals: Azure Dragon, Vermillion Bird, Black Tortoise, and the White Tiger.

Chinese Kites History and Origin

February 6, 2025

Kites can nowadays be seen in parks throughout the world, but they were invented in China more than 2000 years ago. Today, people usually use them for fun and entertainment, but they actually played an important role in Chinese history. We will describe the origin and history of Chinese kites, and you may be surprised with some facts you will find out.

Chinese Symbols as Tattoos: The Most Popular Chinese Designs with Deep Meaning

February 6, 2025

Tattoos are referred to as 纹纑 wén shēn or 刺杒 cì qīng in Chinese. Chinese tattoos are one of the best examples of body art that embodies the spirit of mystery and ancient wisdom. These beautiful symbols, which have a history extending back thousands of years, are more than simply ink on the skin; they signify a connection to a rich cultural legacy.

A kite flyer flies releases the world's longest kite during the 2015 Wulong International Kite Flying Festival. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Historical and Modern Facts about Chinese Kites

February 6, 2025

The kite originates from China and its evolution over the years could help us understand Chinese history and culture a little more. Through some of the interesting facts mentioned below, we try to illustrate the history and evolution of this invention. I'm sure you will be surprised by some of them. Let's start.

chinese board games -A man makes a move on a on a local Beijing Chinese chess game board. xiangqi, also known as Chinese chess, is an ancient board game played all over the world.

5 Traditional Chinese Board Games that are Still Really Popular

February 6, 2025

China is the home of some of the oldest board and card games in the world, and some of them are still really popular both for children and adults alike. Some of them are designed with strong traditional values and even ties to the ancient eastern philosophies, so no wonder they often have elegant rules, intricate strategies, and deep playability. Here, we will discuss five of the most popular Chinese board games we have today, some have been around for as old as thousands of years.

Traditional Chinese Games and Outdoor Activities

February 27, 2025

In big cities like Shanghai or Beijing, it’s very common to see kids with the latest, most advanced smartphones and tablets, but at the same time, their traditional, outdoor activities are still alive and kicking. Below, we will discuss some of the most popular traditional games and outdoor activities in China.

Chinese Lacquerware Techniques and History

February 6, 2025

Chinese lacquerware is a method where artisans use lacquer to coat the outer surface of furniture, sculptures, accessories, and other things that are typically made of wood or metal. ‘Lacquerware’, refers to objects that have been coated or covered with lacquer.

What are the Four Sacred Animals (or Four Symbols) of Chinese Mythology?

February 6, 2025

Chinese astronomy believes that the ecliptic sky is divided into four equal parts, and each of these sections’ is commanded by a mythological creature, and together they are known as the Four Sacred Animals, Four Celestial Animals, or simply the Four Symbols (四象; Sì Xiàng, literally meaning "four images").

Chinese Shadow Puppetry Facts and Stories (Video)

February 6, 2025

Shadow puppetry is considered the oldest form of puppet theater in the world. The history of shadow theatre began thousands of years ago in China and over the centuries evolved into a theatrical form that combines storytelling and entertainment. These are some facts about the Chinese shadow puppetry that everyone should know.

Chinese Wood Carving – History, Major Schools and Wood Carving Process

February 6, 2025

Chinese wood carving is a traditional method of carving wood in China that has become an important aspect of Chinese culture. With techniques and expertise inherited from generation to generation, Chinese wood carving is considered one of the most important traditional arts in China.