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Chinese culture

A traditional junk sailing in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour in 1984. Photo: SCMP

Language Matters | Sampans and junks a common sight, but how did they get their names?

Scholars are split on the roots of ‘sampan’ and ‘junk’, with some pointing to Chinese and others to Old Malay and Javanese respectively.

Scholars are split on the roots of ‘sampan’ and ‘junk’, with some pointing to Chinese and others to Old Malay and Javanese respectively

Why Chinese science fiction is having more than a moment

Sheng vs didgeridoo? When 2 of the world’s oldest wind instruments went head to head

China festival celebrates 2,575 years since Confucius’ birth

The 2024 China International Confucius Culture Festival in Shandong province will bring together Confucianist experts from across the world.

People dressed as ancient Chinese scholars attend the 2021 China International Confucius Culture Festival at the Temple of Confucius in Qufu, Shandong province, China on September 28, 2021. The 2024 festival runs from September 28 to October 7. Photo: Getty Images

Rediscover the Chinese designer who dressed Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, with M+ at Night

Hong Kong’s leading art museum is coming alive after dark with Couture Rhapsody, a one-off collision of music, art and fashion themed around the blockbuster ‘Guo Pei: Fashioning Imagination’ exhibition.

No walnuts in Chinese walnut cookies? A Hong Kong baker explains

Walnut cookies are still made the old-fashioned way – and without any nuts – by Hong Kong baker Man Fuk-on, 73. He talks about the importance of preserving tradition.

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5 popular spices used in Chinese cooking and why people love them

Sand ginger, Chinese cassia, star anise, turmeric and five-spice powder have been used for their taste and health benefits for centuries.

Star anise, or illicium verum, is a popular spice in Chinese home cooking for both its taste and health benefits. Photo: Shutterstock

The Chinese drum’s history, from hotline to the gods to orchestra essential

The Chinese drum, once thought to be an instrument that could speak to the gods, has been around for thousands of years in various forms. Two kinds are seen on the modern concert stage.

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From da Vinci to George Lucas, the enduring allure of China’s Dunhuang caves

For US scholar Neil Schmid, the silk road melting pot makes a ‘perfect’ platform for modern cultural exchanges.

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Letters | Why Black Myth: Wukong is more than just a game

Readers discuss a video game by a Chinese studio that has generated global buzz, and Chinese funeral customs.

People walk past a poster for the video game “Black Myth: Wukong” in Beijing on August 21. Photo: Xinhua

Over Momofuku? How to make spectacularly spicy chilli oil at home

There’s more than one way to make fiery chilli oil – here 2 chefs discuss their own methods of adding that distinctive touch to recipes

Ronald Shao, executive chef at Mian, at The Murray hotel in Hong Kong, cooks chilies to make the restaurant’s home-made chilli oil. Photo: Jocelyn Tam

High hopes for National Day even as Hong Kong restaurants feel Mid-Autumn pinch

Many eateries in Tsim Sha Tsui, city’s main tourist hotspot, seen half empty during lunch hours on Wednesday.

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Rain dampens Hong Kong Mid-Autumn Festival with amber alert in force for 2 hours

Observatory forecasts showers will ease off on Wednesday.

Fire dragon, drone show draw crowds as Hong Kong celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival

This year’s Mid-Autumn Festival was the hottest on record.

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The drone show over Victoria Harbour included a panda bear. Photo: Eugene Lee

Bakers keep traditional mooncake making alive in Hong Kong

A treat families once took a year to pay for, mooncakes of every flavour are ubiquitous now. Some are still made fresh the old-fashioned way.

Vivian Leung prepares to bake mooncakes made the traditional way using ingredients sourced in Hong Kong for charity Locofarms. Photo: Locofarms

Explainer | Drone show, sampan rides: what’s new in Hong Kong this Mid-Autumn Festival

The Post explores this year’s line-up of traditional and modern activities for the annual event, gives hints on when to catch the ‘supermoon’.

Review | Mulan, by Ningbo Performance & Arts Group, is cinematic and multilayered

Dance drama takes a surprisingly sombre approach to the classic Chinese story, and features a great performance from lead dancer Hao Ruoqi.

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What does it mean to be Chinese? Views from SCMP Opinion

In the Being Chinese column, SCMP writers and contributors – whether they are Chinese by birth, descent or osmosis – explore the different aspects of Chinese identity and experience in personal reflections.

The breathy charm of the Chinese clay flute, evolved from a hunting tool

The Chinese clay flute began life as a hunting tool to attract prey. It evolved to become an imperial court instrument and today is the signature clay instrument of modern Chinese orchestras.

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Video | What is Mid-Autumn Festival and why do Chinese families celebrate it?

The festival, considered the second biggest in China, falls on September 17 this year.

Language Matters | Why Hong Kong’s fire dragon dances are so important

Events like the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance help Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage, including its language traditions, to survive.

Members of the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance team spin balls of joss sticks as the “dragon” winds through Tai Hang on September 29, 2023. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong moon-gazers facing isolated thunderstorms for Mid-Autumn Festival

Potential area of low pressure could develop into typhoon and enter the South China Sea next week but movements uncertain.

Heavy rain hit parts of Hong Kong on Saturday afternoon. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Hong Kong beef satay noodles’ origins, and how to make them at home

Beef satay noodles, a comfort food made popular by Hong Kong tea stalls, has influences from Southeast Asia to Guangdong, China. A YouTuber tells us how to cook them.

Reflections | Why Teochew mooncakes are reminders of a history of migration

Eating Teochew mooncakes at Mid-Autumn Festival is a reminder of the Teochew people’s history of migration from China to Hong Kong and Southeast Asia.

5 of the best Mid-Autumn Festival things to do in Hong Kong

Lanterns, fire dragon dances, a moon-themed tea, a chance to see the No 1 Hong Kong film of 2024 – stay entertained this Mid-Autumn Festival.

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The Urban Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival in Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, is one of the highlights of celebrations for the festival in Hong Kong. Photo: Chinese Culture Festival

How the Jade Rabbit became part of Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival

The pet of moon goddess Chang’e in Chinese mythology, the Jade Rabbit is associated with Mid-Autumn Festival traditions across Asia

The Jade Rabbit’s association with the moon has seen it become a part of Mid-Autumn Festival traditions in China. Photo: Shutterstock

5 must-see shows, Mid-Autumn Festival events in Hong Kong September 13-19

From the Lantern Carnival and Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance to rock and heavy metal, check out these Mid-Autumn Festival events in Hong Kong

Opinion | How Chinese with disabilities are inspiring a more inclusive country

China must enforce its disability rights laws and improve accessibility, but social attitudes also need to shift beyond discrimination and pity.

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Chinese culture
Latest news and updates on Chinese culture including the country’s traditions, food, values, history and festivals.  
last updated:
9 September, 2024
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