Learn Chinese Calligraphy for the Five Elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth

According to ancient Chinese philosophy, the Five Elements (五行 wu xing) include Metal (金 jīn), Wood (木 mù), Water (水 shuǐ), Fire (火 huǒ), and Earth (土 tǔ). The Chinese believe that everything in the universe, our health included, is governed by the Five Elements. Characteristics of the Five Elements Metal Righteousness, firmness, rigidity, persistence, strength, ...

Billy Shyu

Man writing Chinese calligraphy with a brush and black ink on a red paper being held down on a wooden table by three stones.

Chinese Calligraphy for a Long and Healthy Life

Medical reports and research studies have rated practicing Chinese calligraphy as among those activities benefiting longevity. Calligraphy can dispel depression and sorrow by elevating your mind and spirit. According to Lu You, a poet of the Song Dynasty: “With a smile, you play with the brush and ink, and sickness becomes lighter.” In practicing Chinese ...

Nspirement Staff

Writing Chinese calligraphy.

The History and Cultural Significance of Chinese Fans

Imagine delicate handheld treasures crafted from silk, paper, bamboo, or feathers, with frames that gracefully unfold and collapse. Chinese fans have transcended social classes and backgrounds, weaving their way into the fabric of society. With every flick and flutter, these elegant creations whisper tales of tradition, aesthetics, and the enduring spirit of Chinese heritage. Skilled ...

Viena Abdon

A dancer holding a Chinese fan.

3 Ancient Chinese Signs of an Impending Earthquake

Earthquakes can be devastating, but they are not unpredictable. According to ancient Chinese chronicles, there are always signs before an earthquake strikes. 3 main signs that indicate the onset of an earthquake 1. Abnormal weather  Records have shown that earthquakes often follow strange conditions, such as spotting the planet Venus in broad daylight, hail and ...

Helen London

Crew of workers trying to clean up the damage done to a road during an earthquake.

Traditional Chinese Characters of the Four Directions

The Four Directions (四維 sì wéi) are the four social bonds, including propriety (禮 lǐ), justice (義 yì), integrity (廉 lián), and honor (chǐ 恥). They are the four cardinal values for a harmonious society. This Chinese calligraphy demonstration of Chinese characters is in regular script, which is the most easily and widely recognized one ...

Nspirement

Four traditional Chinese characters.

6 Reasons to Learn Chinese in Taiwan

With the subsequent closure of China’s Confucius Institutes in various countries, Taiwan has become the most popular destination for learning Chinese. Given that, the United States launched the U.S.-Taiwan Education Initiative on December 3, 2020, to facilitate Americans to learn Chinese in Taiwan. Moreover, Harvard University is also to change its summer Mandarin program from ...

Billy Shyu

Traditional Chinese characters

What Are the Top 5 Chinese Inventions?

In its long history, there have been many spectacular Chinese inventions. Here are my top 5 favorite Chinese inventions 1. Silk Silk is one of the greatest Chinese inventions. The history of silk began 5,000 years ago with a Chinese legend. Empress Leizu, who was the wife of Emperor Huang Di (also known as the Yellow Emperor), was ...

Emma Lu

Chinese-style painting with water and bridge in foreground and misty mountains in background.

The 2 Most Important Aspects to Learning Chinese Characters

In understanding and learning Chinese characters and writing, it’s best to understand the various strokes used in writing Chinese characters. You also need to understand the individual components that come together to make up each character. Once you have a grasp on these two elements, you will understand how to use most Chinese dictionaries. Chinese ...

Emma Lu

A calligrapher hand writing chinese calligraphy.

The Compassion of General Yue Fei, an Ancient Chinese Legend

Ancient China had military generals who changed the course of history, leaving stories of legends that have been told for centuries. These stories are of endurance in battle, loyalty to their kingdoms, and tales of wise, brave young men. The most famous military general was Yue Fei, whose story is the most notable. The compassion of Yue Fei ...

Emma Lu

The battle of Zhuxian County.