A Fascinating Overview of Confucianism, Taoism, and Legalism

Confucianism, Taoism, and Legalism are the three pillars of Chinese philosophy and have influenced all thinking and actions in China since their inception. Confucianism Confucianism is represented by Confucius (founder, 551-479 B.C.), Mencius, and Xunzi. Literary works include The Analects, the Mencius, and the Xunzi. It is the first important philosophy from the Warring States ...

Max Lu

A statue of Conficius.

Lu Zongdao and Meng Xin: Stories of Unwavering Honesty in Ancient China

During the time when Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty was still the crown prince, Lu Zongdao played a crucial role as his tutor. Despite his esteemed position, Lu Zongdao faced the challenge of poverty, notably lacking in suitable wine vessels at home. This limitation led him to a humble yet creative solution: Whenever friends ...

Mikel Davis

AI-generated illustration of a Chinese scholar sitting in a garden studying an open book.

Wise Living by Embracing ‘Less’

The best health regimen doesn’t revolve around better sleep or rigorous exercise but instead centers on a single word: “less.” Since ancient times, people have been searching for the essence of optimal health. Taoism emphasizes that the key to wellness lies not in excess, but in the principle of less. The Tao Te Ching is ...

David Jirard

Less is more.

Xianxia Fever: The Rise of Chinese Fantasy TV Shows

In recent years, there has been a remarkable surge in the popularity of xianxia, a captivating genre within Chinese TV fantasy dramas, novels, and animation. This rise has not only captivated audiences in China, but has also resonated with viewers around the globe.  Many drama watchers are discovering this genre, and if you’re one of ...

Viena Abdon

Xianxia dramas.

2023 Keelung Mid-Summer Ghost Festival

The Keelung Mid-Summer Ghost Festival (雞籠中元祭), also known as Keelung Chung-Yuan Festival, is one of the most iconic events in this small port city in northern Taiwan. It is a captivating event that bridges the realms of the living and the deceased.  Deeply rooted in the city’s rich history, this enchanting event has a profound ...

Billy Shyu

2023 Keelung Mid-Summer Ghost Festival.

How Feng Shui Can Amplify Good Fortune in Your Life

Feng shui is arranging structures and items and organizing space within your room to achieve peace and balance. It is based on ancient Chinese culture, notably Taoism. A more modern interpretation of the practice involves employing objects, colors, or locations to rewire your subconscious, aligning it with a healthy perspective. At the same time, the ...

Viena Abdon

Optimum bed and bedroom feng shui.

Chinese Folklore: Li Chushi’s Divination

According to Tang Que Shi, during the reign of Emperor De Zong of the Tang Dynasty, there was an official named Li Ao whose radical and straightforward character led to his offending Prime Minister Li Fengji. Consequently, Li Ao was demoted from the central Department of State Affairs and sent to a remote region, Luzhou, ...

Mikel Davis

3D rendering of the Yin-Yang symbol contained within a glass sphere.

The Wisdom of the Chinese Zodiac

When ancient Chinese astronomers examined the cycles of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, they decided that the resulting calendar would feature a cyclical dating method that repeats every 60 years. This is reflected in the Chinese zodiac. The Chinese calendar is based on two cycles that interact with each other — the Chinese zodiac, which ...

Max Lu

A Chinese zodiac decoration for the lunar new year showing the 12 animals of the zodiac.

Ethical Emperor Repents for His Sins by Following Heaven’s Will

A self-punishment decree allowed ancient Chinese emperors to reflect upon themselves and confess their faults to the people. This was a form of repentance for their wrongdoings. The legacy left by traditional Chinese culture can be said to be the contributing factor to respecting and following the will of Heaven, pursuing the unity of nature ...

Emma Lu

Aerial view of a few spotted clouds and the shining sun on the horizon.

Finding Your Essential Self: The Ancient Philosophy of Zhuangzi Explained

Zhuangzi – also known as Zhuang Zhou or Master Zhuang – was a Chinese philosopher who lived around the 4th century BCE. He is traditionally credited as the author of the ancient Taoist masterpiece bearing his name, the Zhuangzi. The work of Zhuangzi has been described as “humorous and deadly serious, lighthearted and morbid, precisely ...

Troy Oakes

Illustration of Zhuang Zhou, author of one of the foundational texts of Daoism.