Jessica Kneipp

How China Uses Pandas as a Political Tool

In Vox’s video, China’s panda diplomacy, explained, I was surprised to learn how pandas are used as a political tool in China for diplomatic strategies. Most all of the pandas in zoos worldwide belong to China and are just on loan. China started out giving pandas internationally as gifts, much like governments like to give native animals ...

Jessica Kneipp

‘Jeju’: A Unique Slow Travel Adventure on Brompton Bikes in South Korea

Jeju is a 24-minute travel documentary about one family’s slow travel adventure on a Korean island named Jeju. It’s a bike-packing adventure, friendly enough for the whole family. Along the way, they meet remarkable people and discover the island’s unique landscapes. The film was featured at the Korean Expat and Indie Film Festival and the International Bicycle Film Festival in ...

Jessica Kneipp

A poster for the film 'Jeju.'

How Feng Shui Was Used by China’s Emperors

Chinese feng shui is very popular nowadays. So what is feng shui? At its core is a system that promotes harmony between humans and their environment. Essentially though, it is the study of geography. People living in a place with good feng shui are likely to be blessed with long and healthy lives and growing ...

Jessica Kneipp

Zen stones on a log with water reflected in background.

In Ancient China, Knot Tying Was a Special Art Form

Beautiful and elaborate, intricate while following simple rules, knot tying is part of China’s 5,000-year history, and prehistoric records attest to their use in recording all manner of important events. There are a number of Chinese sayings that explain the role of knot tying in ancient China, like “to tie knots in a string for ...

Jessica Kneipp

Five different chinese charms with different styles of knotting.

Qingming Festival: Chinese Honor Ancestors and Spring

The Qingming Festival is also known as the Tomb-Sweeping Day or the Pure Brightness Festival. It falls on April 4, 5, and 6 in the Western calendar. The number “four” is a homophone for the word “death” in Chinese. So double numbers (such as the date 4/4) are usually not considered auspicious. However, April 4 is ...

Jessica Kneipp

The Tang style poem of Qinming by Du Mu.

How the Chinese Phoenix Got Its Feathers

The Chinese phoenix, also known as Fenghuang, is regarded as the epitome of all birds, an omen that foretells harmony, and a symbol of high virtue, prosperity, compassion, and grace. Fenghuang is believed to have been born from the sun (or out of fire) and is considered the ruler of all birds, for it embodies ...

Jessica Kneipp

The Chinese phoenix.

London Contemporary Voices: Charming Revival of the Joys of Choral Singing

The London Contemporary Voices (LCV) is a unique and contemporary choir based in London. I have been thoroughly enjoying revisiting a few videos of theirs, especially from the Mahogany Sessions I have come across of late. It seems they gig with some quite big names, working with artists such as Imogen Heap, Amber Run, Jarvis Cocker, Nitin ...

Jessica Kneipp

London Contemporary Voices.