Chinese Culture, Featured

Fan Zhongyan’s Diligence and Resilience

Fan Zhongyan’s mother, Mrs. Xie, had a difficult life, experienced much hardship, and tasted many bitter experiences. As a result, she placed great hope in her son. Inspired by the dedication of Mencius’ mother, Mrs. Xie devoted herself to her son’s education. Fan Zhongyan disciplined himself like the famed Chinese philosopher Yan Hui and worked ...

Mikel Davis

Fan Zhongyan.

 Haichunxuan Pagoda: Ancient China’s Architectural Technology

Originally known as the “Filial Piety Pagoda,” the Haichunxuan Pagoda’s story is deeply intertwined with the life of Yuchi Jingde, a founding minister of the Tang Dynasty who received the title of “Duke of E” for his loyal and brave service to the country. During his youth, Yuchi Jingde and his mother sought refuge in ...

Emma Lu

Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.

Mastering Resilience: The Strategic Wisdom of Sima Yi

Sima Yi, a distinguished figure of the Three Kingdoms period, is widely celebrated for his political acumen and strategic brilliance. As a key architect of the Western Jin Dynasty, his strategic confrontations with Zhuge Liang are particularly revered. This article delves into the core principles underpinning Sima Yi’s enduring success and explores how these timeless ...

Mikel Davis

Houhai Lake in China.

The Virtue of Silence: The Tale of a Compassionate Healer

In the annals of Qing Dynasty lore, the story of Wei Lianfang’s father stands out as a beacon of compassion and medical expertise. A physician of great virtue, he treated all who sought his help with unwavering dedication, regardless of their financial status. His generosity knew no bounds; for those too impoverished to afford treatment, ...

Max Lu

Blocks spelling out the word 'silence.'

Welcoming the Wood Dragon: A Look Into the Year 2024

The dragon is a unique figure in Chinese culture. It stands for strength, honor, luck, and success. People worship the dragon as a supernatural being with unmatched talents and greatness. But this creature is more than just a zodiac sign in China and Japan; it’s a symbol with a long history in myth and tradition.  ...

Viena Abdon

Portrait of an Asian dragon swimming in the sea.

Traditional Chinese Wisdom: It’s a Blessing to Suffer Losses

During the Ming Dynasty, there was a scholar named Wu Zitian. His mother passed away early, and his father remarried. His stepmother favored her own son over him, treating him poorly. Over time, he harbored feelings of resentment in his heart. Later, he married, and his stepmother also treated his wife poorly. Feeling discontent, he ...

Mikel Davis

Asian American couple outdoors on their wedding day.

Integrity and Gratitude Lead to Blessings

To receive help from the heavens, one must first be a good person with integrity. Your deeds shape your fortune. As the saying goes: “You reap what you sow.” Planting seeds of kindness ensures a harvest of goodness. The scholar’s integrity There’s a story from the Ming Dynasty about Peng Jiao, a scholar on his ...

Mikel Davis

View of a cornfield at sunset.

Emperor Taizong’s Reign: The Golden Age of the Tang Dynasty

During the final years of the Sui Dynasty, chaos reigned as heroes rose across the land. With his remarkable wisdom and courage, Li Shimin (598-649) led an army of benevolence and righteousness. He helped his father, Li Yuan, stabilize the realm and founded the great Tang Dynasty in A.D. 618. Upon ascension in A.D 626, ...

Mikel Davis

Illustration of Emperor Taizong of Tang in front of the Forbidden City.

From Deserter to Famed General: The Story of Di Qing

A true embodiment of the saying “a hero doesn’t fear a humble beginning,” Di Qing’s journey from a deserter, marked by a punitive tattoo, to a celebrated general is a tale of grit and determination. His rise was significantly influenced by the open-minded Emperor Renzong of the Northern Song Dynasty and the encouraging chancellor Fan ...

Mikel Davis

Terracotta warrior statues.

Destiny and Moral Character: Insights From Ancient Chinese Wisdom

Backdoor deals can often be effective in trivial matters, such as acquiring scarce goods in the market or facilitating a job transfer. However, when it comes to significant issues of destiny, such as fame and fortune in taking the imperial examination in ancient China, can these under-the-table tactics truly influence what seems predestined? The following ...

Mikel Davis

Wooden path winding through an autumn landscape.