ancient china, chivalric and heroic tales, chivalry, flexibility, good-hearted people, han dynasty, hero, strength, zhu jia

Zhu Family: Ancient Heroes

The Zhu family, who lived during the time of Han Gaozu, the founding emperor of the Han Dynasty (256-195 BC), was well-known for being great-hearted. Hundreds of eminent people survived due to their assistance, and the number of ordinary people they helped was countless. However, they never bragged about it and were even reluctant to ...

Mikel Davis

A man driving an ox cart at sunset.

The Power of Filial Piety to Change People’s Fate

Throughout history, many people were so righteous and filial that those around them were inspired to practice righteousness. Here are two stories of how filial piety changed people’s fate. Filial piety converts a robber During the Han Dynasty, there lived a man named Zhao Zi. After being appointed governor of Dunhuang, he became the highest ...

Tatiana Denning

Elderly Chinese couple standing outside their home in a village in China.

The Virtue of Gratitude: A Meal Worth a Thousand Pieces of Gold

The idiom of “a meal worth a thousand pieces of gold” is a common saying in China and dates back to Han Xin of the Han Dynasty. It means that one should always show gratitude for the kindness received from someone. Although the favor received may be very small, even a little help in times ...

Tatiana Denning

Egg noodles and rice.

Chinese Hairstyles Through the Ages: From Classical to Exquisite

The Ancient Chinese had a very specific image of “classic beauty.” Chinese traditional beauty was often defined as having delicate skin, small eyes and ears, thin eyebrows, long fingers, a pale face, a little round mouth, and soft palms. With regard to Chinese hairstyles, Confucian values mandated that hair be kept long since it was ...

Emma Lu

Tang Dynasty women.

Ancient Chinese Poem: Family Education Emphasized Morality and Character Building of Their Children

China has a civilization with a history extending back over 5,000 years, and has always been famous for its emphasis on “family education” and building the moral character of its children. The ancients taught their children to cultivate morals to enable them to “consolidate their family, govern their country, and make the world peaceful.”  This valuable ...

Michael Segarty

Two ancient Chinese talking.uilding of Their Children

Why the Color Yellow Filled the World of Ancient Chinese Culture

According to legend, the patriarch of Chinese civilization was the Yellow Emperor. The birthplace of Chinese civilization was the Yellow Earth Plateau (Loess Plateau). The cradle of the Chinese nation was the Yellow River, and the descendants of the Yellow Emperor have yellowish skin. Since ancient times, the color yellow has been an integral part ...

Jessica Kneipp

A golden buddha statue with a yellow robe.

How Emperor Xuan Approached the Task of ‘Maintaining Stability’ 

At the time of Emperor Xuan (91-48 B.C.) of the Han Dynasty, a famine struck Bohai and nearby counties. Bandits roamed around and became quite a significant issue for the people. To today’s Chinese, the term “maintaining stability” (維穩) brings to mind the authoritarian policies of the communist regime, which shuts down free speech, spiritual ...

Nspirement Staff

A field of wheat.

Why Is Skullcap Also Known as Hanxin Grass?

Skullcap, or Scutellaria, is a plant of the Labiatae family. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the dried aerial part of Skullcap is capable of clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, reducing swelling and pain, and resisting cancer. Uses of skullcap Skullcap is commonly used in the treatment of bruises, conditions where ...

Emma Lu

Skullcap, also known as Hanxin grass.

The Regret of a Traitor (Part 1)

The story of Su Wu (140-60 B.C.), a Chinese diplomat and statesman of the Han Dynasty who survived captivity for 19 years in a foreign territory while maintaining his integrity and loyalty to his homeland, has been an inspiration for generations of Chinese children. His good friend Li Ling, a well-known general and warrior, on ...

Emma Lu

Li Ling dancing.

Myths and Legends: The Money Tree

In Chinese legends, there is a story about a holy tree that brings fortune and money to the person who owns it. Called the “money tree” (not to be confused with the money plant), it is considered a symbol of nobility. During the time of the Han Dynasty, Chinese people used to keep cast-bronze money ...

Emma Lu

A Chinese money tree.