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From Weapon to Costume Piece: The Formidable Hairpins of Fuzhou
With a 1,600-year history, Fuzhou’s “tri-hairpin” has evolved from weapon to accessory to nearly forgotten artifact, but now, thanks to a small group of designers, it’s back in vogue
Prayers, Calligraphy, and Hanfu: How Chinese Kids Usher in Their First Day of School
Incoming first-graders in China participate in the “First Writing Ceremonies” before starting elementary school to better their chances of a gainful education
Why are Chinese Doctors’ Offices Full of Red Pennants?
The bestowing of red pennants, or “jinqi,” has evolved from a simple acknowledgment of appreciation to a token for career advancement and even a means to subvert authority
The Fast and Furious Dragon Boat Racers of Foshan
In Foshan, the Ming-dynasty tradition of dragon boat racing continues to draw daring local competitors and big crowds
China’s Forgotten Tulou Buildings and Their Last Residents
Life in Guangdong’s ancient, neglected, and crumbling “Earth Buildings”
Flames of Fortune: A Chinese Village’s Fiery Leap into the Lunar New Year
The people of Zhengpan celebrate the Lunar New Year by charging into flames for good fortune
How One Village Sows the Seeds of Wealth at Lunar New Year
The people of Fengxi village celebrate the Lunar New Year with a unique folk ritual involving sugarcane, deities, and fire
Celebrating Chinese Little New Year
China’s Lunar New Year celebrations begin with rituals and offerings to the kitchen god
Ban or Bang? China’s Fireworks Paradox
Why does the land that invented fireworks and firecrackers prohibit them in so many places?
Marketplace of Memories
Capturing Shandong’s market culture as it evolves with the times