Search results for ""shanghai press""

This beautifully illustrated multicultural children's book tells the story of a young boy and his magical rooster in both English and Chinese—a great story for Chinese New Year!Long long ago, there lived a boy named Tang Yun. He studied very hard and was ready to take the imperial exam in the Capital City thousands of miles away. Yun's mother was worried about him traveling alone. After working day and night, she finished hand embroidering a rooster on Yun's outfit, hoping the magical rooster would be her son's guardian angel. During his trip, magic happened whenever Yun was in danger. With a crowing of "cock-a doodle-doo," the embroidered rooster jumped out of Yun's outfit. He was alive! He was brave, timely and kind. He helped Yun overcome many obstacles during his trip. Yun arrived at the Capital City safely and successfully passed his exam with honor. He eventually reunited with his mother. They lived happily together ever after.Other books in the Chinese Zodiac Series (as well as the year of that animal) include: Little Pigs and the Sweet Rice Cakes—2007 & 2019 Water Dragon—2012 & 2024 Little Monkey King's Journey—2016 & 2028 Snake Goddess Colors the World—2013 & 2025 Horse and the Mysterious Drawing—2014 & 2026 Sheep Beauty—2015 & 2027 Bronze Dog—2006 & 2018 Little Rat and the Golden Seed—2008 & 2020 Little Calf—2009 & 2021

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In this colorfully illustrated multicultural children's book a little boy and his father get lost on a visit to the Great Wall!After Ming's exciting adventures in the Forbidden City, Ming and his father travel to the Great Wall to learn more about the creation of the longest structure ever build by humans. On their way, they take a wrong turn, leading to a great adventure as Ming and his father get to tour the wall and encounter all sorts of important figures from history and literature!The patron saint of the Great Wall shows Ming all the important passes and Ming even gets to meet the very emperor who had the Great Wall built! But when the emperor runs into a tricky situation at the beacon tower, it's up to Ming and some important information to save the day.Children will love to travel the wall with Ming as this delightful adventure brings to life the Great Wall and how it has influenced China over its 2000-year life span.

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Children will love to learn all about their Chinese zodiac animal with this great multicultural book for kids.Which Chinese zodiac animal are you? A clever rat? A brave tiger? A hardworking ox? Or an energetic dragon?In ancient China, each sign marked a different year in a 12-year calendar. Over time, people believed that a person's character and destiny were somehow decided by his or her zodiac animal. Chinese Zodiac Animals explains the traits of each animal sign and what luck the future might hold for the person born under that sign. Chinese Zodiac Animals is a fun and informative way to learn about an important part of Chinese traditional culture.

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Long long ago, an old magic stone suddenly cracked open after lying in the sunlight and moonlight for thousands of years. From the shell of the stone, a little Monkey was born. Adopted by the Monkey King in the mountain, Little Monkey was very naughty and playful. One day, while playing in a tree, he fell. When the Monkey King tried to save Little Monkey, he was terribly injured. To save the Monkey King, Little Monkey had to journey across the ocean in search of the immortal pill. With help from the Immortal Turtle, the Phoenix, the Dragon King and the Immortal, the Little Monkey gained a powerful body. Could he find his way home to save the Monkey King?Other books in the Chinese Zodiac Series (as well as the year of that animal) include: Little Pigs and the Sweet Rice Cakes—2007 & 2019 Magical Rooster—2005 & 2017 Water Dragon—2012 & 2024 Snake Goddess Colors the World—2013 & 2025 Horse and the Mysterious Drawing—2014 & 2026 Sheep Beauty—2015 & 2027 Bronze Dog—2006 & 2018 Little Rat and the Golden Seed—2008 & 2020 Little Calf—2009 & 2021

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This fun multicultural children's story tells a Chinese parable.One monk shoulders two buckets of water. Two monks lift one bucket of water. Three monks have no water! This is a story told generation after generation, and has much in common with the western saying "too many cooks spoil the broth." When there is one monk in the temple, he fetches water for himself. When there are two, they share the duty. But as the third comes, it's hard to divide the responsibilities. Everyone thinks for himself and nobody fetches water any more. At last, a fire in the temple teaches them the importance of cooperation. From then on, they cooperate and have water every day.

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In these charming volumes, Little Mei asks her grandfather about each of the four different Chinese celebrations represented.He tells her the stories of Nian and the monster Xi (Chinese New Year); Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet who loved his kingdom (Dragon Boat Festival); the Jade Emperor of Heaven who ordered the earth to be destroyed by fire (Lantern Festival); and Hou Yi who shot down the suns (Mid-Autumn Festival). In Celebrating the Lantern Festival Little Mei wants to know why her grandpa is making a paper lantern. Grandpa tells her the story of the Jade Emperor of Heaven and how he ordered the earth to be destroyed by fire. The story also includes a quick recipe for yuanxiao, sticky rice dumplings.

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In these charming volumes, Little Mei asks her grandfather about each of the four different Chinese celebrations represented.He tells her the stories of Nian and the monster Xi (Chinese New Year); Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet who loved his kingdom (Dragon Boat Festival); the Jade Emperor of Heaven who ordered the earth to be destroyed by fire (Lantern Festival); and Hou Yi who shot down the suns (Mid-Autumn Festival). In Celebrating the Dragon Boat FestivalLittle Mei wants to know why she must wear a special scented pouch to ward off the evil spirits. Grandpa tells her the story of Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet who loved his kingdom. Includes a quick recipe for zongzi, sticky rice balls wrapped in reed leaves.

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This Chinese novel is set in Shanghai in the late 1980s. Luo Ke, the protagonist, works as a part-time shop window painter. He once served in the army for several years and fought in the Vietnam War at the close of the 60s, when he was still young. The plot unfolds in his relationships with five women—Yin Mang, a college student; Yin Chu, her sister; Ou Xiaolin, an actress; Liu Yazhi, an art teacher; and Xiang An, a worker. The past, the present, and the future overlap when the writer narrates their complicated family histories, mutual dependence and betrayal, eccentric and introspective way of living, excessive thinking and obsession with eternity as a result of previous traumas. It is a tale of love and desire filled with resounding reminiscence. When people start to waver and hesitate, their present desire ends, and a new episode of life begins, with signs of the changing times waiting for the readers to find out.

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A suspense writer comes upon several murder stories on his computer that are written in his own unique style. He doesn't remember writing them, but it is not impossible for him, as a man who suffered memory loss, to be their author. Soon a journey takes him to northwest China along the ancient Silk Road. He is shocked to learn that the murders in the stories really happened in cities he visits. The horrific crimes were committed in the years when he lost his memory, but none of them have been solved. Did the best-selling writer ever kill? Are those murder stories accurate records of what he did?

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In this collection of Chinese short stories by prize-winning author, Jin Yucheng, the past experiences of the leading characters act as heavy shadows in their present-day lives. The development of the story-plots and complex ideas of these characters are interwoven with one another like riddles. The leading characters tirelessly explore the significance of life in the changing era and in their own life experiences. The SpecimensMy old friend Xiaohan was put behind bars for opening the mail of others. His wife Heiti thought that he had died, which was why she didn''t come to see him in jail. Not long ago, a public document from a stranger reached my mailbox. Could this be related to Xiaohan? Using the return address from the public document, Heiti and I went there to look into it.A Nest of Nine BoxesFor dozens of years, the grandmother had been chiseling the wall and digging into the ground. She was looking for things that her husband may have hidde

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Why do we do what we do? Zou Zou explores this question in this compilation of four short stores.In Abandonment, a married couple adopts a baby girl after the death of their own daughter, and raises the child as their own. Unbeknownst of the shadow that looms over her, the girl stumbles through life searching for approval and acceptance in the wrong places and just when all hope seems to be lost love finds her unexpectedly.In Thrity-One Days of Love, the beginning and end of an affair between two writers is documented by exchanging pieces of a story.In She She, one woman's long time obsession with her friend leads her on a path of continual self-destruction.In the humorous piece Writing, the author ruminates about her journey to becoming a writer, which tells of the inspirations and muses from childhood to adulthood and the constant battle with the writing self.

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This novel gives a first-person perspective of adolescence in Shanghai in the 1950s and 60s, a time of upheaval and daily drama in the live of even the most ordinary of people. Through the perspective of our young narrator, we can observe the social reality of the time, impacted by the enormous tide of political changes.We follow our narrator as he navigates the difficulties anyone might face in growing up: shifting loyalties among friends, conflicts with teacher and other significant adults in his life, and an array of family troubles. His single mother is raising him with the help of his grandparents, together struggling to keep this poor family afloat while adhering to their moral code. Always lurking in the background is his now deceased father, once a member of the military police, who was divorced from his mother twice.Against this backdrop of "normal" domestic drama is the turbulent political situation of that time. All over China, urban youth were being transferred to the countryside, and our narrator shares this fate. We follow him as he prepares for this monumental change, having been informed that he would go to a farm on Chongming, a rural island north of Shanghai.Among the novel's carefully drawn characters—the friends, family and neighbors of the narrator—is the city itself, as the author depicts the culture and customs unique to Shanghai.Through his striking picture of a "normal" young man, the author has captured the lives of many unknown and unremembered people whose destinies were influenced by political movements. This novel represents the memory of the youth of a generation.

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In this anthology by one of China's rising female authors, the philosophical concept of cause and effect is the main theme that echoes throughout this series of four Chinese novellas. In The Night of Rammusen an orphaned young woman explains the tragic demise of her beloved childhood friend in a written letter to her lover, weaving a heartbreaking tale of loyalty and betrayal. In The Trilogy, the reader is literally treated to three short stories, beginning with a ring so unique that it survives a cremation to be handed down from one owner to the next, cursing each life it touches. Next, we meet a young widow haunted by a cat from her childhood, and lastly, the changes of a little village forces one family to exhume the body of their dead relative to turn him into ashes. In There Is No If, Su De examines the lives of four flawed characters and their entwined destiny as a result of their actions. Finally, Consequences is the first of a two-part story about Daughter Three and her quest to find out where she came from and what and who caused her to be.

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The Most Beautiful Face in the World contains two stories from noted Chinese author Xue Shu. The title story is an intricate look at the life of Ah Xing, a man who sees the world with his hands. Blind since birth, Ah Xing has a fully independent and comfortable life, until two women unexpectedly enter his world.Keening, the second story in the collection, explores the ancient art of ritual wailing at funerals. Xiao Fengxiang, a former actress who reinvents herself as the most sought-after of keeners, is a bright light in a most unusual, yet revered, occupation.Xue Shu's detailed observations provide a window onto city life in China. These two stories will draw you into today's world with its challenges and contradictions, hardships and triumphs.

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Perfect for beginners, this calligraphy book teaches over 100 Chinese paintings and calligraphies along with historical and cultural information.Chinese calligraphy is a unique visual art form that can be appreciated regardless of having previous knowledge of Chinese characters. While modern Chinese calligraphy consists of five styles, this book focuses on the semi-cursive script, a practical style that emphasizes the transition and structure between strokes.The Beginner's Guide to Chinese Calligraphy Semi-Cursive Script teaches how to write the practical and artistic semi-cursive script. Based on the style of Zhao Mengfu, a master of semi-cursive script, you will learn the distinct features of the script and what exemplifies the semi-cursive style. This guide, with step by step illustrations, reduces the difficulty for beginners to learn Chinese calligraphy and is truly a must for Chinese calligraphy amateurs.

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With its combination of modern techniques and traditional patterns, Quilt Art Chinese Style will be an exciting new challenge for any crafter!This book highlights the popular craft of quilt art, which includes both trendy and timeless quilting techniques to create art objects with a special Asian flair for your home.This book includes: Basic patchwork techniques for beginners—a popular technique that can be traced all the way back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) Step-by-step instructions for small projects, including appliques, clothing accessories and handbags Larger projects to decorate your home, including tapestries and wall hangings, rugs, table runners and quilts The beautiful projects highlighted in this book have a uniquely Chinese twist—they are full of culturally-significant symbols as well as elements of Chinese gardening and painting. Each piece is meant to act as a canvas, where crafters can show off their individual creativity.

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Try your hands at these historically and culturally important methods, and create some beautiful paintings of your own.Chinese painting is an ancient art that has evolved and become refined over many centuries. Artists brush ink and color pigments onto silk or paper using a variety of techniques, with two main approaches: gongbi a traditional and realistic style based on line drawing, and xieyi style, a freehand method that uses fewer strokes to suggest objects in a less literal way.Painting themes generally fall into three categories: figure, landscaping, and bird-and-flower. Chinese brush painting is mainly presented in lines, shades and white space to express the feelings about nature, social phenomena, and the very essence of the universe. The framework for this expression is often traditional: certain subjects carry cultural connotations that are well-known and imbue the painting with a layer of meaning beyond face value of objects shown. The traditional subjects such as mandarin ducks, butterflies, and the 'Four Gentlemen' (plum blossoms, orchids, bamboos, and chrysanthemum) are examples that contain this rich cultural meaning. Readers will learn first about the tools and materials, then painting techniques. Early pages explore the very basic painting methods and subjects—perfect for beginning painters—but continue to build skills for painting plants and animals of increasing complexity.Chinese Brush Painting illustrates several Chinese brush painting techniques with the use of different tools, brushwork and color mixing. With the step-by-step projects, you can first follow the introductory lessons to learn the necessary skills of brushwork, usage of paper, and characteristics of water, ink and colors; then follow the advanced lessons to learn the compositions and more complicated color applications.

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In China, moxibustion —the practice of burning Chinese mugwort leaves over a patient's acupoints—is a natural therapy that has been handed down from generation to generation for several thousands of years. This volume details everything readers need to know to get started enjoying the benefits of moxibustion for both health and beauty. Useful as either a handbook for quick reference or as a guide to in-depth study, Illustrated Moxibustion Therapy covers: The basic theory of moxibustion Essential materials, tools, and methods Operative skills and important points The ten major health-care acupoints of traditional Chinese medicine and their respective moxibustion methods The moxibustion therapies of nearly 100 common diseases, demonstrated by real people and described with illustrated texts Daily maintenance suggestions and auxiliary therapies The therapeutic burning of moxa sticks or moxa fibers made of Chinese mugwort soothes and dredges the meridians, improves the circulation of vital energy and blood, and regulates the function of internal organs, thus aiding in the treatment of specific diseases and maintaining general health. Characterized by organic materials, simple techniques, and soothing feelings, moxibustion is a practice whose popularity in the west is growing by leaps and bounds.

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Create stunning papercraft works of art for every season with this creative and easy-to-follow Chinese paper quilling book.Quilling, the art of coiling and shaping narrow paper strips into 3-D designs, has been popular with crafters for some time but the art form is hundreds of years old. Chinese paper quilling is a lovely and flexible art form perfectly suited to illustrating scenes from different seasons. This seasonal guide links beloved Western crafting with traditional Chinese Arts. Paper Quilling Four Seasons Chinese Style presents unique creations and includes the terminology, methodology and detailed step-by-step instructions you need to recreate these pieces and to design your own art.This guide offers: Background on various Chinese art forms to help stoke your imagination. Adaptable paper quilling methods, breaking from traditional; approaches to paper quilling. Unique elements of Chinese paper quilling to help you discover different creation techniques. Cultural background on the 24 solar terms, which have been used for more than 1,000 years and are still relevant today, and examples of artwork that capture these terms. Get started today with your own beautiful depictions of the four seasons with this unique paper craft. The flexibility and elasticity that paper has gives you endless possibilities. All you need to get started is strips of paper, glue, and a tool to roll the paper. You can readily get these at any craft store or use what you already have: recycled paper and a bamboo skewer or toothpick work well.

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Built in 1707, the Old Summer Palace (Yuan Ming Yuan) is a masterpiece integrating the classic garden-building arts of China. It is reputed as the "Garden of all Gardens," due to its rich and incomparable landscaping. The beautiful and expansive gardens were known to the world, and triggered the craze of Chinese gardens in 18th century Europe. Victor Hugo, one of the best and greatest known French writers, described it as "Achievements generated from the imagination of a super nation." The Old Summer Palace was also the second political center in addition to the Forbidden City in the Qing Dynasty (1636–1911). Five emperors chose the Old Summer Palace as their venue for administrative governance. They felt it expressed an ideal of state governing and an appeal of aesthetics. Meanwhile, it was the base for turning out important national policies while serving as an important venue for the exchange between Chinese and foreign envoys. Having gone through a span of over 150 years, the Old Summer Palace reflects the history of the rise and fall of the Qing Dynasty. Deserving its honor as the largest royal art museum, the Old Summer Palace contained calligraphic works and paintings of many noted artists, numerous rarities such as secret and valuable books, ancient bells, tri-pots, precious articles, gold and silver wares, jewelry and jade as well as rare flowers and trees of that time. In 1860, the Old Summer Palace was destroyed by British-French Allied Forces and all the collections inside were looted, resulting in a terrible disaster in the history of international culture. Today, the Older Summer Palace represents an important piece of cultural history for human civilization. At the end of the 20th century, Guo Daiheng, the author of this book, led over 80 experts, scholars and professionals in starting a project of Digital Reconstruction of the Old Summer Palace, an unprecedented task in the history of international historic parks. Over the past 15 years, the project has included an orderly development in 3D molding, digital restoration, and digital experience. Scenes of the Old Summer Palace in this book are the exact results from a digitalized Old Summer Palace, which reveals the magnificence of the garden in its prime.

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Learn Chinese paper folding with this easy origami book.This origami paper craft book features zhezhi, the art of paper folding and origami which originated in China more than 1900 years ago and is still practiced today by the Chinese. Chinese Origami: Paper Folding for Year-Round Celebrations introduces many basic techniques and step-by-step instruction for a over 70 origami projects. Origami projects include: flowers animals decorations for festivals plum blossoms a narcissus lantern steamed rice dumplings and much more… This origami book will show you how to fold these objects and understand the traditions of Chinese culture that are deeply rooted in them. Beginners can follow the detailed easy-to-follow diagrams and illustrations, while those who are more advance can learn from the basic techniques to create and customize their own masterpieces.Watch your imagination take shape in clever and inspired forms with the art of Chinese paper folding!

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This authoritative collector's book is the largest collection of Chinese weaving and embroider patterns available.For more than twenty-five hundred years the patterns of Chinese silk textiles captured the imaginations of their beholders. The woven and embroidered designs catalogued in Exquisite Fabrics, a survey by Gao Chunming, combine consummate mechanical and technical skill with an aesthetic vision driven by the need to communicate the most important message of Chinese culture. This Chinese art book is a compilation of over one thousand Chinese traditional designs found in weaving and embroidery. Known as zhiwen or wen in ancient China, these traditional patterns are the products of brilliant artistic skills that have been passed down from one generation to the next. Available in a gorgeous slipcase, this book presents a wide and comprehensive range of classical design motifs that include: dragons phoenix birds auspicious animals floral patterns insects and fish figures religious allegorical

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Goldwork embroidery is a traditional Chinese embroidery technique that was originally used in the court or palaces and was exclusive to nobility in ancient times. Similar embroidery techniques were used in Central Asia and Europe in ancient times as well. Today, this sort of technique, characterized by its diversity of thread textures, variety of techniques, unique three-dimensional shape, and ability to blend other embroidery styles, is familiar to and admired by embroidery enthusiasts all over the world. Through her practice in embroidery over the past two decades, Chen Daiyu has simultaneously studied both Chinese and European embroidery. Her work is unique in that it combines the beauty of both forms, making it uniquely original. In this book, she draws inspiration from elements of traditional Chinese painting, combining traditional Chinese silk embroidery with European goldwork embroidery to create stunning, elegant works with a unique Chinese aesthetic appeal. This volume combines images and text, taking the reader systematically through the world of goldwork embroidery with a step-by-step guide.

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Mei finds an old album in Grandma's house in Beijing. She discovers a charming character doing a back flip on a faded photo and surprisingly learns this is her late Grandpa. She wishes she could have spent more time with him. Grandma says Grandpa was one of the best performers of Peking Opera (jing ju). It is hard for Mei to imagine him singing and doing back flips, so Grandma takes Mei to a show at the Mei Lanfang Grand Theater. The wonderful performance and Grandma's explanations offer Mei a beautiful overview of Peking Opera, the classic Chinese performance art, as well as interesting stories of her Grandpa. Mei returns to Washington D.C. after vacation. She decides to introduce the 'most beautiful face' to her friends. What is the most beautiful face? Why does Mei love it? Will her friends like it too? Let's follow the traditional Chinese paintbrush to enjoy an affectionate story about familial love, and learn about the traditional Chinese art enriched by more than a thousand years

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A long time ago, hundreds of birds lived on the Cangwu Mountain where they experienced four distinct seasons. Among them, there is a very unnoticeable brown bird called Phoenix. All birds except Phoenix fly to the largest lake in the mountain every day. They comb their feathers by the lake and compete to see whose feathers are more beautiful. Phoenix doesn’t like to attend such gatherings; instead, she collects food quietly to get ready for the winter. However, all the other birds make fun of her hard work. Unexpectedly, the coldest winter comes earlier than usual. Those birds who only care about their looks have to go out to find their food in the cold wind and heavy snow. They are almost starving to death due to the sudden shortage of food, but the kind Phoenix does not hesitate to share her food with her friends to tide over the difficulties. The cold winter is finally over, and spring has come. To thank Phoenix for saving their lives, the birds have prepared a mysterious gift for her. What is the gift then? Read the story and find out how the ordinary brown bird has transformed herself into the Queen of birds in Chinese myths.

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This book unites Chinese and Western embroidery techniques to create gorgeous practical beadwork jewelry with floral elements that are rich in Chinese culture. The projects range from simple to difficult, giving you a basic yet comprehensive grasp of bead embroidery, and teaching you how to create nearly twenty pieces of unique bead embroidery jewelry to embellish your daily outfits. With this book, you will: ·Master the use of bead embroidery tools, understand the characteristics of different bead embroidery materials, and get started easily. ·Acquire rich hand sewing and hook needle techniques, including more than 20 techniques to lay a solid foundation for making beaded jewelry. ·Learn to embroider nearly 20 different kinds of flowers using a combination of bead embroidery techniques through illustrated tutorials, and make jewelry that incorporates Chinese aesthetics, including earrings, bracelets, necklaces, brooches, hairbands, and clutch bags, bringing the art of bead embroidery into your daily life. ·Experience the beauty of beaded flowers from a Chinese aesthetic perspective, to broaden your creativity and inspire you.

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Normality today is to be enslaved by the material world to the point where individual happiness has not kept pace with increasing material prosperity. Have we lost our original nature in the pursuit of the external material world? Wang Yangming’s School of Mind of nearly 500 years ago teaches us how to overcome external circumstances and seek the source of the great strength that lies in our innermost being. Wang Yangming’s School of Mind is a gathering together of the achievements of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. It is one of the most representative and influential strands of Chinese philosophical thought and proposes that “conscience” is a cosmic prime principle innate in man that transcends all living things. The lifelong realization and practice of conscience is the only path towards self-fulfillment and perfection of character. This book uses Wang Yangming’s principles of “Mind is Principle,” “the unity of knowledge and action,” and “the exercise of conscience” to describe the School of Mind in simple terms to enable you to understand your own original self and go on a journey of self-cultivation that will gain you a kind of inner freedom and strength.

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Grandpa builds a beautiful little vegetable garden, but a big ugly rock is in the way. He digs it with a shovel. Thinking that it is as big as a car, he decides to bypass it when planting vegetables. Grandma nearly trips over the rock when watering the seedlings, so she digs it with a shovel. Thinking that it is as big as a house, she decides to walk across it when she is there. Papa stumbles over the rock when he is going to trim the seedlings, so he digs it with a shovel. Thinking that it is as big as an airplane, he decides to let it stay. Mama is worried about her sons tripping over the rock, so she digs it with a shovel. Thinking that it is as big as a mountain, she decides to keep her sons out of the vegetable garden.One day, the two brothers see the big rock and decide to dig it out together. Both their grandparents and parents tell them to give it up, because the rock can be bigger than they ever imagine. However, in just one afternoon, the two brothers dig out the rock successfully. It is not as big as they think.Sometimes the things in front of us are not as simple as they look.

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The word penjing can be roughly translated from the Chinese as "potted scenery." It is the original, older form of the art of bonsai. Penjing aims to embody entire natural scenes within individual works. Penjing is sometimes described as Chinese landscape painting in three dimensions. It aims to make viewers feel as though they were really in nature, contemplating the ripples on the surface of a lake or sheltering from the sun in the shade of a tree. It is an art form that is still, yet full of dynamic energy, embodying the natural beauty of trees, stones, and water. The book gives detailed guidance and instruction to those who wish to create a vivid miniature landscape of their own. It also describes the creation process of several outstanding examples of forest penjing, with accompanying photographs from each stage of their “journey” towards completion.Meant for beginners and experts alike, the information and techniques outlined in this book can help sow the seed of a new love for penjing or to refine the craft of a seasoned penjing designer.

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Gua sha is a traditional Chinese therapy for expelling toxin and preventing diseases. A simple scraping plate coupled with oil, when applied to the body repeatedly, can reach the effect of smoothing Qi and blood flow, stimulating main and collateral channels, expelling toxins and alleviating pain.This book explores the natural way of prevention and treatment through traditional Chinese medicine and explains the complete theories and practice for the treatment of over 100 ailments.Through Gua Sha Scraping Massage Techniques you will discover: 'The principles of gua sha.' Tools, ways, and techniques of gua sha. How to judge your own health status, prevent and tackle common ailments and achieve healthy complexion and physique through gua sha. How to prevent and cure various diseases through gua sha, such as chronic diseases, bone-joint diseases, male and female diseases, etc. Other tips for diet, massage and daily habits that combat illness and help build up your health.

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This beautifully illustrated multicultural children's book tells the story of two young brothers and a magical dog in both English and Chinese.Once upon a time, at the foot of the mountains called Zhongnan in the Shaanxi Province of China, there were two brothers who lived alone and depended on each other. One day, the elder one dug out a bronze dog while tilling which made the brothers very happy, as they could sell it for money. But unexpectedly, the bronze dog suddenly got bigger and swallowed the elder brother. Having seen this, the younger one rushed to find a hammer, intending to smash the bronze dog to save his brother. In order not to be destroyed, the bronze dog promised to give the young boy three gifts which he wanted most. But he told the dog he would rather ask for nothing but his brother. The bronze dog was deeply moved by the love between the two brothers, so it spat the elder one out and magically turned into a real dog. Luckily, the brothers got a new companion, and all of them lived happily ever after.Other books in the Chinese Zodiac Series (as well as the year of that animal) include: Little Pigs and the Sweet Rice Cakes—2007 & 2019 Magical Rooster—2005 & 2017 Water Dragon—2012 & 2024 Little Monkey King's Journey—2016 & 2028 Snake Goddess Colors the World—2013 & 2025 Horse and the Mysterious Drawing—2014 & 2026 Sheep Beauty—2015 & 2027 Little Rat and the Golden Seed—2008 & 2020 Little Calf—2009 & 2021

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This beautifully illustrated multicultural children's book tells a story about the Asia's most famous leader—his childhood and legacy.By the Onon River in the hinterland of Eurasia, Temujin (Genghis Khan) was born in a harmonious family of a tribal chief on Mongolian territory where the vast blue sky seemed to merge with the grasslands. At the age of nine, tragedy strikes the family when his father was murdered. In the aftermath, tribe members abandon his family and even steal their domestic animals. To survive, Temujin's mother takes him and his younger brother to pick wild pears and they fish by drilling holes on the ice-frozen river. This hard life strengthens the bonds of love within the family, enabling Temujin to become a bright and courageous child. Confronting the disintegrated tribes and continuous wars on the Mongolian grassland, Temujin was determined to bring peace and a comfortable place for his family to live. He becomes known as Genghis Khan after unifying a majority of the tribes there. Throughout his life, he fought in over 60 wars and won almost all his battles except a strategic retreat because his forces were out-numbered. He established an expansive empire across Eurasia, and brought political stability to the Silk Road which increased trade and communication between the East and the West.

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This beautifully illustrated multicultural children's book tells a classical Chinese myth in both English and Chinese.Long long ago, the world was a colorless, gray place. It had stayed that way for thousands of years. People never expected anything different until one day, the colorful Snake Goddess, Nuwa, fell from the sky. She was determined to bring color and beauty to the gray nothingness of the earth, but all the colors kept running out through a giant hole in the sky. To fix the hole and bring color to the world, Nuwa would have journey near and far to find the five magical colored stones that were her only hope for fixing the sky. Join the Snake Goddess on her journey to bring color to a desolate world!Other books in the Chinese Zodiac Series (as well as the year of that animal) include: Little Pigs and the Sweet Rice Cakes—2007 & 2019 Magical Rooster—2005 & 2017 Water Dragon—2012 & 2024 Little Monkey King's Journey—2016 & 2028 Horse and the Mysterious Drawing—2014 & 2026 Sheep Beauty—2015 & 2027 Bronze Dog—2006 & 2018 Little Rat and the Golden Seed—2008 & 2020 Little Calf—2009 & 2021

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Learn to wrap and loop paper to make adorable animals—from galloping horses to mighty dragons.Paper quilling is an ancient art form which uses the elasticity and flexibility of paper strips to create seemingly complex designs. By forming basic coils, you can create your own lively menagerie.This book includes: 24 animal projects An introduction to the art of paper quilling Information about the 12 animals of the zodiac, Chinese culture and relevant Chinese folktales Straightforward, step-by-step instructions that allow room for creativity and use basic quilling tools These delicate and unique works of art can be used to decorate cards and gifts, or be framed and hung as artwork in your home.

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In these charming volumes, Little Mei asks her grandfather about each of the four different Chinese celebrations represented.He tells her the stories of Nian and the monster Xi (Chinese New Year); Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet who loved his kingdom (Dragon Boat Festival); the Jade Emperor of Heaven who ordered the earth to be destroyed by fire (Lantern Festival); and Hou Yi who shot down the suns (Mid-Autumn Festival). In Celebrating the Chinese New Year, Little Mei wants to know why her family celebrates the Chinese New Year. All her family members have their own reasons, but it is Grandpa who tells her the story of Nian and monster Xi.

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Open up this book and find a fun, interactive way for kids to learn more about Chinese art and symbolism!Each two-page spread highlights a Chinese ceramic artifact, pulled from a museum collection. On the left-hand side, a photo of the piece, its history and any hidden symbols that are important in Chinese culture. On the right-hand side, a pop-out puzzle with 25 pieces that—when put together—shows a close-up of the artwork featured on the adjacent ceramic artifact.The patterns include daring dragons, elegant cranes and beautiful roses, among many other plants and animals. Kids will have fun finding and identifying all of the wildlife and mythical creatures painted on the ancient ceramic.For example: Dragons, the most sacred animal in Chinese culture, symbolize good luck and power. Deer represent good luck. One hundred deer is a wish for peace and happiness. An art form for many millennia, Chinese ceramics have been shipped around the world since the establishment of trade routes. Porcelain is so closely associated with the country, that it is still called "china" in everyday English. Children can develop their thinking and motor skills while also learning about important symbolism in China. This beautiful book will provide entertainment for kids and their parents—and both will come away having learned something new!

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Aroma''s Little Garden is a beautifully written novel that explores what it is like for a little girl to grow up in 20th century Shanghai, China.Aroma is an imaginative little girl who is in touch with nature. A dancing sunflower grows in the garden that she has planted and tended but nobody really believes that it can actually dance. Not her schoolmates and not the neighbors''. This causes her trouble at school and we watch as she grapples with these problems and attempts to retain her pride. Auntie Mai wants her to be like other children and not a wild child and her father tries to guide her through the pitfalls of growing up. Along the way and as she dawdles to school there are encounters with people, situations and nature itself; the handsome beetle at the side of the road, the street seller of egg rolls who teaches her how to make them and the terrifying old neighbour, grandfather of Duidui, her best friend. In Aroma''s Little Garden, Aroma is

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Learn how the clever Little Rat earned his place as one of the Chinese Zodiac Animals.This adorable Chinese-English bilingual children's book tells the story of the Little Rat and the Grandpa—unlikely allies who embark on an adventure to find a golden seed. They encounter rough seas, fierce guards and tall mountains, but—in the end—bring home a golden rice seed and save the village from going hungry.Illustrated with unique Chinese ink paintings, this book also includes a "cultural explanation" section. Readers can reference a chart to learn the years of the rat and read more about common characteristics of people born then. Birth years include 2008 and 2020. Other books in the Chinese Zodiac Series (as well as the year of that animal) include: Little Pigs and the Sweet Rice Cakes—2007 & 2019 Magical Rooster—2005 & 2017 Water Dragon—2012 & 2024 Little Monkey King's Journey—2016 & 2028 Snake Goddess Colors the World—2013 & 2025 Horse and the Mysterious Drawing—2014 & 2026 Sheep Beauty—2015 & 2027 Bronze Dog—2006 & 2018 Little Calf—2009 & 2021

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This collection of five stories by celebrated contemporary Chinese novelist Pan Xiangli, gives a rich look into the lives of cosmopolitan women living in modern China.Pan's heroines exhibit strength of character, sense of humor, and integrity while retaining their grace, beauty, and feminine style. In love, they need no fairy tales. These women let go of traditional ideals while holding true to their individual desires and expectations. They dare to pursue love on their own terms, all the while maneuvering the changing landscape of work, lifestyle, and the city. Pan Xiangli writes with a keen eye towards the lifestyle, mindset, and cultural values of the modern Chinese woman. Her characters assert their womanly beauty as defined by confidence, willingness to face challenges, and the self-assuredness to pursue happiness—all while being stylish and charming. Her colorful portraits will no doubt leave a lasting impression on the reader.The Way of Her FragranesIn The Way of Her Fragrance, Li Sijin is a 30-something, lively, and successful deputy managing editor of Shanghais newspaper, The City Intelligencer. While her relentless passion and professionalism make her a star at the news bureau, her admiration for her boss Luo Yi and her personal sense of right and wrong often get the best of her. What will it take for Li Sijin to be true to herself and to find fulfilling happiness? White MicheliaThe young and sprightly Xu Yi has been assigned to attend her first writer's conference. There, she meets Ji Mengbei, who is intrigued by Xu Yi's simple serenity. In White Michelia, the two engage in a cautious, playful dance against the backdrop of their own experiences and anticipations. A Miracle Rides In on a SleighIn A Miracle Rides In on a Sleigh, a woman ponders her simple life as a housewife. She is content, well loved, and very comfortable. But she wonders about choice and possibilities of the past, present, and the future. Then one Christmas day, she finds out. Lady BossHan Xiaoyan works for the glamorous and successful Zhong Keming, who seems to have it all. But Han quickly learns that, behind every confident woman, life stories are complicated. As Han navigates some big decisions in her own life, her Lady Boss becomes a witness and an unexpected confidante. Listen to the NightA phone call catches "Miss Dream" off guard as she is taken on an unexpected journey to rediscover her past. The voice on the other end of the line goes alongside her as she slowly allows herself to face her present reality without giving up her memory of what was once true. In Listen to the Night, they both learn what it means to live in the present and to thrive after love and loss.

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The 17-Year-Old Hussars is a collection of two short novels about the coming of age for teenagers in rapidly-changing 20th century China.The teens depicted in the first part of the collection, The Seventeen-Year-Old Hussars, were the first lost generation of China as the country went through the biggest social revolution in modern history. Lucky to have missed the tumultuous Cultural Revolution days when the old value system had been castigated as feudal and retrogressive and when most of the schools were closed and only the selected few were allowed college education, they were nevertheless condemned to grow up in a virtual moral vacuum. Unable to get into college-tracked key high schools, they entered career-tracked technical schools, but the 40 "hussars" were still considered semi-losers, because their secured future employment would also doom them to a relatively low social status. You could almost feel the angst and pain of these foul-mouthed teenagers and their sense of loss through their rebellious behaviors and escapades. In contrast to the northern-most Chinese province Jilin, a rather unsophisticated location where the first collection took place, the second part Keep Running, Little Brother was set in Shanghai, the most cosmopolitan city of China. The locals with material wealth unmatched by the rest of the nation take their privileged status as a given and have a natural suspicion of all others who struggle to share this prosperity. The protagonist growing up in a rather well-to-do family, had to struggle to overcome his inner demons, to turn his life around. His was not a struggle for survival, as with the less fortunate ones, but a struggle more akin to someone who suffered from "affluenza," a social disease more prevalent not only among the young, but also among the old.

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In this story of intrigue, friendship and love, we follow two hustlers through Shanghai in the dynamic period shortly after China's reform and opening up.During that dynamic period shortly after reform and the opening up of China, two friends and their acquaintances struggle to not only survive but to thrive by running hustles throughout Shanghai. Friendship, love, and loyalty are ultimately tested when they embark on a scheme to rob a lucrative amount of money in the for of one check that becomes two, then three, and eventually four.Soon, the game that started as a sure thing becomes complicated with the involvement of different players and their agendas. A web of deceit is spun as everybody tries to capture the real check. Echoing the quick changing pace of modern China, the alliances the players form are broken and realigned again sometimes in the span of one night, a day, or a week as they realize that not all players are created equal and not all games have a clear winner.

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This hilarious and whimsical Chinese langauge book shows all the slang words that have entered the Chinese lexicon in the last few years. This compendium of hip, contemporary buzz words will amuse and delight those who want to know what people are talking about in China now. The book arose from a weekly column in the Shanghai Daily newspaper that introduced new Chinese words an slang. This compilation contains all the terms and phrases published in the "Buzzwords" column for the past four years. Each term is presented first in Chinese and then in pinyin. Then it's followed by its English translation and a short paragraph to explain its basic meaning and usage.

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Between Confidantes contains two novellas. Between Confidantesis a beautifully wrought and intriguing novel set amidst Shanghai's leafy plane trees and softly lit streets, recounting the story of a friendship torn apart by love and ambition. In Memory of the Departed, Chen Danyan takes the reader on an extraordinary journey through the complexities wrought by history on a mother, her daughter and their circle of friends in Shanghai during the tumultuous years between 1944 and 1978. The writer's depiction of the desperate search for meaning and happiness in a period of unpredictable change and conflict beyond the grasp of its victims, bring to life a devastating time in China's history as well as the difficulties and challenges of growing up and finding truth.

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For five travelers, a creative writing expedition through some of China’s most scenic landscapes becomes a voyage of personal discovery. As they make their way from the Fu River running through Sichuan’s ancient mountains to the famous Jiuzhaigou Valley, their personal stories unfold and intertwine. This is a story of lovers and rivals, fathers and daughters, legends and modern history.Author Zhu Lin’s lyrical descriptions paint an evocative picture of pine trees whispering in the mountains and sparkling mineral pools, a vivid backdrop for her distinctive characters. This novel captures the complex and sometimes disturbing experience of a changing society, and stands as a significant addition to the growing body of fiction exploring China’s recent past.

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Over thousands of years, the art of Chinese painting has evolved, while also staying loyal to its traditional roots. Despite various schools of thought, styles and techniques, three primary categories have emerged across the discipline: landscape, figure and bird-and-flower. Using fine ink and water brush strokes on paper or silk, Chinese artists have developed a unique style—one that's famous throughout the world.This book highlights 50 Chinese paintings, pulled from museum collections in China and around the world, including: British Museum, London Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas Osaka City Museum of Art, Osaka Palace Museum, Beijing Palace Museum, Taipei Shanghai Museum, Shanghai The paintings shown are representative of the categories, historical periods and styles of this artistic tradition.Detailed professional interpretations and notes allow readers to learn more about the pieces themselves, the artists and the context in which they were created. Plus, photo enlargements of key details get readers up close to these masterpieces. As one of the world's oldest continuous art forms, Chinese painting has a truly special history. This comprehensive guide allows modern readers to travel through time, experiencing important moments in Chinese history and society through beautiful pieces of artwork.

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With dozens of beautiful, original designs and detailed explanations, this Chinese paper cutting book is a great reference for beginners.Paper cutting is a popular papercraft in today's multicultural world, embracing a great variety of themes, designs and images. In China, its birthplace, it is regarded as an elegant traditional folk art. Chinese paper cuts reflect many aspects of life, including prosperity, health and the harvest. Paper cuts are typically used to decorate walls, windows and doors, or as patterns for embroidery and lacquer work. Rich in cultural tradition, with a long history of over 1,500 years, Chinese paper cutting was listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009.Easy to learn, paper cutting only requires paper and scissors which can be used to create a wide range of interesting paper cut outs. Instruction and inspiration can be found in The Beginner's Guide to Chinese Paper Cutting. This Chinese crafts book introduces all the basic elements of Chinese paper cutting, including the necessary preparation, basic techniques, simple practices and appreciation. The book's clear directions and illustrations will allow anyone to explore the art of paper cutting and start making their own works of art.

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Follow the author's brush through four seasons, creating your own bouquet of flowers. In this step-by-step guide you will find: The basic tools you'll need for watercolor painting Basic watercolor techniques, including proper brush grip, brush movement, applying paint, color mixing, layering and more Illustrated tutorials with clear steps for painting beautiful seasonal flowers in various styles. Inspirations for your work The 24 solar terms that have been passed down for millennia, along with traditional Chinese flower culture. Author and illustrator Lu He specializes in combining Western watercolors with the style of traditional Chinese ink. The resulting beautiful, soft look integrates shape and spirit, freestyle and tradition, luxury and quiet elegance. By following his instruction, you will be able to create blooming flowers of different styles, whether delicate, beautiful, bold or gentle.

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With readable and enternatining stories from China's past, this book is a unique addition to the field of Chinese history.Open these pages to discover the great figures of Chinese history: Du Yu, the tamer of floods; Qin Shihuang, the First Emperor of China; Confucius, the great philosopher; Sima Qian, the great historian; and the unforgettable villain, Cao Cao. Tales from 5000 Years of Chinese History covers the history of China in an anecdotal fashion that makes each event come alive. Entertaining and informative, this ambitious narrative will enlighten all those who wish to know more about the chronicles of the Middle Kingdom.

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