Tunbao. Stone alleys, ancient ways
Obscure fortified villages where Ming Dynasty folklore still thrives. In the mid-14th century, Mongols were gradually losing their influence over Eurasia. Weakened by natural disasters, rebellions and internal strife, the Yuan Dynasty that ruled over China was soon to fall. In 1368, the Mongol emperor …
Miao or not Miao. Gunpowder, batik, sour soup
Three unique, tiny ethnic groups in Guizhou. If you live or lived in China, you probably know about the Miao. Girls in large, intricate silver headdresses smile at you from billboards all over the country, advertising Miao medicine. Miao medicinal products and Miao clinics are …
Dong. Old wood, green rice
In and around Zhaoxing 肇兴, where the Dong (Kam) people live. Guizhou Province of China is known for its ethnic diversity. One of the many ethnic groups that inhabit it are the Dòng 侗. They live mostly in the southeastern corner of Guizhou, where it …
Peonies of Luoyang
Flowers are huge in Chinese culture. The city of Luoyang 洛阳 is famous for peonies (mǔdān, 牡丹). I went there in April a few years ago, when the flowers are in bloom and when many events and expos are held in the city’s numerous botanical …
Man-Han Feast of plastic
Out of more than a dozen of canal towns in the Yangtze Delta, Mùdú is definitely NOT the prettiest one. Let me tell you why I enjoyed it nevertheless. Curio time! Mùdú Ancient Town 木渎古镇 lies in the urban area of Suzhou, roughly mid-way between …
Kunshan’s stove mystery
Unless you’ve heard about Kunqu, an important form of Chinese opera, the name of the city of Kūnshān 昆山 might not ring a bell at all. Close to the mouth of the Yangtze and between Suzhou and Shanghai, its location is an undoubted advantage. Kunshan …
