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古時飲杯茶需要二十八件茶具？

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The tea plant (Camellia sinensis) originated in China and the Chinese were the first to discover that the leaves could be used not only for medicinal purposes but also as an aromatic beverage. Not only is tea the “national drink” of China, it is also a favorite beverage of more than half the world’s population.

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30026ph022 — Eight Immortals

The “eight immortals,” or baxian, are one of the most popular groups of deities in Chinese folklore. Their tales and attributes are well-known in almost every Chinese household.

Eight Immortals

8086a23db6fc361ca4937796c5559497 — Speaking of Old Huizhou

Huizhou lies in the mountainous region of southern Anhui province, along the border. The simple and honest mores of Huizhou are like a rare flower among the numerous gardens that are part of China’s intangible cultural heritage.

Speaking of Old Huizhou

f3ccdd27d2000e3f9255a7e3e2c48800 — Traditional Chinese Toys and Curios

The Chinese word wanju can refer to two different things in English. The first is “toy,” such as a child’s plaything but it can also mean “curio,” a kind of ornamental plaything or knick-knack.

Traditional Chinese Toys and Curios

1404ph018 — Chinese Diet Therapy

Shi liao is an abbreviation for shiwu liaofa (food therapy or diet therapy). Chinese diet therapy is a precious culture of Chinese nation, which is both ancient but also a newly developing science.

Chinese Diet Therapy

21602phn001_01 — Worship of Guan Gong

Guan Yu (d. 220), also known as Guan Gong (Lord Guan), an eminent general of the third century during the Three States period (220–280), has been continuously worshipped as a god in China. Modern Chinese people, both at home and abroad, still honor him as Old Master Guan, Imperial Lord Guan, The Martial Sage, Emperor Guan, Sage Guan, Lord Benefactor, and other titles.

Worship of Guan Gong

30022ph035 — Christianity in China

Christianity is the largest religion in the world today, and its believers make up about thirty percent of the world’s population. Christianity together with Islam and Buddhism are collectively called the three major religions.

Christianity in China

1604phn001_01 — Veneration of Tianhou (Mazu)

Tianhou (literally “celestial empress”), personal name Lin Mo, is also known variously as “Tongxian shennü” (Worthy and efficacious divine woman), “Tianhou shengmu” (Celestial empress—the divine mother), “Mazu” (Maternal ancestor), “Niangma” (Mother), and a nunmber of others.

Veneration of Tianhou (Mazu)

20902ph022 — Philanthropy in China

Charitable works in China date back some 3,000 years to the pre-Qin period, and were mainly carried out at the state level. It is recorded that during the Western Zhou (ca. 1100–771 BCE) period the government formed agencies to relieve famines and to provide aid and comfort to the common people.

Philanthropy in China

1603phn001_01 — Islam

Islam is one of the three major monotheistic religions and has the largest number of believers. With over seventeen billion believers and growing, it is believed to have the fastest development of any religion.

Islam

0908phn004 — Tea and Tea Culture

The tea plant (Camellia sinensis) originated in China and the Chinese were the first to discover that the leaves could be used not only for medicinal purposes but also as an aromatic beverage. Not only is tea the “national drink” of China, it is also a favorite beverage of more than half the world’s population.

Tea and Tea Culture

30066phn003_01 — Chinese Taiji

Taiji quan (also spelled t’ai-chi ch’üan or simply t’ai-chi) can be translated as “Supreme Ultimate boxing.” It is a national intangible cultural treasure and has a long history. Its mixture of Daoist and Ruist spiritual philosophy combines strength, balance, posture, and concentration with calm breath.

Chinese Taiji

30077ph066 — Chinese Funerary Customs

Chinese funerary customs may be divided into those for mourning (i.e., the relevant rituals for the deceased) and those for burial (which may take other forms than interment).

Chinese Funerary Customs

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