Blog Author - Katherine Zhang

Mandarin Monday: Exploring Chinese Festival Handicrafts
Festival handicrafts are a vivid expressions of China's cultural heritage.
A Breath of Fresh Air in Beijing's Forest Oases
Explore these five "forest oxygen bars" in Beijing.
Exploring Shadow Puppetry: A Timeless Chinese Art
Originating more than two thousand years ago, shadow puppetry is considered one of China's oldest performing arts.
Mandarin Monday: This Isn’t How You Read That?!
The curious case of why some place names in Beijing appear to have the wrong pronunciation.
The Tradition of Chinese Kites: A Cultural Legacy in the Sky
Kites have long been a significant part of Chinese culture – a tradition that dates back over 2,000 years.
Exploring the Culture Behind Chinese Sugar Art 
Let's take a closer look at the background, history and skills behind this intriguing edible craft. 
Beijing’s "Ghost Markets": A Brief History & Where To Find Them
Beijing's “ghost markets” can be traced back to the late Qing dynasty and the early Republic of China.
Five Ancient Beijing Trees Worth Looking For
Beijing is home to over 40,000 ancient trees. These are a few old trees worth checking out.
Everything is Pan: The Resurgence of Prayer Beads in China
Once only used by practicing Buddhists for religious purposes and the elderly to kill time, prayer beads are now popular amongst young Chinese.