The story behind this idiom about deception comes from one of the most famous and fabled chapters in Chinese history, the much-dramatized rivalry between Xiang Yu and Liu Bang. After both generals helped to bring down the Qin Dynasty, Xiang Yu divided China into 18 kingdoms, taking vast, fertile territory for himself and giving Liu Bang remote, mountainous land.

This interesting discussion on the origins of Chinese last names and clan names shows how the tradition has evolved from the matriarchal to the patriarchal practice. This segment explores a few common family names- their origins, whether they were last or clan names, etc.

This interesting discussion on the origins of Chinese last names and clan names shows how the tradition has evolved from the matriarchal to the patriarchal practice.

This interesting discussion on the origins of Chinese last names and clan names shows how the tradition has evolved from the matriarchal to the patriarchal practice.

Learn the benefits of studying Chinese calligraphy.

Through a detailed report of the Zhou Dynasty's history, we discover how the Chinese last name system worked and what has changed over the years and become today's practice.

Chinese last names worked in a different way in the past than they do now. Chinese children used to get their mother's last name. That is because Chinese ancient society was matriarchal and divided into clans.

The Chinese naming system is very complex. It follows precise rules, stating the differences between a person's last name, given name and courtesy name. In particular, the difference between the last two is strictly connected with the rituals that used to bring a child from childhood into adulthood in ancient China.

Learn about the Chinese naming system: there's a method to the madness!

Learn about the Chinese naming system and some of the issues concerning names that are being encountered today.

Is Chinese calligraphy a lost art? Has the invention of the computer totally wiped out the beautiful art of writing? Calligraphy means “beautiful writing.” Chinese calligraphy is revered for its dynamic motion and energy. Learn from the experts how computers have revolutionized calligraphy and how it has impacted our society from a social and cultural standpoint.

Is Chinese calligraphy a lost art? Has the invention of the computer totally wiped out the beautiful art of writing? Calligraphy means “beautiful writing.” Chinese calligraphy is revered for its dynamic motion and energy. Learn from the experts how computers have revolutionized calligraphy and how it has impacted our society from a social and cultural standpoint.

Is Chinese calligraphy a lost art? Has the invention of the computer totally wiped out the beautiful art of writing? Calligraphy means "beautiful writing." Chinese calligraphy is revered for its dynamic motion and energy. Learn from the experts how computers have revolutionized calligraphy and how it has impacted our society from a social and cultural standpoint.

Is Chinese calligraphy a lost art? Has the invention of the computer totally wiped out the beautiful art of writing? Calligraphy means “beautiful writing.” Chinese calligraphy is revered for its dynamic motion and energy. Learn from the experts how computers have revolutionized calligraphy and how it has impacted our society from a social and cultural standpoint.

This entertaining and informative video on the Chinese obsession with gift-giving reveals a lot about contemporary Chinese social and political issues (covering everything from social competition to corrupt officials) and also delves into the ancient origins of this long-running practice.

In his effort to preserve the history of his city the director overcame many difficulties. In the end, it simply came down to his drive to preserve the past and love for sharing history with others, that lead him to persevere.

The director of a Xiamen antique store, The Goodone, has collected and preserved the flower tiles of the the city's old roads hoping one day they can be re-purposed into the design of the city.

The "Heart Sutra" is written in ancient language and contains passages that are difficult for the average reader to understand.

The judges of The Voice of China stand together in support of the Laoqiang music group from Huayin.

The video describes the many ailments that can be treated with pine and cedar trees, the origins of Chinese medicine.

Knowing the basis of the Chinese character for illness opens the door for learning many more characters.

This video explains the origins of the Chinese character for pain.

This video explains how the character for illness evolved into its present form.

In this episode, the origins of the Chinese characters for "illness" are explained.