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.

The interview continues and LiuYi shows us how he collects garbage as well as the school garden he has created.

In this first of an interview series with a Chinese medicine expert, listen to her discuss the terminology used concerning Chinese, Western, and modern medicine in general.

A 75-year-old retired school teacher collects garbage every day and donates the money to a school for poor children. His charitable deeds have earned him recognition in the local newspaper and several awards. His speaking is difficult to understand, but still an interesting perspective from a different generation.

China is full of pet markets. In this video, see one for yourself—and learn a little about the linguistic and cultural aspects of fish, insects, and bunnies.

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.

Eason Chan (陳奕迅) is a famous singer and actor from Hong Kong. Learn all about him with Yabla!