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.

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.

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.

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 segment looks into the selection of Chinese names. How can one find a good name with strong virtue?

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 continues to explore Chinese names with specific attention on Jia Bao Yu, a character in the Hong Lou Meng movie.

Master Tang Han explains the importance of character meaning as well as character tone when giving names and how to revise a problematic name.

Master Tang explains the significance of the name. How does the name of a business determine its destiny?

Master Tang further explains how the name of an enterprise embodies its guiding principles and how our names must not be taken lightly.

This video tells the legend behind the Chinese firecracker.

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

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

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

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

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

Canadian Mark Henry Rowswell is perhaps the most famous foreigner in China. He talks to talk show host, Chen Luyu, about his life and remarkable career in China as xiangsheng (a traditional form of "crosstalk" comedy) performer and cultural ambassador, Dashan.

Dashan talks about when he first came to China and reveals that even he once struggled to master the language.

How did Dashan get his big break? See that first CCTV skit that made him famous.

Dashan talks about the moment he realized he was a household name in China, while old friends and xiangsheng legends Jiang Kun and Ding Guangqun reveal what makes the Canadian such a special talent.

One of Dashan's xiangsheng teachers shares his feelings about his foreign "grandson."

He was at Beida and performed a skit on CCTV. Did a lot of girls like him back then? Pry into Dashan's personal life and... is Zhang Kai Li really his wife?

How does Dashan feel about China?
How is his life with his family?

What is Dashan's family like? How do he and his wife get along with each other? Watch this to understand more about Dashan and his family.