During the 19th Asian Games held in east China’s Hangzhou, McCleary Gondo, a 27-year-old Zimbabwean student living in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, caught people’s attention. Recognising the critical importance of communication at such a large-scale event, he used his language skills and intercultural awareness to train local volunteers in English.  He travelled across the city to lead practical sessions tailored to the specific needs of the volunteers: welcoming foreign visitors, providing clear directions, and calmly handling unexpected situations. He also offered…

Farmer Luo Baozhen receives regular weather updates on her smartphone, which help her to better manage her tea farm. Once living in precarious conditions and struggling to make ends meet, Luo now earns as much as 28,000 yuan ($3,868) annually from tea plantation on her 8 mu (0.53 hectares) of land in Pu’er, Yunnan Province. The modernisation of farming and the use of high technology have become a daily reality for farmers and significantly boosted their incomes.  This remarkable transformation reflects the…

The Spring Festival, China’s most significant holiday, is also a vital driver of the country’s economy. This year, it shone even brighter, as the festival followed its inclusion on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, sparking renewed enthusiasm domestically and attracting heightened interest from abroad.  The statistics speak for themselves: 2.3 billion cross-regional trips and a record box office of 9.51 billion yuan ($1.3 billion) during the Spring Festival holiday from 28 January to 4…

The Spring Festival, China’s most significant holiday, is also a vital driver of the country’s economy. This year, it shone even brighter, as the festival followed its inclusion on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, sparking renewed enthusiasm domestically and attracting heightened interest from abroad.  The statistics speak for themselves: 2.3 billion cross-regional trips and a record box office of 9.51 billion yuan ($1.3 billion) during the Spring Festival holiday from 28 January to 4…

The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is the most important celebration in China. It is a cherished occasion for families to reunite, share festive meals, and honour the memory of their ancestors. The Spring Festival holds profound cultural, social, and historical significance. For the Chinese people, the Spring Festival is a celebration of their rich cultural heritage.  Here is an outline of the origins of this festival, its many traditions and customs, and how it has changed…

In the digital age, where traditional culture is in danger of gradually disappearing, one iconic figure has taken it upon herself to reverse the trend by reviving traditional skills. A prominent Chinese vlogger, Li Ziqi, whose birth name is Li Jiajia, has amassed a vast online following by reinterpreting traditions that date back thousands of years. Following a three-year absence from social media, she made a highly anticipated return with the release of three new videos in mid-November 2024. These…

The documentary film Rêve de kung-fu will soon be released in Chinese cinemas. This vivid creation traces the extraordinary journey of Taling Tene Rodrigue, a Cameroonian researcher, to master martial arts and use them to promote cultural exchanges between China and Africa.  This journey is much more than just a personal experience. It builds a bridge between two cultures and shows how universal values such as discipline, respect and perseverance, which are inherent in martial arts, can transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. …

In light of the growing frequency of extreme weather events, the imperative for climate action has become more pressing. However, the issue of environmental protection continues to present a significant challenge in the context of public opinion. There remains a perception among many people that the climate is an issue that is solely the responsibility of governments and big businesses, which tends to diminish the importance of their own involvement. Even among citizens who are aware of ecological issues and…

Lin Yuexin, a student at Beijing No.12 High School, stands in front of a long roll of paper and looks closely at it. In the centre of the scroll are silhouettes of young Chinese and Africans playing football. In the background, cultural symbols of China, such as the Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall, stand alongside those of Africa, represented by the pyramids of Egypt and other emblematic images. On the left is an inscription in Chinese: “We are…

Rawdoth Alazi Soumaila, a young actress and model from Benin, has recently been cast in a leading role on the Chinese small screen. Formed Police Unit, a recent film by Hong Kong director Lee Tat-Chiu, showcases her artistic talent.   Adopting the Chinese name of Mulan, Soumaila wants to stand out and embody a heroic figure, following in the footsteps of the legendary Chinese warrior admired for her bravery and humility for over 1,500 years. By exploring the world of the seventh…