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Chinese culture

Chinese culture
Latest news and updates on Chinese culture including the country’s traditions, food, values, history and festivals.
A scene from War Horse, performed at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in 2019. The award-winning British play is one of many artworks made over the centuries with a strong equine focus. Photo: Winson Wong
Art

Famous horse-related works of art as the Year of the Horse 2026 approaches

To celebrate the nearing Year of the Fire Horse, we look at paintings, books and plays that show how the use of horses in art has evolved.

Asian diaspora

How Boston Chinatown overcame constant threats to win its place in history

US-China relations

US commission wants more Mandarin language courses to curb Beijing’s sway

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My Life

‘Architects are always jumping in water that’s over our heads’

Billie Tsien, founding partner of Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, tells of designing the Asia Society Hong Kong Centre and the Obama Presidential Centre.

Architect Billie Tsien, pictured at Asia Society Hong Kong Centre, which she says was a complicated and scary site to build on. Photo: Tracy Wong
Food and Drinks

Hong Kong-style cafe receives top recognition. Owner has been to the city once

Tarek Hassan fell in love with Hong Kong culture as a teen. Now his Gongfu Cafe & Bao in Ottawa, Canada, serves authentic tastes of the city.

Hong Kong culture

Why the Year of the Horse 2026 could bring chaos but also great progress

With 12 animals and 5 elements, the Year of the Fire Horse comes around every 60 years and tends to bring both good fortune and bad.

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Horoscopes

What’s your luck like in December 2025, the month of the Earth Rat?

It’s the luckiest month of the year for the Ox with the Rat being its astrological friend, while the Snake can also expect smooth sailing.

December is the month of the Earth Rat. Illustration: SCMP Graphics
Hong Kong culture

Language Matters | The enduring legacy of bamboo, a symbol of resilience and strength in Asia

Bamboo is used in everything from construction to food throughout Asia, and even lends itself to global concepts like the ‘bamboo curtain’.

Food and Drinks

Best things to eat in Chaoshan, a food paradise in China’s Guangdong province

Chef Huang Jinghui reveals the secrets of Chaoshan cuisine – also called Chiu Chow cuisine – from seasonal seafood to lion-head goose.

China consumption

Pursuit of hoppiness: how China’s cash-conscious drinkers embraced craft beers

As discerning alcohol consumers seek ‘wallet-friendly’ products, premium beers are winning out over higher-end options.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
Food and Drinks

Peking duck diplomacy? How a US president’s China visit made the dish famous

Richard Nixon’s televised China trip in 1972 was the first glimpse behind the ‘bamboo curtain’ for many and their first exposure to the dish.

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Then US President Richard Nixon (right) and then Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai eat during Nixon’s official visit to China in 1972. Photo: Getty Images
Women and gender

Being Chinese | Why Chinese women like me are done being quiet and ‘appropriate’

Chinese women are praised for gentleness. Our tone must please; our anger must be graceful. But a new generation is speaking out.

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China consumption

China’s liquor capital faces long march to rebirth as ‘liquid gold’ glory wanes

In Maotai town, baijiu producers diversify offerings while expanding to markets such as Hong Kong and Southeast Asia amid a culture shift and economic challenges.

Art

Taiwan’s National Palace Museum marks 100-year history with stunning displays

The Taipei museum’s centennial exhibitions feature spectacular works spanning paintings, sculptures, pottery and more.

“Meat-shaped Stone”, from the Qing dynasty (1644-1911), is a piece of jasper carved to resemble a piece of “dongborou”, or braised pork belly. It is considered one of the “Three Treasures” in the National Palace Museum collection and included in “Enduring Legacy: A Centennial Celebration of the National Palace Museum” exhibition. (Photo: NPM)
Food and Drinks

How Hong Kong-born chef’s Chinese kitchen knives are cutting through stigma

Chef says ‘made in China’ does not mean low quality and that his modern, affordable chef’s knives challenge ones from Japan and Germany.

Sean Warmington-Wan examines one of his Chinese chef’s knives at a factory in Yangjiang, southern China. Photo: Fragrant Knives
Asian cinema: Hong Kong film

How Bruce Lee hit the big time and other Hong Kong cinema highlights from 1972

Amid Bruce Lee’s rise to stardom, we look at what else made Hong Kong film headlines in 1972, from a Lee challenger to a local ‘Bond Girl’.

Trending in China

Explainer | What Chinese phrase ‘wearing small shoes’ means, how it links to painful bridal shoes

Idiom stretches back to ancient times, invokes acts of revenge and humiliation, is commonly used in today’s workplace.

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Lessons from China's history

Reflections | From slapping body parts to National Games, China’s history of exercise

Used to train soldiers long before its benefits were taught to regular folk, exercise has become a matter of national resilience in China.

新华社照片，广州，2025年11月9日 这是11月9日拍摄的开幕式现场表演。 当日，第十五届全国运动会开幕式在广东奥林匹克体育中心举行。 新华社记者 卢汉欣 摄
Food and Drinks

TCM gets a delicious, Insta-worthy makeover in food and drink

At these gelato and cocktail places in Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur, traditional Chinese medicine is the secret ingredient for their success.

World of performing arts

San Francisco Opera’s The Monkey King is a landmark in cultural exchange

This timeless Chinese folk tale retold as an opera is a sumptuous feast for the eyes and ears that provides a showcase of Chinese culture.

Trending in China

Explainer | Why China Miao ethnic group shows love by biting each other; gentle bites mean unloving

Couple then hold engagement ceremony called ‘eating chicken’ to symbolise approval of marriage.

Among the Miao and Yao ethnic minority groups, young men and women show affection by gently biting each other’s arms. Photo: cecrpa.org.cn
Art

How one factory is keeping Hong Kong’s porcelain craft alive

Set up in 1928, Yuet Tung China Works produces guangcai porcelain used by luxury hotels in Hong Kong and royal families in Europe.

Yuet Tung China Works, a porcelain factory in Hong Kong’s Kowloon Bay neighbourhood, has four showrooms, the shelves stacked from floor to ceiling with plates, bowls tea sets and vases, many bursting with traditional motifs such as flowers, dragons, phoenixes and carp. NOV 12, 2025. Photo: Kylie Knott
Food and Drinks

One of the fastest Michelin stars ever – Hong Kong-born chef’s restaurant

Udtryk in Copenhagen, Denmark, gained a Michelin star just 41 days after it opened. Owner and chef Edward Lee recounts his culinary journey.

Chinese zodiac predictions

Is the Year of the Snake’s 10th month lucky for you? Forecasts for all signs

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan breaks down this lunar month’s prospects for all 12 Chinese zodiac signs in health, love, work and finances.

Art

The enigmatic collectors’ society opening its vault of Chinese masterpieces

Hundreds of exceptional works go on show at HKMoA as a famously discreet circle of collectors marks its 65th year.

The Engaging Past Wisdom: Min Chiu Society at Sixty-five exhibition at HKMoA includes a pendant of a dancing woman, dating back to the 3rd century BC. Photo: Jocelyn Tam
China-Japan relations

Japanese concerts cancelled in China as diplomatic row takes cultural toll

Fans of Kokia and JO1 left disappointed as diplomatic dust-up over Sanae Takaichi’s comments ripples out into the economy.

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Japanese culture, from pop music to anime, has a big fan base in China. Photo: AFP
Food and Drinks

Male vs female hairy crabs: which are tastiest? Hong Kong chefs explain

Top Hong Kong chefs point out the key differences between male and female hairy crabs, which are best for newbies and how they cook them.

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Chinese history

Shameful period? How China’s Qing dynasty brought both wealth and humiliation

China’s final dynasty saw the arts and economy thrive under Manchu rule. But internal and external struggles corroded centuries of stability.

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