马马虎虎 (mǎmǎhūhū): meaning, origin and the story behind it
When you start learning Chinese, you quickly realise that some words and phrases do not translate neatly into English. One…
The Legend of the Great Race and the 12 Animals of the Chinese Zodiac
This year, Chinese New Year begins on 17 February, marking the start of the Year of the Horse according to…
Chang’e and Moon: Tales of the Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival isn’t just a time for family gatherings and enjoying mooncakes – it’s also a moment to reflect…
Shennong – God of Agriculture and the Ancient Legend of Tea’s Discovery
In Chinese mythology, Shennong is one of the most important mythical rulers, known as the God of Agriculture and the…
Chinese Lunar Calendar: Ancient Wisdom in the Modern World
Unlike the calendar we use every day, the Chinese lunar calendar does not follow a constant, unchanging pattern. Based on…
Huo Yi and the Ten Suns: Ancient Chinese Legend
Introduction Chinese mythology is full of fascinating stories that explain natural phenomena and convey moral lessons. One such tale is…
From Chaos to Harmony: The Legend of Pangu and the Creation of the World
The creation of the world is fundamentally about bringing order to chaos—a theme deeply rooted in Chinese thought and philosophy.…