Celebrating Sanyuesan: A Vibrant Fusion of Tradition and Myth
From ancestral worship to joyous festivities, discover the rich cultural significance of Sanyuesan, or Shangsi Festival, across China
From ancestral worship to joyous festivities, discover the rich cultural significance of Sanyuesan, or Shangsi Festival, across China
Despite having only six households left, the “parading of the god” ceremony in Fujian’s Weixiang village continues each year, alive with color, techn…
Wood and the objects born from it have been coveted throughout Chinese history, but as access dwindles and consumer preferences change, it’s slowly l…
How a Song dynasty goddess continues to protect—from ancient seafarers on the maritime silk road to modern exporters in today’s global trade war
Ne Zha transcended his origins as a Buddhist deity to emerge as a rebellious, anti-patriarchal hero in popular culture
China’s adherence to the 12-year zodiac cycle is known around the world. What might be more surprising is that the West’s astrological signs have als…
Life in Guangdong’s ancient, neglected, and crumbling “Earth Buildings”
The people of Zhengpan celebrate the Lunar New Year by charging into flames for good fortune
The people of Fengxi village celebrate the Lunar New Year with a unique folk ritual involving sugarcane, deities, and fire
China’s Lunar New Year celebrations begin with rituals and offerings to the kitchen god
The Mid-Autumn Festival became an official public holiday only in 2008, but it has been celebrated for centuries
How a mural artist invents and builds deities inspired by the spiritual customs of Quanzhou