The Shanghai Symphony Orchestra (SSO) kicked off its 2024-25 season on Sunday with a grand opening concert.
Founded in 1879, the SSO, also the oldest orchestra in China, is celebrating its 145th anniversary in 2024.
"The Shanghai Symphony Orchestra's season is highly anticipated worldwide. Here the audience can not only hear the sounds of the world but also experience the vibrant energy of Chinese culture," music director Yu Long said.
The 2024-25 season's program includes 29 band concerts, 12 chamber music performances, five Music Map classes, six rush-hour concerts, and 32 visiting artist concerts.
Renowned German baritone Matthias Goerne, a recipient of classical music's most prestigious awards, joins as the season's artist-in-residence. Notable artists such as Leo Nucci, Daniel Harding, Jaap van Zweden, Charles Dutoit, Chinese conductor Li Xincao and pipa virtuoso Zhao Cong are scheduled to perform during the season.
Highlights include a semi-staged production of Porgy and Bess in October and Verdi's Rigoletto in March 2025. Both Elliot Ho Yat Leung's commissioned work, inspired by Chinese culinary culture, and Zhou Long's new version of Nine Songs, inspired by the ancient text Chu Ci (Songs of Chu) by Chinese poet Qu Yuan (340BC-278BC), will have their world premieres.
Pianist Liu Xiaoyu performed Chopin's Piano Concerto No.1 to open the concert on Sunday. Liu rose to fame after winning the 18th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in 2021.
This concert also marked Liu's first collaboration with the SSO on a concerto. In 2023, he also made his solo debut on this very stage in Shanghai.
"Last year, when I performed a solo concert here, I found the acoustics in the hall to be very well-suited for solo performances. This time, the concerto is actually more in a chamber music style, which fits perfectly with the world-class sound quality of the Shanghai Symphony Hall," Liu said.
Amid applause from the audience, Liu returned to the stage for an encore, playing Chopin's flowing and moving Nocturne in C-sharp minor, followed by Tchaikovsky's lively Dance of the Little Swans.
Since winning the Chopin competition, Liu has performed over 100 concerts globally each year. Liu said he hopes to share his thoughts with people from different cultures.
"I think it's a rather interesting endeavor. Even with the same piece, the interpretation varies in different cultural contexts," Liu told the Global Times.
When asked if he encourages young musicians to participate in competitions, Liu said, "Everyone has their own path. Competitions aren't the only way. I was aiming for a good platform. It's undeniable that everyone wants to win first place, but during the preparation process, I had already forgotten about that. By the end of the competition, objectively, it's a contest between people, but subjectively, it's a contest with yourself."
Regarding the promotion of classical music through social media, Liu expressed mixed feelings. Noting that he is concerned that people may be addicted to social media, become lazy, and prefer to watch videos from home instead of attending concerts, he said that he hopes more people will come to live performances as a result of his efforts.
"In the past, people didn't have access to so many different versions of pieces, relying entirely on teachers or their own research," Liu said.
He hopes that now with the abundance of video resources, people will cherish classical music more.
"Read ten thousand books, and your pen will be guided as if by the gods" is an ancient Chinese idiom that can be seen in students' textbooks. China's Ministry of Education has published an action plan to further promote reading among students across the nation. With new and diverse book recommendations, the reading scene is expected to be revived not only at schools, but also across society. To contribute to this endeavor, the Global Times launched "My Reading Life" essay contest for middle school students.
Please pick up a pen and share your stories with us at reading@globaltimes.com.cn
Participants will be rewarded once the article has been selected. Over the years, reading has become an important part of my life. I always remember a notable motto that says, "Books are the ladder of human progress."
I like reading because reading can change people's lives. Through reading, people can obtain different information, knowledge and experiences, which can help them better understand the world and improve themselves.
At the same time, reading good books can also help people establish good values, world views and life attitudes, and obtain spiritual satisfaction and growth, and promote personal development.
Reading has not only enriched my mind, but also provided spiritual support and impetus for my growth.
For example, my favorite book Wonder by R.J. Palacio shows the substance of empathy, friendship, acceptance and celebrating differences.
I remember a quote from the book says that when given the choice between being right and being kind, choose kind. I believes in this quote.
Wonder tells the story of August, a 10-year-old boy who lives with his parents and sister in New York.
August is an ordinary boy in many ways. He likes riding a bike and playing video games. But August, or Auggie as people call him, was born with facial deformities and so looks very different from others. Because of his facial deformities, his mother homeschooled him for the past five years, but the family finally decided that it was time for him to start school. Auggie's first year at school was terrible, most people were afraid of him, so they kept away. Day after day, some kids bullied him with a game called "The Plague."
Whenever somebody got close to Auggie, that meant they caught the plague. But he never gave up on himself, and never lost hope. Through the hard times, a girl called Summer reached out her hands for him to be friends, that was when August first felt kindness from friends.
But towards the end, a dramatic event at a school camp changed things completely, people found out how brave he was, and how hard it was for him to get along with people and began to understand him.
Kindness is the main theme in Wonder. It helps us realize that a small, simple act of kindness can make a big difference, and we have the ability to choose kindness. From this book, I have learned to face differences in people. Maybe if we knew what other people were thinking, we'd know that no one is ordinary, and at least we all deserve a standing ovation at least once in our lives, because everyone is a unique star, and always ready to shine.
In 2017, the novel was adapted into a film of the same name by US director Stephen Chbosky. The film features stars like Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson and was a box-office success due to the heartwarming story that resonated with many audiences.
Although some of us do not go through the kind of hardship that Auggie does, we still can feel connected to the boy's story because at some points in life we have all gone through struggles and pain like Auggie.
Books like this make me believe that cultural productions can really inspire people and change how people think about life.
All in all, reading helps us become better people, and we can also gain happiness. If we continue to learn and constantly improve our cognition, we will be able to achieve a higher level of happiness. This sense of happiness derived from knowledge leads to both external happiness and inner satisfaction and prosperity.
So, I hope everyone can find a book that makes your day, and try to make reading part of your life.
The author is a student at the Beijing Wenhui Middle School
In today's world, where challenges and opportunities coexist, the global economy is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. How to respond to these changes and uncertainties has become a common issue for governments, businesses, and individuals alike. Recently, Global Times reporters Xie Wenting and Bai Yunyi (GT) conducted an exclusive interview with renowned economist and former governor of the Bank of Canada, Stephen Poloz (Poloz), on this topic. According to Poloz, five economic tectonic forces - population aging, debt accumulation, income inequality, technological advancement, and climate change - are constantly shifting and accumulating, much like geological forces, and are causing profound "economic earthquakes" around the globe. GT: In The Next Age of Uncertainty, you mention five economic forces (aging population, debt accumulation, income inequality, technological advancement, and climate change) that are reshaping the global economy. Could you introduce your conclusions to our readers on how these forces will reshape our economy? How should we respond to these changes?
Poloz: I refer to these forces in my book as tectonic forces because they are like forces of nature. They are always moving, and there is nothing that we can actually do about them. When the earth's tectonic forces build up in strength and collide, we get earthquakes.
In the book, I examine past major economic events, and I discover that some of these same tectonic forces were active in those time periods, such as during the global depression in the 1800s, the depression of the 1930s, or the global financial crisis.
All five of these forces are rising in strength right now. At the same time, the global population is aging very rapidly. The fourth industrial revolution is just gaining momentum. Incoming inequality is at a historic high level and is about to rise even more because of the industrial revolution. And debt is on an unsustainable trajectory. Climate change is becoming very pressing as it manifests itself daily.
Therefore, the prediction of my book is that we face a future in which there will be more of these kinds of economic and financial earthquakes in the world as these forces collide with each other. I think we need to prepare ourselves. We need to be more conservative financially. We need to learn new skills all the time so we can shift our occupations. We need to invest in flexibility and adaptability.
GT: You mentioned in your book that technological advancement may cause instability in the job market. How do you think we should address the employment issues brought about by these new technologies?
Poloz: We've had three industrial revolutions in history: The steam engine, electricity, and the computer chip. Each time, many jobs have been destroyed by the new technology. However, at the same time, more jobs have been created than were destroyed after a period of time. The problem is that the process of job creation takes time, and it may take five to 10 years for the process to complete itself.
I think the important thing that most people forget is that new technology creates a lot of new wealth. Those are the companies that were first to develop the technology, or the companies that were the first to deploy the technology, and that new income and wealth that has been created is spent everywhere in the economy. So new jobs are created, not just in writing code or making iPads or whatever, but those jobs are in construction work, maintenance work, throughout the service sector, and other goods.
The fourth industrial revolution is just getting started. That's the digitization of our companies and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to manage it. There's no doubt that this will be very stressful, possibly affecting as much as 20 percent of global workers, maybe more over time. As societies, we need to ensure we have good income safety nets to protect people during the transition and help facilitate the process. We also need to provide retraining opportunities for individuals to move between sectors or geographically. This is the best way to support the transition, make the process less painful, and realize the benefits sooner.
GT: Some say that the development of AI is different from the first and second industrial revolutions as it won't help create more jobs. What's your opinion?
Poloz: I don't agree with that. I think that, for example, with AI-driven vehicles, if all the trucks that deliver goods or transport items became automated vehicles, a whole new class of maintenance people would be needed to maintain those sophisticated vehicles. A traffic control system would also be necessary, as they can't just drive wherever they want.
The more important thing is that if AI really works as expected, it will create a lot of value, which goes out into the economy. While some people may be displaced, there will be growth in other areas of the economy. I am quite optimistic about this, especially when considering historical precedents. It has happened many times before, with each technological revolution leading to tremendous growth for society.
However, there is a risk that some people may be left behind, possibly permanently or for a long time. This can lead to political unrest, populism, and polarization in politics. It is important to learn from past mistakes and address income inequality to prevent further societal divisions. GT: How would you evaluate the performance of the Chinese economy? Some have claimed that "China has peaked." What's your take?
Poloz: I really don't think China has peaked. As any economy matures and moves up the productivity scale, and as it gets larger, it is natural for its growth rate to slow down. That doesn't mean it has peaked. It still continues to reach new heights.
Countries are kind of like a flock of Canada geese. The geese are flying in a triangle, and the geese that are most advanced are at the front of the triangle. The geese that are less advanced are a little bit further back in the triangle. They have an advantage because the ones that are upfront are breaking the wind and making it easier for the geese to fly. Inevitably, they continue to progress.
Maintaining momentum is an important job. That maintenance of momentum comes from deep investments, education, collaborative models, cross-discipline models, research, and development. And these are all things that China has in abundance.
GT: In recent years, China has been vigorously developing the new energy industry and promoting a green economy transformation. How do you view this process?
Poloz: This is an example in which the government really should be involved. The reason is that we find ourselves in a world with excessive carbon emissions, and we know this because the market fails. The market does not get us to the right place. That's because air pollution is something that everybody contributes to by driving their car or buying something made in a factory that pollutes the air directly or indirectly. But no one pays for the air pollution. But we pay a price because the air is of lesser quality, or because emissions are causing climate change.
There are many ways of correcting this failure. But it's clear governments must take the lead. In my opinion, the best solution to the climate change issue is to invest as much as we can in carbon capture. The world will demand more and more energy as we move forward, and energy security will be very important to people. If we can solve the emissions problem with our existing technology, even though it may be expensive, that is the best way to focus our resources.
GT: Economic relations between China and the US have attracted a lot of attention. How do you view the roles of the two countries in global economic governance? What do you see as the future trends in economic cooperation and competition between China and the US?
Poloz: I do believe that our futures are closely intertwined. If we go back to the Canada geese metaphor, it is obvious that we are all, in a basic sense, flying forward together. This is the best way forward in terms of governance of the global economy or system. We have many forums for this, based on collaboration. They work well in a crisis, but not as effectively in other times.
When we consider international trade between the US and China, trade does not actually occur between the two countries. Trade occurs between business people in the US and business people in China. These individuals know and like each other, and they have been doing business together for many years. In my opinion, these relationships are stronger than politics. I am hopeful that the strength of these ties will continue to benefit us.
The main thing I worry about today is uncertainty. Because what it all does is it makes the future less certain. I find that today, politics adds to the uncertainty. It slows down business investment and the investments we make in the future. So, it slows the whole flock of Canada geese down. The more we can do to reduce uncertainty, the better things can be.
GT: What's your outlook on globalization? Do you think the era of globalization is ending, and is the era of regionalization on the rise?
Poloz: Globalization will never end because it is Mother Nature at work. Adam Smith taught us that the division of labor into smaller and smaller slices, that specialization in production, is the key to rising productivity and rising living standards that we all want.
In our economies, you don't do your own dry cleaning, you don't grow your own vegetables; you go to the grocery store and the dry cleaning store. Someone else specializes in those things, and that's how we all do better. Globalization just extends that simple idea to the international level. It was hard 200 years ago because things had to move around on animals or by ship. But today everything is easier to move around. So we can improve our living standards through international trade.
Sometimes I think that global supply chains were developed by the chief financial officer and optimized by dollars and cents. Then during the pandemic, we saw many disruptions in supply chains. We realized that sometimes the supply chains are risky because of some problems, so it's not all perfect. Now, what we are seeing is that supply chains are being remodeled more by the chief risk officer, rather than the chief financial officer.
This shift in focus is leading to a certain amount of reassurance in the supply chain. It is a re-balancing of globalization, and a new balance will emerge, albeit slightly different from before. Globalization is not black and white; it is an equilibrium that will reemerge.
From September 12 to 16, the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) is being held in Beijing.
In a congratulatory letter, Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out that CIFTIS, having been successfully held for 10 years, is a vivid illustration of the high-quality development of China's service industry and service trade, making positive contributions to the building of an open world economy. As the largest comprehensive exhibition in the global service trade field, this year's CIFTIS continues to be highly attractive. In total, 85 countries and international organizations have set up exhibitions and more than 450 Fortune Global 500 and industry leading companies have participated offline, making it a bridge for all parties to share development opportunities, promote industrial growth, and strengthen communication and exchanges.
Trading "tangible goods" is called trade in goods, while trading those invisible products or services is usually categorized as trade in services. The WTO divides trade in services into 12 major areas, including tourism and travel-related services, business services, transportation services, construction and related engineering services, and financial services. From the perspective of world trends, the importance of trade in services has become increasingly prominent. According to WTO statistics, global service exports grew at an average annual rate of 4.9 percent from 2013 to 2023, approximately twice the growth rate of goods exports, and the proportion made up by services trade in total trade in goods and services increased to a quarter. China is a big manufacturing country. Moving toward becoming a strong manufacturing country and expanding high-level opening-up to the outside world cannot be achieved without a strong modern service industry.
China has a high position in promoting the development of the service industry. It does not do it behind closed doors, but is instead committed to promoting the in-depth cooperative development of global trade in services and service industry and making progress together with the world. Since its establishment, the CIFTIS has attracted more than 900,000 participants from 197 countries and regions, and established itself as a global brand. The much-anticipated and widely welcomed CIFTIS has refuted those who believe that the attractiveness of the Chinese market has declined. During this year's CIFTIS, hundreds of activities will be held and more than 200 integrated innovation results will be released. Fortune Global 500 and industry leading companies such as Siemens, Google, Amazon, and GE HealthCare will actively participate in the conference, and "old friends" of CIFTIS such as Philips and Tesla have chosen to "debut" their cutting-edge innovative products at CIFTIS, which demonstrates that these companies still attach great importance to the Chinese market, and China's opening-up has brought new opportunities to foreign enterprises. Meanwhile, the momentum of China's economic recovery has not changed, and the rising willingness for international cooperation is even clearer.
We have observed that although global economic growth has slowed and trade protectionism and trade friction have increased, the process of digitalization, intelligence, and greening of China's service trade has been accelerating, and the attractiveness of opening up the service industry remains strong. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the value-added of China's service industry grew by 4.6 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2024, and service industry accounted for 56.7 percent of the country's GDP. The scale of service trade reached a record high for the same period, with total service imports and exports reaching 3.6 trillion yuan, an increase of 14 percent year-on-year. The level and scale of service trade are continuously improving and expanding, showing an "acceleration" of China's openness to the world. Globally popular phenomena this year, such as "China Travel" and "Black Myth: Wukong," are closely linked to the openness and progress of China's modern service industry.
The measures China has taken to promote the development of its service trade are steady. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee explicitly urged the country to "innovate and upgrade trade in services"; the General Office of the State Council has unveiled a set of guidelines to promote high-quality development of trade in services with high-standard opening-up; the Ministry of Commerce rolled out national and pilot free trade zone versions of negative lists for cross-border trade in services; pilot programs to expand opening in the medical field were launched, allowing foreign-funded hospitals to be established in Beijing, Tianjin, and other regions; and the number of comprehensive pilot cities for expanding the opening-up of the service industry increased to 11, with over 1,300 pilot measures introduced across 13 sectors including technology, telecommunications, culture, tourism, and finance. Through these measures, the world can recognize China's willingness and determination to promote development through openness and achieve mutual benefits through openness.
Judging from the impressions of this year's CIFTIS, the enthusiasm of old friends has not diminished, new friends have come in droves, and the CIFTIS "circle of friends" continues to expand. This is also an epitome of China's high-level opening-up to the outside world and a reflection of deepening economic globalization. From developed countries to developing countries, from international giants to small- and medium-sized enterprises, everyone has brought more updated achievements, technologies and applications to CIFTIS to fully demonstrate their attractiveness. What resonates with the attractiveness of the large platform of CIFTIS and the big Chinese market behind it is the mutual fondness between exhibitors from all over the world and the Chinese market.
"Read ten thousand books, and your pen will be guided as if by the gods" is an ancient Chinese idiom that can be seen in students' textbooks. China's Ministry of Education has published an action plan to further promote reading among students across the nation. With new and diverse book recommendations, the reading scene is expected to be revived not only at schools, but also across society. To contribute to this endeavor, the Global Times launched "My Reading Life" essay contest for middle school students.
Please pick up a pen and share your stories with us at reading@globaltimes.com.cn
Participants will be rewarded once the article has been selected. To love reading and enjoy reading is to love life and enjoy life.
When we immerse ourselves in the pages of a book, we are transported to worlds beyond our own, gaining insights into the human experience and expanding our understanding of ourselves and others.
Reading can fill our lives and purify our souls. I enjoy reading and I love life. I enjoy reading Chinese classics such as the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. Exploring the mythical and wonderful stories of demons and monsters in Journey to the West and experiencing the boldness of martial arts heroes in the Water Margin.
I also like to reflect upon the wars and turmoil during the historical period in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, while in Dream of the Red Chamber, I witness the prosperity and the ephemeral nature of the world.
Reading allows us to explore different perspectives, challenge our beliefs, and cultivate empathy. It is through stories that we connect with the past, envision the future, and find meaning of the present.
As we turn each page, we uncover not only the stories of others but also the deeper layers of our own identity. Books become mirrors that reflect our thoughts, fears, and desires, while serving as windows that open up to the vast world beyond our immediate surroundings.
In the quiet solitude of reading, we find a sanctuary - a place where we can confront our doubts, find comfort in shared experiences, and discover new passions.
To love reading is to embrace curiosity, to seek knowledge, and to nurture the soul with the richness of words. In this way, the act of reading becomes not just a pastime, but a vital part of living fully, with awareness and purpose.
The joy of reading is also found in the unexpected journeys it offers. A book can lead us down paths we never knew existed, introducing us to ideas that challenge our perceptions and inspire change. It is in these moments of revelation that we feel truly alive, energized by the discovery of new possibilities.
I also enjoy reading foreign classics and learning about the colorful lives portrayed by foreign writers. For example, The Chameleon by Anton Chekhov vividly satirized the shady phenomena of society at that time.
Another book called Jane Eyre tells me the life of the protagonist Jane Eyre and depicts her character. The story is written like an autobiography, making it the best self-monologue in the world. In the book, I was able to grasp the courageous character of a woman, and reflect on what empowers a woman is never the co-dependence on her family nor husband, but her own intellect and intuition.
To love reading is to continually seek growth, to feed our imagination, and to stay connected with the essence of what it means to be human.
It is an act of self-care, a way to nourish our minds and spirit, and a reminder that, in every story, there is something to be learned, savored, and cherished.
Through reading, we find companionship and a deeper connection to the world - a connection that enriches our lives.
Reading is a skill that can be continuously improved, allowing us to gain more from each book we pick up. In order to read better, I will try to consider why I am reading a particular book or text in the future.
The author is a student at Beijing National Day School
Chinese animated show Zhanshen debuted on Chinese streaming platforms on July 31. Two days later, the first episode had received over 100,000 likes on TikTok, with numerous discussions in various languages such as English, Thai, Indonesian and Russian. They were mainly two questions: "Where can I watch this new animation?" and "What is the name of this animation?"
Long and difficult to understand, Chinese names are often the first threshold foreigners must overcome to appreciate Chinese animation.
It is not a big problem as foreign followers can always reach an agreement on "what name" to call a work before the official English name is released. In this case they have settled on Battle through the Heavens, which is easier to remember and becomes a key to unlock the code of Chinese culture.
Together with #C-dramas, hashtags used by overseas followers like #donghua (cartoons), #xianxia (Lit: immortal heroes) and #Chinatravel are trending on overseas social media and video platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
Under them, millions of short videos and billions of views and likes prove that online novels, streaming dramas and animated works are becoming China's name card in the era of digital culture. As of August 1, the "C-drama" hashtag has about 1.8 million works on TikTok. If other entries such as "Chinesedrama" or "dramachina" are added, the total number of works exceeds 4 million.
Outside the English-speaking world, Chinese TV series have also gained a large number of fans. Vietnamese, Thai, Russian and other users not only learn about and discuss their favorite Chinese dramas in English, but also create introductions in their own languages. Besides this, they also voluntarily translate hit TV series into multiple languages.
Thanks to them, donghua, manhua (Chinese comics), xianxia, and wuxia (martial heroes) have turned into hashtags, sparking interests among more and more Gen Zers globally.
Quite different from the way Japan and South Korea's culture has expanded overseas, Chinese online novels, animations and streaming dramas' popularity overseas has been developing based on traditional Chinese culture right from the very beginning.
"Wuxia" and "xianxia" first became hits because these works inherit the style of ancient Chinese fantasy novels and martial arts novels, and incorporate Taoist culture while being full of fantasy elements and descriptions of love, friendship, and faith. In terms of visual presentation, from background drawing to character modeling, they also clearly highlight Chinese landscapes, ink techniques, East Asian looks and China's traditional clothing. Such cultural barriers have not blocked hardcore fans. Instead, they have discussions and recommend works to each other.
The world of xianxia opened by the cooperation of online literature and animation is full of not only unique cultural accumulation and magnificent imagination, but also unique visuals. Different from 2D animated movies in Japan, most Chinese tales and comics are produced in 3D.
Overseas fans can be regarded as an unexpected gain for China's cultural industry. Although China's major streaming sites have overseas platforms, most content, including streaming dramas and animated works, are not released overseas until they have finished their domestic runs.
Different from Japan and South Korea's strategy of creating content based on overseas culture, creators in China are encouraged to produce specialty content inspired by China's fine traditional culture.
The success of China's culture industry comes from the clustered industry model and "team battle" strategy when it comes to using IP. Many tech giants like Tencent have different major business sectors, ranging from online literature to film and television, animation and e-sports. After a category or IP makes a breakthrough, companies can quickly react to enlarge the IPs influence and establish a better reputation.
Overseas fans have also gradually become accustomed to the concept of having a single IP extend across novels, animation and streaming dramas. With this in mind, they actively look for more Chinese cultural works.
As more and more travelers visit China, many become more curious about Chinese culture. It seems that the hashtag #Chinatravel has added its magic to introducing the charm of Chinese culture. The unexpected overseas success of Chinese online novels, streaming series and animation reveals the unique charm of Chinese culture, expression and lifestyle.
When it comes to Chinese cuisine, a large number of dishes are celebrated as delicacies, but a few are often regarded as "weird" by foreigners who have never tried. Among the most typical examples is the century egg, or pidan in Chinese. In 2018, the Disgusting Food Museum in Malmö, Sweden, surprisingly featured century eggs in its exhibit of the world's most "disgusting" foods.
But why are foods like century eggs, chicken feet, and animal offal, which are everyday delicacies in China, considered unpalatable by foreigners?
The answer lies in cultural differences and varying dietary preferences.
Traditionally, in China, a signifi cant cultural value is placed on the appreciation for diverse and unique flavors. However, many foreigners are unfamiliar with many of the foods on offer in China and hold different taste preferences.
But in recent years, an increasing number of foreign visitors and gourmets have initiated to try the new tastes they couldn't find easily in their home country. A timeless delicacy
Century eggs, also known as preserved eggs, are a beloved staple in Chinese cuisine with a history spanning centuries. It is said that during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) period, the owner of a tea house accidentally discovered that duck eggs buried in ash mixed with tea leaves had a unique aroma and a fresh, smooth texture.
Later, not only duck eggs but also chicken eggs, goose eggs, and others started being made into century eggs. Typically, century eggs made from chicken eggs are yellow and translucent, while those made from duck eggs are dark green and more common.
Although pidan is referred to as a century egg or even a "thousand-year egg" in English, it doesn't actually take that long to make. The process typically takes just a few days or up to about a month.
Made through a traditional process of curing fresh eggs in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, quicklime, and rice hulls, the eggs undergo a chemical transformation that turns the egg white into a dark, translucent jelly and the yolk into a creamy paste.
The distinctive appearance and intense aroma of century eggs are cherished in China. The eggs are often served in porridge, as a cold appetizer, or even as a topping for other dishes. In some regions, it is also enjoyed on its own.
On Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, some videos show foreigners reacting to pidan, and many seem to dislike it.
Despite its divisive reputation, century eggs continue to attract curious eaters from all over the world. In June 2024, KFC China even launched a century egg tart, blending traditional flavors with modern fast food. A gastronomic icon
Another Chinese delicacy that baffles many Westerners is chicken feet, or feng zhao. Commonly served as a snack or in dim sum, chicken feet can be marinated, fried, steamed or boiled, resulting in a chewy texture.
At night markets all over China, chicken feet are usually an essential delicacy, while in Guangdong Province and other areas of southern China, chicken feet are also served as a breakfast item.
Sometimes the bones are specifically removed from chicken feet to make them easier to eat.
According to data from iiMedia Research, the online market for boneless chicken feet in China reached 4.98 billion yuan ($698.3 million) in 2023, and the market is projected to grow to 7.76 billion yuan by 2028, with the vast majority of consumers belonging to the younger generations, buyers under 44 years old account for 93.59% of the market.
Despite their popularity in China, chicken feet face significant resistance in Western countries due to health concerns, their appearance, and the unfamiliar eating experience.
Two American students visiting East China's Jiangsu Province earlier this month told the Global Times that they tried the chicken feet during their travel, describing them as "surprisingly good," and admitting that they "really liked them."
A culinary feast
Beyond century eggs and chicken feet, Chinese cuisine also embraces a wide range of animal offal, including organs like liver, kidney, and intestines. Dishes like luzhu in Beijing, made from pork head meat and pork offal, and fuqi feipian, a spicy Sichuan dish made from beef heart, tongue, and tripe, showcase the Chinese penchant for using every part of the animal.
Additionally, many parts of China use pork intestines to make Chinese sausage and in the southwestern regions, particularly in Sichuan and Chongqing, intestines are a key ingredient in many spicy dishes.
Mao xue wang, a famous Sichuan dish, features duck blood, beef tripe, and pork intestines cooked in a numbing and spicy broth made with Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers. Another popular dish is a noodle dish topped with stir-fried pig intestines and tofu, known for its bold flavors and chewy texture.
In addition to animal offal, traditional Chinese cuisine offers other examples of strong-flavored delicacies, one of the most well-known being stinky tofu. As the name suggests, stinky tofu is known for its pungent odor, which results from the fermentation process. While the smell can be off-putting, the flavor is beloved by many Chinese diners.
As global food cultures increasingly blend, an interest in traditional Chinese dishes is also growing. While some may never fully embrace century eggs or stinky tofu, a rising number of adventurous eaters are challenging their palates to experience the rich diversity of Chinese cuisine.
How can art and culture from the past survive in a globalized world? Inheriting the treasure of art and culture from the past thousands of years, young Chinese have created a new trend - Guochao, or China chic. It refers to a movement started by an increasing number of young people who are endeavoring to revive and reinvent China's traditional culture.
We can see fashion designers drawing inspirations from the precious murals inside the Yungang Grottoes, and traditional instrument players creating all new trendy music on pipa. These young Guochao trendsetters have helped China's cultural legacies be passed down and preserved for future generations.
In this series, we will interview young people who are using wisdom and creativity to reinterpret traditional Chinese culture in their particular field of expertise. This time, Global Times reporters Sun Langchen and Li Hang focused on two young women's efforts to revive the timeless crafts. From vibrant Chaozhou crochet revival to the timeless elegance of qipao, a close-fitting woman's dress with high neck and slit skirt, traditional crafts are finding new life and global appreciation. Combining tradition with modern design
As crochet hooks rhythmically traverse yarn, vibrant and lifelike patterns emerge, showcasing the traditional Chaozhou crochet technique. This unique art form, known for its intricate lacework, has been a staple in Chaozhou, South China's Guangdong Province, for generations.
Chaozhou crochet is a traditional craft from the Chaoshan region. Using just a single crochet hook and three basic techniques, intricate patterns can be woven. Known for its flexibility and convenience, with no limitations on where it can be practiced, crocheting became a popular way for many women in Chaozhou to supplement their household income during the 1980s and 1990s. In 2014, Chaozhou embroidery was included as part of the fourth batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage listings.
Huang Jiayu is a native of Chaozhou born in 1990. She grew up surrounded by women skilled in crochet. According to Huang, during the off-season for farming, local villagers would fulfill orders, with much of their handcrafted lace exported overseas, supplementing their income.
Huang's father opened a crochet factory, and her childhood was filled with memories of aunts working on orders at home.
"Some items with bright red and green colors were destined for Africa; the vividly colored bikinis mostly went to Europe and America; orders from Japan tended to be more nature-inspired, with lower color saturation," Huang said.
However, upon graduating from university in 2014, Huang discovered that the family business was on the brink of bankruptcy, as machinery had begun to overshadow traditional craftsmanship.
"It would have been a real pity if my parents had to close their crochet factory. The ladies working there would have lost their jobs, and their families also rely on that income," Huang recalled.
Determined to preserve this traditional art form, she began to sell her crochet designs while traveling in Southwest China's Yunnan Province. To her surprise, her creations quickly gained the favor of young people.
Returning to Chaozhou a year later, Huang rallied the local crochet aunties to form the "Crochet Team," combining their skills to innovate and rejuvenate the craft. The average age of the team members is about 50 years old.
"The aunties are very familiar with these traditional crafts, but they haven't independently designed any products. They tend to have more traditional ways of thinking, so it takes longer to refine products to fit the current market. Our ways of thinking are different," Huang said.
Take a smiley face, for instance: They think a mouth that curves downward or outward is basically the same. But in reality, the specific expression of an emoji can give people very different impressions, she noted.
Huang's vision is to break away from conventional designs and introduce vibrant, three-dimensional elements to her creations.
"Traditional crochet designs often seemed outdated in contemporary fashion," Huang said. "Combining diverse, modern designs with traditional techniques is crucial to stay relevant today."
Huang draws much of the inspiration for her work from life. When she encounters something she likes or a captivating color combination, she consciously incorporates it into her crochet designs.
Bikinis, earrings, backpacks… Huang is well-versed in crochet products. With spring approaching, she has designed the "Spring Bloom" series, featuring earrings inspired by canola flowers, angelica flowers, and goji berries to add a touch of spring vitality for youthful girls.
After watching a documentary about the ocean, she was inspired to create the "Coral Reef" series, using colors derived from underwater fish and seawater to bring a refreshing coolness. The "International Women's Day" series, characterized by square shapes and orange tones, encourages everyone to break free from conventions and be true to themselves. These refreshing crochet products, sold online across the country, are particularly popular among young customers.
While they were initially skeptical about whether Yang's designs would catch on or generate sales, the thriving online store business proves that their choice was the right one.
Huang also includes a signed card from the maker with each product, creating a personal connection between customers and creators.
She frequently shares customer's reviews and comments with the aunties, allowing them to enjoy the feedback and share in the customers' appreciation and joy.
In June, an exhibition featuring works by Huang and her team was held in Shanghai. Among the items was a vividly colored, fully hand-crocheted dragon that drew gasps of awe from many visitors.
"I love witnessing the connections between people through art that combines traditional symbols with fresh, modern forms. The first expression of amazement when people see the works is always the same," she told the Global Times. Revising cultural appropriation
Heather Guo, a 23-year-old entrepreneur, is making a significant impact on the appreciation of traditional Chinese fashion through her boutique, the Xiangjiang Silk Company, located in Manhattan's West Village in New York City. Named after Hong Kong's alternate name, Xiangjiang, the store is dedicated to preserving and celebrating qipao, a traditional dress that takes inspiration from the ethnic clothing of the Manchu people.
Guo's journey into the world of qipao began serendipitously when she encountered a collection of vintage qipao in a New York gift shop. These garments, relics of Hong Kong's golden era of fashion, were woven from silk and adorned with intricate patterns.
"They were densely woven, often featuring intricate patterns," Guo told the Global Times.
As more and more people grew interested in qipao, she gained a passion for preserving and celebrating it.
The history of qipao is a tapestry of cultural evolution and craftsmanship. It traces its origins back to the traditional attire of the Manchu ethnic group, who ruled China during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Qipao was originally designed for men. In the 1920s, as feminist consciousness rose, Chinese women embraced qipao, transforming it into a form-fitting, figure-flattering dress.
However, it may be surprising that over time, this trend became Westernized and continuously intersected with Western fashion trends.
"It is distinctly Chinese, yet it has not developed in isolation, as it has always drawn from foreign clothing trends. China and other countries have always maintained cultural exchanges," Guo noted.
It is also worth noting that despite this historical background, qipao's role as a symbol of Chinese cultural heritage has often been misunderstood or appropriated in popular Western culture. Even now, some may acknowledge that it has been commercialized as part of the "Eastern dream," a trend that sometimes overlooks its cultural roots and significance.
Some may even think that qipao has the same origin as the kimono, a traditional item of clothing from Japan.
Many foreign interpretations of the qipao reduce it to mere exoticism, failing to recognize the depth of its historical and cultural context.
"You can only embrace a culture when you really understand it," Guo said, noting this kind of foreign interpretation is "cultural appropriation."
Guo's dedication to preserving the authenticity of the qipao is evident in her approach to both vintage and contemporary designs. At Xiangjiang, she refuses to alter vintage dresses, honoring them as perfect representations of past wisdom and style.
"Each vintage qipao in our store is unique, reflecting the personal choices of its original owner," she emphasized.
Her commitment also extends to creating new qipao designs that respect traditional techniques while integrating modern fashion concepts for greater comfort and inclusivity.
Guo's improvements include replacing the wide and very visible iron zippers with modern invisible zippers. Some complex and difficult-to-wear styles, like the shoulder-opening qipao, were hard to fasten and wear, and people were unwilling to wear such inconvenient clothing, so there was no need to keep these complicated designs.
However, "The New Chinese style must originate from the Old Chinese style, without the Old Chinese style, the New Chinese style is like water without a source," she noted.
The fabrics Guo chooses to use still adhere to the framework of the 1950s and 1960s, avoiding overly modern materials. The workshop, staffed by four tailors, produces around 150 dresses per month using high-quality silk from Hangzhou.
By introducing vintage qipao while designing new qipao, Guo highlights the importance of understanding and respecting the cultural background of traditional garments through education.
A lack of understanding often leads to the superficial use of traditional elements without genuine appreciation, which she has encountered in her sales experience.
Once a seller from New York received vintage qipao dresses from a Chinese lady who had given them to the seller's granddaughter. The way she sold them caused a heated dispute to erupt between her and her granddaughter.
"The granddaughter told me the seller just labeled it a 'simple Chinese dress' and sold it without her permission," Guo said. "It's of course not just a simple Chinese dress, even her granddaughter knew that."
One significant acquisition for Guo's store was a collection of qipao dresses from a diplomat's wardrobe.
These garments, initially sold off without regard for their cultural value, highlighted the need for deeper respect and understanding.
At Xiangjiang, Guo also creates an immersive experience that connects visitors with the rich history and craftsmanship of these garments. Her boutique features vintage items and decor that evoke a sense of nostalgia and cultural appreciation, making each visit a journey through time and tradition.
Now Guo has opened a store in Shanghai, her hometown, for qipao fans in China who'd also like to gather one of these precious pieces of culture. Looking ahead, Guo intends to open a new store in London, the UK and increase cultural outreach to others about the true essence of qipao.
"I want to continue to share the beauty and significance of qipao as a symbol of Chinese culture and heritage," she said.
The Palace Museum in Beijing is fighting ticket scalping in order to provide an orderly visit experience for tourists, as it recently disclosed that during some peak hours of visit, 99 percent of ticket buyers turned out to be ticket scalpers.
This UNESCO World Heritage site revealed to the public its anti-scalping measures and its back-end system to ensure fair chance of acquiring a ticket for the first time.
In response to the overwhelming demand, the Palace Museum plans to maintain reception capacity at 40,000 people on weekdays, the number of tickets will be increased by about 25 percent to improve accessibility for visitors during the summer.
This initiative, announced by the museum's Information Technology Department, aims to enhance accessibility during the busy summer months and will be extended to future peak periods, such as the National Day and May Day holidays.
Additionally, the museum will continue to offer free admission to underprivileged groups, including minors, people with disabilities, active military personnel, and firefighters, ensuring these communities have access to the attraction.
With the summer vacation season in full swing, Chinese families nationwide are eager to explore the country's top cultural landmarks.
However, many travelers are struggling to secure tickets to the Palace Museum. Recent reports indicate that scalpers have been reselling tickets for as much as 1,100 yuan ($154), with some walk-in reservations skyrocketing to 1,600 yuan.
In stark contrast, tickets sold through the museum's official booking system are priced at just 60 yuan for the summer season.
To uphold fairness and protect consumer rights, the Palace Museum is implementing measures to isolate ticket inventory for travel agencies and individual visitors, thus preventing travel agencies from monopolizing tickets intended for the general public.
A timed ticket release strategy will also be introduced to further combat automated ticket grabs, allowing tickets to be sold in batches at fixed intervals during high-demand periods.
To thwart scalpers, the museum's risk control engine operates at high speed every day. During the summer season, over 99 percent of ticket requests come in within a single peak hour.
Market authorities have made it clear that using software to quickly purchase tickets for resale is a criminal offense, and emphasized their commitment to ongoing efforts to ensure fair access for all museum visitors.
Chinese soccer fans have taken to social media to express their gratitude to Singapore's goalkeeper for preventing Thailand's landslide victory, and thus keeping China's World Cup hopes alive by the narrowest of margins.
China managed to advance to the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup despite a 1-0 loss to South Korea.
Thailand, who finished the group with the same number of points and goal difference as China, missed out the next stage with an inferior head-to-head record.
Having to beat bottom side Singapore by three goals to edge past China into second place in Group C, Thailand could only win 3-1 at home as Singaporean goalkeeper Hassan Sunny's performances helped China squeeze into the third qualification round.
Singaporean forward Ikhsan Fandi's equalizer in the second half put the Thais on the brink and 40-year-old Sunny pulled together 11 saves in the game, preventing Thailand from scoring more goals. During the stoppage time, he even received a yellow card in the 95th minute for time-wasting.
After the game, Sunny's personal social media account has been inundated with thank-you messages from Chinese fans. The goalie runs a stall selling Malaysian coconut milk rice in Singapore. Some Chinese fans posted the pictures and address of Sunny's stall, calling for Chinese tourists to visit the stall and give it a "five-star review." His stall was flooded with visitors on Wednesday.
Some netizens reportedly posted the payment QR code of Sunny's stall online and made payments to show their support and gratitude.
In response to Chinese fans' gratitude, Sunny said "Thank you, China" during a short video filmed by his teammates after the game. One of his teammates said in the footage that "He saved China."
The social media accounts of the Singaporean Embassy to China and of the Singapore Tourism Board on China's X-like Weibo also received a great deal of thank-you messages from fans.
"Thank you Singapore for your fair play. I would love to travel to Singapore," wrote one Weibo user.
Eighteen teams will be divided into three groups for the third qualifying round in Asia, where the top two teams of each group will secure automatic spots for the 2026 World Cup. Two more teams will earn direct entry to the World Cup from a fourth qualification stage and another will go into intercontinental playoffs for a spot at the global soccer showpiece.
