Archives
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The Past–And Present–of China’s Imperial Exams
Adapted from Erping Zhang’s original video available on YouTube. Chinese civilization has long viewed excellence in academics as both a matter of pragmatic necessity as well as moral cultivation. Confucius, the ancient teacher and philosopher, exhorted his disciples to study so that…
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Reflection, Gratitude, and a Happy New Year
Welcome to Tea with Erping. Confucius once said, “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” But nothing will be as good as reflection. Wouldn’t you agree?…
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Discovering the Rich History of Sichuan Cuisine
China has an incredible history of 5000 years, reaching all the way back to the time of the first human civilizations. One of the most important parts of Chinese heritage is its food — which has managed to evolve into one of the world’s most lauded and beloved cuisines. Traditional…
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Secrets of the Terracotta Warriors and the Tomb of China’s First Emperor
Did you know that in 537 B.C., Duke Jing, the ruler of ancient China’s Qin state, upon his death was buried with virtually his entire imperial court? Yes, burial of 186 real-life humans under the notion that they would continue to serve their master in death as they did in…
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The Commoner Who Became a Legendary Chinese Emperor
Welcome to Tea with Erping.Have you heard of Qin Shi Huang, the emperor who united China? How about Kublai Khan, the mighty Mongolian warrior who invaded China and established the Yuan Dynasty? Or perhaps the Qing emperor Kang Xi, the great patron of the arts? …