Culture Spotlight

  • Culture Spotlight: Nian Hua (年畫)

    Culture Spotlight: Nian Hua (年畫)

    Explore the art of Nian Hua (年畫), traditional woodblock prints made especially for Lunar New Year. Tianjin’s Nian Hua has been around for over 400 years and is considered a nationally recognized intangible cultural heritage. These intricate prints combine woodblock printing with hand-painting, often featuring themes of prosperity, folktales, and good fortune. Dating back over…

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  • Culture Spotlight: Lantern Festival (元宵節)

    Culture Spotlight: Lantern Festival (元宵節)

    If I had to pick one event that truly captures my heart at Lan Su, it would be Lantern Viewing Evenings. Picture this: countless red lanterns adorning rooftops, stunning larger-than-life floating lanterns glowing on Lake Zither, powerful drumbeats filling the air, and an illuminated dragon soaring through the pavilions. This is the iconic Lunar New…

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  • Culture Spotlight: Red Envelopes

    What’s your most unforgettable Lunar New Year memory growing up? (I can’t actually hear you, but if you’re bursting out “Visiting Lan Su!” I’ll be so proud!) Okay, here’s mine— You’ve probably heard of red envelopes, or hongbao (红包), those little packets filled with money given during Lunar New Year for good luck and prosperity.…

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