The Scholar’s Scroll
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Explore cultural traditions, Chinese folklore, horticulture updates, Lan Su News, and more on our blog.
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Culture Spotlight: Magnolia (木蘭花) and Mulan
Happy Spring Equinox (Chunfen 春分)! As I’m writing this, I just got back from a curator’s tour at Lan Su, and I can’t stop thinking about all the magnolias (木蘭花, Mùlán huā) in bloom! Their white, pink, and yellow flowers bring a vibrant burst of spring to the garden. Did you know China is home…
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Culture Spotlight: Cup of Green
As I sit here writing, the weather’s been playing tricks—blue skies one minute, pouring rain the next, with a dash of hail thrown in! You know what would make it better? A nice cup of tea. There’s something magical about freshly brewed tea that just makes everything feel right. Speaking of tea, let me share…
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Culture Spotlight: Gourd Heaven
If you are a frequent visitor of Lan Su, you may have noticed the gateway at our Entrance Plaza, but have you ever paused to read the banner? It says, “壺天攬勝” which means “All nature’s splendors captured in this gourd heaven.” Intriguing, right? Well, buckle up—it’s story time! Legend has it that during the Eastern…
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Culture Spotlight: Plum Blossoms (梅花)
I have to share a magical plum blossom moment from this past Sunday at Lan Su Chinese Garden. The garden was buzzing with families celebrating the final week of Lunar New Year festivities, with laughter echoing through the pavilions and kids running around excitedly. As I walked into the Scholar’s Courtyard, answering a visitor’s question…
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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)
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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Culture Spotlight: Chi Wen the Dragonfish
Happy National Dragon Appreciation Day! (Yes, it’s a real thing—January 16th. Who knew?) With the Year of the Dragon coming to a close, it’s the perfect time to appreciate the dragons in our garden. Well, technically, they’re dragon fish, but close enough! If you are a regular at Lan Su, you have likely seen the…
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Culture Spotlight: Lion and Dragon Dances
Did you know Lunar New Year is just three weeks away? (I can practically hear my coworkers shout, “We know! We can’t think of anything else!”) The biggest festival of the year is so close, I can already hear the drumbeats of the lion dance! Speaking of which, let’s dive into two must-see performances during…
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Culture Spotlight: The Three Friends of Winter (歲寒三友)
Here is a new year personality pop quiz for you— Between the pine, bamboo, and plum, which one do you think represents you the best? Let me explain: In Chinese culture, these three plants each hold special meaning: The Pine: Evergreen, strong, and wise—like a venerable scholar. The pine symbolizes wisdom, strength, and longevity. The…