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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12 Flower Goddesses AANHPI art celebration Chinese Calligraphy Chinese Culture Chinese New Year Chinese Tea Chrysanthemum Festival clothing Culture dance Demo demonstration Dongzhi dragon dance Exhibit flowers games gardening horticulture India installation kids & family Lantern Festival Lantern Viewing Lantern Viewing Evenings Lion Dance Lotus Lunar New Year Magnolia Mother's Day music performances plants plum symbolism tapestry tasting tea Tea Culture tea tasting tours workshop Yun Shui Teahouse
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Culture Spotlight: Lady White Snake (白蛇傳)
The Dragon Boat Festival is coming up on May 31! While it’s best known for zongzi, boat races, and honoring the poet Qu Yuan, it’s also a perfect time to revisit the magical love story of Lady White Snake—especially fitting in the Year of the Snake.
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Culture Spotlight: 孝 (xiào)
Have I mentioned this? In less than a week, I’ll be embarking on a truly epic adventure: taking my 80-year-old mom on a Mediterranean cruise! That’s right—sun, sea, and sandals
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Culture Spotlight: Butterfly (蝴蝶) Motifs
Did you know butterflies are a symbol of romance and good luck in Chinese culture? Discover the ancient legends and their hidden presence at Lan Su.
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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,
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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
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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,
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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
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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
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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—