Philosophy

3,000 years lost, one swordsmith revives it

In a world obsessed with efficiency, Chen Shicong revived an ancient Chinese swordmaking art lost for three millennia, proving that mastery requires time, touch, and the alignment of body, mind, and spirit. Lianhe Zaobao senior correspondent Lee Geok Hoon finds out more about what it takes to craft a masterpiece sword.

Lee Geok Hoon

Taiwanese art historian: My Aquarian friend Hualing who embraced everyone [Part 2]

Taiwanese art historian Chiang Hsun continues reminiscing about his time in Iowa, US, with Hualing Nieh Engle, as well as other prominent literary figures such as Wang Zengqi and Ah Cheng. Through ups and downs, Nieh’s Aquarian character shines through, strong and resilient.

Chiang Hsun

Taiwan art historian: My Aquarian friend Hualing who embraced everyone [Part 1]

Taiwan art historian Chiang Hsun remembers his time in Iowa, US, with Hualing Nieh Engle, reminiscing on her ability to embrace people from all walks of life — a perfect example of an Aquarian. Such is the breadth and depth of the Aquarius’s rushing waters, endlessly flowing, with the water bearer’s energy always being given away to all living creatures.

Chiang Hsun

A Taiwanese boy named Thomas and the faith he made his own

Taiwanese art historian Chiang Hsun reflects on his spiritual journey, from youthful devotion to quiet estrangement, contemplating the place of Catholic faith in modern life in the wake of Pope Francis’s passing.

Chiang Hsun

Why China’s fashion boom is still searching for its heart

Runways are thriving, investors are watching — but many in China’s fashion world say what’s missing is something money can’t buy: authenticity, patience and soul. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang speaks to industry players to find out more.

Li Kang

Offerings for the hungry ghosts: From ancient rituals to instant noodles

Chinese food offerings evolved from ancient sacrifices of cattle and sheep to everyday snacks like boba tea and potato chips. Rooted in practicality rather than taste, these rituals blend purity for spirits with what people can afford, reflecting the essence of Chinese popular religion. History professor Poo Mu-chou shares his research and thoughts.

Poo Mu-chou

Remembering Xiaohei, the Capricorn dog of Taipei [Part 2]

Taiwanese art historian Chiang Hsun remembers the dog that he dubbed Xiaohei, or Little Black. From walks to feeding to encounters with other dogs (including potential suitors), to the day she disappeared with her puppies, Xiaohei was a stray, and yet not a stray.

Chiang Hsun

How can China rethink its history of humiliation?

Chinese commentator Jun Ma believes that when considering a nation’s history of humiliation, we should adhere to one principle: set aside the nation in question and focus on the sin and crime involved.

Jun Ma

Colour and culture: Why did Confucius detest the colour purple?

Cultural historian Cheng Pei-kai takes a look at the perception of the colour purple in Chinese history. Was it always deemed as the colour of the imperial royals?

Cheng Pei-kai

[Video] How Henan’s Pang Dong Lai supermarket continues to thrive in China’s sluggish market

Amid a sluggish consumer spending environment in China, Pang Dong Lai supermarket chain in Henan has bucked the trend and even became a popular tourist attraction. Lianhe Zaobao Beijing correspondent Sim Tze Wei speaks with locals to uncover the secrets behind the thriving business.

Sim Tze Wei

Should there be a limit to personal wealth?

Former journalist Goh Choon Kang notes that perhaps the true significance of accumulating personal wealth is to give back to society in one way or another, and to contribute to more equitable distribution of wealth.

Goh Choon Kang

Not sweating the small stuff: Blessings for a happy Chinese New Year

Recalling a Chinese New Year feast where he was ruffled by feelings of injustice, cultural historian Cheng Pei-kai returns to equanimity with the wise words a friend gifted him: stay true to the values of the Chinese heart and mind, and days of peace and simple joys can unfold all through the year.

Cheng Pei-kai