Dressed in a flowing long robe adorned with beaded floral embroidery from a bygone era, stylist Xiao Hang looks like she surfaced from a time machine as she strides across the bustling Beijing metro, attracting curious glances and inquisitive questions. Illustrative photo China has embraced Western fashion and futuristic technology as its economy boomed in recent decades, but a growing number of young people like Xiao are looking to the past for their sartorial choices and donning traditional "hanfu", or "Han clothing". These historic costumes of the Han ethnic majority are enjoying a renaissance in part because the government is promoting traditional culture in a bid to boost patriotism and national identity. Period dramas have also contributed to the surge in interest for traditional Chinese garb -- "The Story of Minglan", a TV series set in the Song Dynasty, garnered more than 400 million viewers in three days when it debuted earlier this year. There is no uniform … [Read more...] about Back to the Hanfu-ture: Young Chinese revive ancient fashion
Chinese cultural day
Try Chinese coffee with baguette in Saigon
For half a century now drinking coffee during breakfast has become a feature of the Saigon culture. Among the variety of coffee styles in the city is the Chinese one: brewing in a clay pot. The Chinese brought this unique way of making coffee to Saigon, and later many Vietnamese also started to adopt this style to make their coffee. In a small alley near Thiec Market, a shop has been serving this style of coffee for more than two decades. It has no signboard and is just a steel pushcart with utensils, spoons, milk, tea pot, and others on it. It is stationed near the house of the owner, Cuong. Beside it are small plastic tables and chairs for customers. One look at the sizzling pot on the cart, and coffee lovers can know the brew served here is Chinese style. The clay pot containing coffee must be kept continuously hot to maintain the flavor. Since there is little space on the cart, the owner has a pot containing the final brew made by boiling and filtering coffee … [Read more...] about Try Chinese coffee with baguette in Saigon
Vietnamese and Chinese military political sectors agree to bolster cooperation
The visit of the delegation of high-ranking Vietnamese political officers to China took place at a time when the two countries were enjoying continuous positive developments in bilateral relations in general and defense cooperation in particular. In the defense sphere, the year of 2018 has witnessed regular exchange of visits of leaders of the two militaries. These include the visit to China by Senior Lieutenant General Luong Cuong, Director of the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People’s Army from July 22-26, 2018; the official visit to China and participation in the Beijing-Xiangshan Forum 2018 of General Ngo Xuan Lich, Vietnamese Defense Minister from October 24-28, 2018; and the fifth Vietnam-China Border Defense Friendship Exchanged co-chaired by the two defense ministers of Vietnam and China. Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Trong Nghia (L) paid a courtesy call on Senior Lieutenant General Miao Hua This visit to China of Senior Lieutenant … [Read more...] about Vietnamese and Chinese military political sectors agree to bolster cooperation
A Chinese author who won generations of Vietnamese hearts – VnExpress International
Back to English Comments Travel & Life - November 5, 2018 | 06:15 pm GMT+7 Jin Yong and his legacy will live on forever in the hearts of many Vietnamese readers. Famous Chinese author Louis Cha Jing-Yong, better known as Jin Yong, passed away on October 30 at age 94. His legacy spans over half a century of writing fiction novels, especially as a pioneer of wuxia (martial heroes), a genre of Chinese fantasy literature featuring fantastic adventures of magically gifted martial artists in ancient China. His 15 works between 1955 and 1972 set him apart as one of the greatest wuxia writers ever. He was also the best-selling Chinese author of all time, selling over 100 million copies worldwide. Uncanny appeal According to The Oxford Guide to Contemporary World Literature, Jin Yong's novels have the rare quality of appealing to both highbrow and lowbrow tastes, as well as the ability to transcend geographical and ideological barriers. This gave him success few contemporary … [Read more...] about A Chinese author who won generations of Vietnamese hearts – VnExpress International
FIT tour operator introduces new culinary and cultural experiences in Vietnam
The Hanoitimes - Vietnam’s wonderful cuisine, friendly people, spectacular natural beauty, fascinating history and rich culture appeal to a growing number of independent travelers looking for something exotic and different. Independent travel specialist Avanti Destinations, a free independent traveler (FIT) tour operator, has introduced new food-focused itineraries and cultural experiences in Vietnam. Cai Be Floating Market, Vietnam. Photo: Avanti Destinations According to Avanti’s Executive Chairman Paul Barry, Vietnam’s wonderful cuisine, friendly people, spectacular natural beauty, fascinating history and rich culture appeal to a growing number of independent travelers looking for something exotic and different. “And like much of Southeast Asia, Vietnam offers excellent value for the dollar,” he added. Avanti also announced two new tours that can be added to any itinerary: a shared traditional painting and lantern-making workshop in Hoi … [Read more...] about FIT tour operator introduces new culinary and cultural experiences in Vietnam