Intermediate20:15

Introducing traditional Chinese festivals

The video introduces some traditional Chinese festivals such as the Spring Festival, where customs like hanging red spring couplets, eating reunion dinner, and giving red envelopes are observed before welcoming the new year. It also highlights festivals like the Lantern Festival, Chongyang Festival, and the Winter Solstice, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and customs surrounding these celebrations.

Published on 2023-06-09 · Used with permission

Comprehensible Mandarin

Related videos

Dating, sex & marriage in China

Intermediate

Dating, sex & marriage in ChinaThe video discusses Chinese dating culture, highlighting changes in modern relationships compared to traditional customs. It covers aspects such as how people meet, go on dates, express love, and navigate marriage expectations, emphasizing the influence of family and societal norms.Nail Chinese with Stella

All things you need to know about the Taobao craze

Intermediate

All things you need to know about the Taobao crazeThe video discusses the popularity of online shopping on the Chinese platform Taobao, highlighting its convenience, variety, and competitive pricing. The presenter also touches on the concept of materialism and its potential impact on consumer behavior, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own shopping habits.Nail Chinese with Stella

Girl's and Women's Day celebration

Intermediate

Girl's and Women's Day celebrationThe video follows Stella, who shares her daily activities in learning Chinese on March 7th and 8th, including a facial mask, making coffee, celebrating Women's Day, attending events, playing pool, and getting a foot massage. She enjoys relaxation and the sunset, providing vocabulary and expressions for viewers to learn and engage.Nail Chinese with Stella

Mid-autumn Festival

Intermediate

Mid-autumn FestivalThe video discusses the traditional Chinese festival of Mid-Autumn Festival, which symbolizes reunions and thoughts for loved ones. Celebrated with activities like moon gazing, eating mooncakes, hanging lanterns, and telling the story of Chang'e flying to the moon, the festival highlights the importance of family connection and longing for loved ones.Comprehensible Mandarin

4 Apps to find Chinese friends right now

Intermediate

4 Apps to find Chinese friends right nowThe video introduces four popular Chinese social apps, such as WeChat, Rednote, Douyin, and Weibo, and encourages viewers to use them to connect with Chinese friends and practice Chinese language skills. It also hints at a potential new series on teaching HSK1 from scratch.Nail Chinese with Stella

Widening income gap & social class mobility

Intermediate

Widening income gap & social class mobilityThe video discusses the widening wealth gap and its impact on social mobility in modern society. It explains how various factors such as income inequality, educational opportunities, wealth accumulation, and technological advancements contribute to the growing divide between the rich and the poor. The video also emphasizes the importance of improving education, employment opportunities, and wages to create a more equitable and fair society where everyone has a chance to change their future.Comprehensible Mandarin

Lantern Festival

Intermediate

Lantern FestivalThe video explains the traditions and customs of the Lantern Festival (元宵节) in China, including eating tangyuan or yuanxiao, enjoying lantern displays, and playing lantern riddles. It marks the end of the Chinese New Year festivities and is a time for family gatherings and celebrations.Comprehensible Mandarin

Christmas decorations

Intermediate

Christmas decorationsThe video is about celebrating Christmas in China, where it is not a traditional holiday but is still recognized with decorations like Christmas trees and wreaths. The speaker shares their experience buying and decorating a Christmas tree, as well as making handcrafted ornaments for the holiday.Comprehensible Mandarin

After graduation pt2

Intermediate

After graduation pt2The video discusses the concept of freelancing and the benefits it offers, such as the flexibility to work on various tasks, the ability to travel frequently, and the freedom to manage one's own time. It also touches on the idea of not having to work due to financial stability or being supported by parents.Comprehensible Mandarin

Chinese tea

Intermediate

Chinese teaThe video introduces Chinese tea culture, highlighting the traditional practice of serving tea to guests at home. It also discusses the benefits of drinking tea, such as improving digestion and mental alertness, while cautioning against excessive consumption leading to sleep disturbances.Comprehensible Mandarin

Chinese table manners

Intermediate

Chinese table mannersThe video discusses Chinese dining table etiquette, including the use of round tables for equal access to dishes, respecting elders by letting them start eating first, using chopsticks for food and sharing communal utensils for hygiene.Comprehensible Mandarin

Mid-Autumn Festival & the 4 Seasons

Intermediate

Mid-Autumn Festival & the 4 SeasonsThe video introduces the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, highlighting key elements such as autumn leaves turning yellow, eating mooncakes, celebrating the full moon, and reuniting with family. It also tells the mythological stories of Chang'e flying to the moon and Hou Yi shooting down nine suns.Comprehensible Mandarin

Family & Treats at Mid-Autumn Festival

Intermediate

Family & Treats at Mid-Autumn FestivalThe video discusses the significance of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, where families gather to celebrate unity with delicious mooncakes and other traditional foods, along with activities such as moon-gazing and spending quality time together.Comprehensible Mandarin

Sashimi

Intermediate

SashimiThe video explores the popularity of sashimi in China, with a focus on three favorite types of sashimi: salmon, sweet shrimp, and scallops. It also discusses the importance of freshness and presentation in serving sashimi, along with the use of condiments like wasabi and lemon to enhance the eating experience.Comprehensible Mandarin

Eating Zongzi during the Dragon Boat Festival

Intermediate

Eating Zongzi during the Dragon Boat FestivalThe video discusses the different types of zongzi, a traditional Chinese food eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival. It covers various regional varieties, preparation methods, and the two main flavors - savory and sweet.Comprehensible Mandarin

Transport

Intermediate

TransportThe video discusses various modes of public transportation commonly used in China, such as buses, subways, shared bikes, high-speed trains, and airplanes. It highlights the convenience, efficiency, and environmental friendliness of these transportation options for commuting and traveling.Comprehensible Mandarin

Children's Day

Intermediate

Children's DayA teacher is preparing surprises and treats for their middle school students to celebrate Children's Day on June 1st, including snacks like drinks, candies, and cookies, as well as a cake with their names on it, a movie screening, and fun games to help them relax and enjoy the special day together.Comprehensible Mandarin

Convention parcel pick-up

Intermediate

Convention parcel pick-upThe video follows a day in the life of the speaker, who was selected as a volunteer for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The speaker goes to collect packages, buys groceries, and visits the Eiffel Tower in Paris.Comprehensible Mandarin

Dragon Boat Festival

Intermediate

Dragon Boat FestivalThe video discusses the traditional Chinese festival of Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month of the Chinese lunar calendar. It explains the origins and customs of the festival, such as eating sticky rice dumplings (zongzi) and racing dragon boats.Comprehensible Mandarin

Phantom scale

Intermediate

Phantom scaleThe video discusses a recent scam involving rigged weighing scales in markets, where sellers cheat customers by altering the weight shown on the scale and attempting to steal from those who catch them. Fortunately, the consumers exposed the deception, and the scam has garnered attention, reminding viewers to remain vigilant while shopping.Comprehensible Mandarin

International Labour Day

Intermediate

International Labour DayThe video discusses the importance of the May Day Labor Day holiday in China, highlighting the changes in its length over the years and the challenges faced by workers in terms of overtime and lack of rest. It concludes with a wish for everyone to have a pleasant balance between work and rest.Comprehensible Mandarin

Poultry & seafood pt1

Intermediate

Poultry & seafood pt1The video discusses various animals commonly consumed in daily life, such as chickens and ducks, with a focus on how different parts of these animals are used for food. It also touches on cultural references like Thanksgiving and idioms like "鸡同鸭讲" (meaning to speak different languages and not understand each other).Comprehensible Mandarin

New year activities

Intermediate

New year activities The video explores the traditional Chinese New Year customs, such as the reunion dinner, staying up on New Year's Eve, setting off firecrackers, putting up couplets, and giving red envelopes. These customs symbolize luck, prosperity, and family blessings during the festive season.Comprehensible Mandarin

Weibo

Intermediate

WeiboThe video introduces some social media platforms in China, focusing on Weibo. The speaker demonstrates the layout and features of Weibo using an iPad as an example.Comprehensible Mandarin

Mid Autumn Festival

Intermediate

Mid Autumn FestivalThe video introduces the traditional Chinese festival of Mid-Autumn Festival, explaining its customs and origins, including the myth of Houyi and Chang'e. It also discusses the significance of family reunions, enjoying mooncakes, and admiring the full moon on this special day.Comprehensible Mandarin

Taipei Zoo

Intermediate

Taipei ZooThe video introduces Taipei Zoo, showcasing a variety of animals from different regions such as Taiwan, Africa, Australia, and temperate areas. Visitors can explore and observe animals like gibbons, elephants, penguins, and more in the zoo's different sections.Comprehensible Mandarin

Tea

Intermediate

TeaThe video discusses the diverse tea culture in China, including the tradition of serving three different types of tea to represent various meanings when meeting potential in-laws. It also explores the discovery of tea and the different customs and stories related to tea in Chinese culture.Comprehensible Mandarin

Chinese KFC: Exploring the differences with your country

Intermediate

Chinese KFC: Exploring the differences with your countryThe video showcases a Chinese individual comparing KFC food items in China with those from other countries, highlighting differences in the menu and taste preferences. The individual orders a variety of KFC dishes, including a chicken rice meal, soup, burger, chicken rolls, chicken wings, and fries, sharing their opinions on each item.Comprehensible Mandarin

Experience an authentic Chinese wedding

Intermediate

Experience an authentic Chinese weddingThe video showcases a traditional Chinese wedding ceremony, including the process of fetching the bride and various customary games and rituals. Viewers are encouraged to learn about Chinese wedding traditions through the video.Comprehensible Mandarin

Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine's Day)

Intermediate

Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine's Day)The video tells the story of a cowherd and weaver girl who fall in love and get married, but are separated by the heavens. Despite the challenges, they reunite once a year on the 7th day of the 7th month via the Milky Way.Comprehensible Mandarin

Chinese Spring Festival

Intermediate

Chinese Spring FestivalThe video discusses the importance of the Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, which is a time for family reunion and celebrating traditions. The holiday includes preparing special foods, giving red envelopes with money, and culminates in the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, marking the end of the festive period.Comprehensible Mandarin

Chinese table manners

Intermediate

Chinese table mannersThe video discusses various Chinese dining etiquettes, including communal dining, seating arrangements, and the use of public chopsticks. It also touches on the order of Chinese meal courses and taboos related to chopstick etiquette.Hello Chinese !

Changes in Beggars on the Streets of China

Intermediate

Changes in Beggars on the Streets of China The video discusses the changing phenomenon of beggars in China, distinguishing between true beggars and fake beggars, and highlighting the presence of assistance centers to help those in need. Viewers are encouraged to be discerning when encountering beggars in China.Comprehensible Mandarin

Spring Festival: Bathing, Chickens, Provisions

Intermediate

Spring Festival: Bathing, Chickens, ProvisionsThe video discusses the customs and traditions of the 27th day of the La Month, focusing on activities such as washing jade, cutting hair, and preparing chicken. These practices are believed to bring good luck and fortune for the upcoming year.Comprehensible Mandarin

Small talk: Chinese New Year

Intermediate

Small talk: Chinese New YearThe video discusses how the traditional Chinese New Year celebrations have changed over the years due to advancements in lifestyle and cultural shifts, leading to a loss of the festive atmosphere. Despite this, the speaker reminisces about the joy of celebrating the holiday with family and friends, and plans to indulge in a traditional Shanghai Eight Treasure Rice dish to keep the spirit alive.Hello Chinese !

Unfinished building crisis

Intermediate

Unfinished building crisisThe video discusses housing issues in China, focusing on the phenomenon of unfinished buildings. Due to high housing prices and low wages, many people struggle to afford homes, leading to situations where developers run out of funds and cannot complete construction, leaving buyers empty-handed.Comprehensible Mandarin

Winter solstice, Christmas & New Year in China

Intermediate

Winter solstice, Christmas & New Year in ChinaThis video discusses Chinese cultural customs related to holidays including the Winter Solstice, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. It highlights traditional activities such as eating dumplings, giving apples for good luck, setting up Christmas trees, and celebrating with fireworks.Comprehensible Mandarin

Do young people rent houses in China?

Intermediate

Do young people rent houses in China?The video discusses the challenges faced by young people in China when it comes to renting or buying a house, particularly due to high housing prices and low incomes. Many young people are opting to rent, with factors such as transportation convenience being a key consideration for them in choosing a place to live.Comprehensible Mandarin

Popular sports in China

Intermediate

Popular sports in ChinaThis video discusses popular sports in China, highlighting basketball, badminton, and table tennis. It emphasizes how these sports are accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages, especially as a family activity.Comprehensible Mandarin

Hainan: "The Hawaii of China"

Intermediate

Hainan: "The Hawaii of China"The video introduces China's Hainan Island as the "Hawaii of China" with beautiful scenery including blue seas, green mountains, and iconic coconut trees. Hainan is known for its warm weather, delicious coconuts, and popular tourist activities like surfing and boating.Comprehensible Mandarin

History of mailing letters in China

Intermediate

History of mailing letters in ChinaThe video discusses the history of mail and how letters are sent nowadays, covering topics such as love letters, carrier pigeons, postmen, and modern-day email communication in China. It provides an overview of the evolution of communication methods throughout different historical periods.Comprehensible Mandarin

Most popular outdoor activities in China

Intermediate

Most popular outdoor activities in ChinaIn this video, the speaker shares that the most popular activities among Chinese people are mountain climbing and fishing. Mountain climbing is particularly challenging, with the Himalayas being one of the most famous and difficult mountains to climb in China.Comprehensible Mandarin

The most popular drink in China

Intermediate

The most popular drink in ChinaThe video discusses the popular drink choices in China, with a focus on how traditional tea preferences have shifted towards the popularity of milk tea, particularly in regions like Inner Mongolia where milk tea is a speciality. Additionally, it touches on the emergence of modern milk tea trends influenced by Western cultures such as the inclusion of pearls in milk tea.Comprehensible Mandarin

Chinese vs American homes

Intermediate

Chinese vs American homesThe video discusses the differences between Chinese and American houses, highlighting how Chinese houses have become taller and more densely populated over the years, leading to changes in neighborhood dynamics. In contrast, American houses usually have more space, including front and back yards and garages, providing a different living experience.Comprehensible Mandarin

The most popular way to shop in China

Intermediate

The most popular way to shop in ChinaThe video discusses online shopping, how to search for and purchase items using apps or websites, and the process of receiving deliveries from a courier station. It also mentions two major discount periods on June 18th and November 11th.Comprehensible Mandarin

An eco-friendly way to get around

Intermediate

An eco-friendly way to get aroundIn this video, the speaker discusses the concept of shared bikes, how they work, their benefits, and where they are commonly found near schools and office buildings. The shared bikes are convenient, environmentally friendly, and reasonably priced, making them a recommended mode of transportation for people on the go.Comprehensible Mandarin

Jacky Cheung: She came to hear my concert?

Intermediate

Jacky Cheung: She came to hear my concert?The video discusses the renowned Chinese singer Zhang Xueyou, highlighting his fame, musical talent, and the emotional impact of his songs. It also delves into the themes of love and heartbreak through one of Zhang Xueyou's songs, providing a personal interpretation of the lyrics.Hello Chinese !

What do Chinese eat everyday?

Intermediate

What do Chinese eat everyday?This video discusses the most popular foods in China, including milk, sausages, and eggs, specifically chicken and duck eggs. The reasons for their popularity, such as height growth and traditional beliefs, are also explained.Comprehensible Mandarin

Square dancing

Intermediate

Square dancingThe video discusses the popular activity of square dancing among older adults in China, highlighting the physical and social benefits it provides. It mentions the different types of square dancing and why it is a common hobby for the elderly population in China.Comprehensible Mandarin

Dragon Boat Festival

Intermediate

Dragon Boat FestivalThe video discusses the customs and traditions of the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, including making zongzi, using mugwort, eating salted duck eggs, drinking Xionghuang wine, and carrying fragrant sachets to commemorate Qu Yuan, a poet who drowned himself in the river.Comprehensible Mandarin

Covid-19 on Shanghai

Intermediate

Covid-19 on ShanghaiThe video discusses the impact of Covid-19 in China and Canada, highlighting the strict measures implemented in Shanghai to control the spread of the virus. It also mentions the challenges faced by individuals traveling from overseas to China due to stringent quarantine and testing protocols.Hello Chinese !

Snacks

Intermediate

SnacksThe video introduces common snacks in Chinese, such as potato chips, chocolate, sandwich cookies, lollipops, popcorn, jelly, cookies, milk candy, and yogurt. Each snack is described along with its ingredients and characteristics.Comprehensible Mandarin

The Crazy Double 11 Shopping Festival

Intermediate

The Crazy Double 11 Shopping FestivalThe video discusses China's Double 11 shopping festival, which started in 2009 as a promotional event by Alibaba's Taobao. It has now become a massive shopping extravaganza with various activities and significant sales, featuring influencers like Li Jiaqi promoting products.Hello Chinese !

How Chinese parents name their children

Intermediate

How Chinese parents name their childrenThe video discusses the traditional Chinese culture of naming and how it has evolved over generations, from meaningful names based on cultural values to more modern and trendy names. The speaker also shares examples of names from different generations and ends with a discussion on current naming trends influenced by popular culture.Hello Chinese !

China's education crackdown

Intermediate

China's education crackdownThe video discusses the new education policy in China aimed at reducing the burden on students by limiting homework and extracurricular classes, leading to potential challenges for both parents and teachers due to the unequal distribution of educational resources.Hello Chinese !

From one-child policy to three-child policy

Intermediate

From one-child policy to three-child policyThe video discusses the recent policy change in China allowing families to have three children to address the issue of an aging population. It highlights the financial and social pressures this policy change may place on families, contrasting it with support systems in other countries like Canada.Hello Chinese !

Miserable childhood

Intermediate

Miserable childhoodThe video discusses the phenomenon of parents in China enrolling their children in numerous extracurricular classes, known as "chicken baby" or "to pump chicken blood," to enhance their academic performance and future prospects. This practice reflects the intense competition for limited educational resources and the pressure on parents to ensure their children's success.Hello Chinese !

The tradition and legend of the Chinese New Year

Intermediate

The tradition and legend of the Chinese New YearThe video discusses the traditions and customs of Chinese New Year, including the legend of the monster "Nian," special foods eaten during the holiday, and the significance of giving red envelopes to children for good luck. The video also mentions the hope for the end of the pandemic so everyone can return to normal life.Hello Chinese !