Latest news with #QuYuan
Korea Herald
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Confucius Academy Held a Yangming Cultural and Creative Show to Promote Chinese Culture
, July 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report by At 4 p.m. on June 2, the "Mind Quest Between Heaven and Earth: 2025 (Year of Yisi) Dragon Boat Festival Yangming Cultural and Creative Show at the Confucius Academy" successfully concluded, which attracted more than 20,000 visitors. The event ingeniously combined the elements of cultural and creative products, traditional festival, and intangible cultural heritage techniques, realizing the cross-temporal brainstorming between Qu Yuan and Wang Yangming, the artistic presentation of the wisdom of the Mind Study and the patriotic sentiments towards the country and family, and the empowerment of a cultural and creative brand by thematic activities. The Confucius Academy's new "cultural dissemination" pattern featuring "human, scenario and venue" is innovatively shaping a new cultural cluster and a new cultural IP for Guizhou Province. Cultivating festival-themed IP Concentrating on the triple functional orientations of education, research and dissemination, the Confucius Academy has actively integrated festival customs and cultural connotations into traditional Chinese festivals including the Spring Festival, Tomb-Sweeping Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, and successfully developed the IP of "Our Festivals". In this Dragon Boat Festival, the Confucius Academy focused on Guizhou's "Four Cultural Programs" to deeply absorb the revolutionary culture, Yangming culture, ethnic culture and Tunpu (military outpost) culture. During the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, Qu Yuan, transformed into a "cultural wanderer", visited Wang Yangming to discuss on "Quest for Heavenly Truth" and "Study of the Mind" in a three-act cultural play. The "Riverside Odes" session combined an ethnic cultural fashion show and modern dance. Amidst the intermingling dancers, the models dressed in ethnic minority costumes showed the Yangming-themed cultural and creative products on the runway. The "Wang Yangming's Quest for Truth" session presented a dance-poetry drama that a duet of Wang Yangming and Qu Yuan depicted their conversation on pursuing the truth between heaven and earth. The "Guizhou as Home" session was a fusion of Anshun Di Opera and modern dance, which followed Wang Yangming's Study of the Mind as the soul, and "Tunpu's sentiments towards the country and family" as the main thread to construct a spiritual dialogue spanning 600 years. Combining strengths of incubation platforms The Yangming Cultural and Creative Show is more than a cultural performance, but carries the mission of "bringing tradition into life". At the event, the Confucius Academy in Guiyang invited a number of designers and intangible cultural heritage inheritors, and held a plaque-awarding ceremony for the "Confucius Academy's Second-batch Partners of Yangming Cultural and Creative Incubation Platforms"." How can we creatively realize the revival of traditional Chinese culture and reproduce the natural charm and interest in history? Zhou Hang, creative director and designer of Animation Zhou Studio envisaged, "I hope to make use of we-media, funny animations and design capability to present the Yangming culture in a more accessible way to the world." Inspired by Wang Yangming's Study of the Mind and the picturesque scenery of Guizhou, the "Yangming Cultural and Creative", the inaugural cultural and creative brand of the Confucius Academy, had its debut at the event that more than 300 cultural and creative products were displayed, including bibelots, stationery, tea and water sets, and fragrance. Providing intangible cultural heritage experience In addition to cultural exhibition, the event also featured a "study tour". Visitors showed great interest in the intangible cultural heritage workshops of lacquer fans, tie dyeing, paper cutting, woodcarving, tea cultivation, rope weaving, pottery art and Miao silverwork. The sachet-making zone offered diverse Chinese medicinal herbs such as lemongrass, honeysuckle, albizia flower, mugwort leaf, mint and angelica. Visitors selected and mixed herbs for different effects, crushed them and then wrapped them in beautiful sachets to get special handmade souvenirs for the Dragon Boat Festival.
Business Times
04-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
China consumers get thrifty during holidays as spending stumbles
[BEIJING] Chinese consumer spending faltered during a major holiday even as more people hit the road, suggesting a trade truce with the US is failing to turn around sentiment in an economy reeling from US President Donald Trump's tariffs. Travellers spent more than 42.7 billion yuan (S$7.7 billion) during a total of 119 million domestic trips made during the three-day Dragon Boat Festival public holiday, each up more than 5 per cent from a year earlier, figures provided by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism showed on Tuesday (Jun 3). That means spending per trip was only 359 yuan, down 2.2 per cent on year, according to Bloomberg calculations based on the official numbers. The decline was even steeper when compared with the Tomb-Sweeping Festival in April, which also lasted for three days, when people shelled out 457 yuan per trip. Holiday spending is an important yardstick for the strength of Chinese consumption – long the weak link in the US$19 trillion economy that's now looking to domestic demand to offset shocks from abroad and absorb excess manufacturing capacity. The Dragon Boat Festival commemorates the ancient poet Qu Yuan with boat races and is marked by eating traditional rice dumplings. It's one of China's seven long public holidays that people traditionally use to shop, travel and relax. The celebratory mood during the holiday that ended on Monday was relatively muted across parts of China's consumer economy, especially as large swathes of the country saw rainy weather. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up While the box office during the festival rose 21 per cent on year to 460 million yuan, it was only about half the level logged during the same break in 2023, according to data compiled by online ticketing platform Maoyan Entertainment. A total of 5.9 million cross-border trips were made, up 2.7 per cent from a year earlier, figures from the National Immigration Administration showed. Inbound trips by foreigners jumped 59 per cent on year during the holiday, as China allowed visa-free travel for 43 countries. The latest data provided a glimpse into consumption momentum in China, where households have been cautious about splurging amid job and income uncertainties. The economy is still grappling with domestic woes such as a property slump, deflation, and trade tensions with the US. Analysts surveyed by Bloomberg forecast year-on-year growth in retail sales will slow for a second straight month in May. Despite the agreement to pause the punitive tariffs following last month's bilateral talks in Geneva, the average rate of US levies on Chinese goods is still elevated at roughly 40 per cent, hitting smaller exporters hard and forcing them to shrink payrolls. China's manufacturing sector had its worst slump since September 2022 in May, with new orders contracting and companies cutting staffing levels, according to results of a private survey published jointly by Caixin and S&P Global on Tuesday. 'Looking ahead, we see upcoming summer break performance as more important to assess travel demand and believe investors will likely monitor domestic weekly hotel data closely,' Citigroup analysts Brian Gong and Alicia Yap wrote in a note. BLOOMBERG
Malaysia Sun
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Malaysia Sun
Drumbeats of fitness, tourism echo as dragon boats make waves across China
BEIJING, May 31 (Xinhua) -- As May draws to a close, the rhythmic thud of drums and the roar of cheering crowds are once again echoing across rivers and lakes throughout China. Amid splashing water and synchronized chants, dragon boats surge ahead in fierce competition as Chinese people celebrate Duanwu Festival on Saturday this year. For millennia, dragon boat racing has remained at the heart of Duanwu Festival, China's first traditional festival inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This explains why it is better known globally as the Dragon Boat Festival. With origins tied to the death of Qu Yuan, a loyal statesman and patriotic poet from more than 2,000 years ago, this ancient tradition has become a modern phenomenon, boosting the popularity of both public fitness and cultural tourism. In Zhejiang Province on China's eastern coast, this evolution was on full display earlier this week during the region's inaugural farmers' dragon boat invitational, as 12 amateur village teams from across the province gathered in the Yinzhou District of Ningbo City. Yu Youfen, from the neighboring city of Zhoushan, stood on the sidelines, still catching his breath after the 500-meter race. For the past fortnight, his team members had been training after their day jobs. "Some of us work in factories, others in fish farming," the team leader said. "Passion for dragon boat racing gives us a reason to come together, to fight for our community's pride." Among the cheering crowd stood a local resident surnamed Chen. His five-year-old son was perched on his shoulders, shouting with the crowd as another boat sped past. "This is already his fifth time watching dragon boat races," Chen said. "He just told me he wants to join the race one day." Boat racing in Yinzhou dates back more than 2,200 years, as evidenced by the discovery of an ancient bronze axe adorned with an image of men in feathered hats racing boats. At the event, a new provincial training base for village-level dragon boat teams was inaugurated in Yinzhou, in a step toward expanding access and reinforcing grassroots participation in this age-old tradition. The scene in Zhejiang echoes a nationwide surge in mass sports enthusiasm -- a result of China's ongoing efforts to enhance public fitness, seen as a cornerstone of the country's long-term ambition to become a leading sporting nation and build a healthy China. While the most iconic races remain concentrated in the water-rich southern regions, dragon boat activities are gaining traction across the country. According to preliminary estimates, dragon boat races will be held in 25 provinces nationwide during the three-day Duanwu holiday from Saturday to Monday. In south China's Guangdong, long regarded as a stronghold of dragon boat tradition, local races began as early as May 1. Over 100 races are scheduled around the holiday period in the provincial capital of Guangzhou alone. Among the races will be the high-profile 2025 Guangzhou International Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament. Set to be held on Sunday, the event, with a history of 40 years, will see the participation of 116 teams and over 4,000 competitors. Seven teams from Russia, the United States, Canada, Malaysia and Kazakhstan are expected to join the action. Meanwhile, in Beijing, the festival is being marked by a sports carnival of over 30 events extending beyond traditional boat racing to include paddleboarding, kayaking and other activities aimed at engaging the public in festive fitness. "The growing popularity of dragon boat racing is expected to attract more people to water sports, helping promote aquatic recreation across China," said Zhai Junshuai, general manager of a water sports club in the northern port city of Tianjin. Zhai also emphasized the potential of this dragon boat racing craze nationwide to invigorate the local economy, which is aligned with China's broader efforts to stimulate domestic consumption. National action plans released in March and April highlighted the integration of sports, culture and tourism as a strategic pillar, calling for more high-quality sports programs and distinctive events. Data from major travel platforms has showcased clear economic ripple effects. Tongcheng Travel reported a 270 percent week-on-week spike in searches for "dragon boat" as of May 19. Data from Group shows significant year-on-year growth in bookings for cities with dragon boat traditions. In Foshan, Guangdong, total travel orders rose 167 percent; in Miluo, Hunan Province, considered by many the birthplace of dragon boat culture, bookings jumped 85 percent. To capitalize on the enthusiasm, Guangzhou plans to host over 650 cultural and tourism events related to dragon boating during the holiday, enriching the city's offerings for visitors. More Chinese people are prioritizing health and leisure amid rising living standards, said Li Peigong, president of Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance. "A combination of sports and travel has become a go-to solution that caters to a wide range of needs." Meanwhile, observers underscore the need to further unleash the nation's sports consumption potential. "It is necessary to broaden access to fitness and sports programs nationwide. And teaching people how to play sports will be the first step to boost sports consumption," said Wang Yuxiong, head of the sports economics research center at Central University of Finance and Economics.
Malaysia Sun
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malaysia Sun
Across China: Drumbeats of fitness, tourism echo as dragon boats make waves across China
BEIJING, May 31 (Xinhua) -- As May draws to a close, the rhythmic thud of drums and the roar of cheering crowds are once again echoing across rivers and lakes throughout China. Amid splashing water and synchronized chants, dragon boats surge ahead in fierce competition as Chinese people celebrate Duanwu Festival on Saturday this year. For millennia, dragon boat racing has remained at the heart of Duanwu Festival, China's first traditional festival inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This explains why it is better known globally as the Dragon Boat Festival. With origins tied to the death of Qu Yuan, a loyal statesman and patriotic poet from more than 2,000 years ago, this ancient tradition has become a modern phenomenon, boosting the popularity of both public fitness and cultural tourism. In Zhejiang Province on China's eastern coast, this evolution was on full display earlier this week during the region's inaugural farmers' dragon boat invitational, as 12 amateur village teams from across the province gathered in the Yinzhou District of Ningbo City. Yu Youfen, from the neighboring city of Zhoushan, stood on the sidelines, still catching his breath after the 500-meter race. For the past fortnight, his team members had been training after their day jobs. "Some of us work in factories, others in fish farming," the team leader said. "Passion for dragon boat racing gives us a reason to come together, to fight for our community's pride." Among the cheering crowd stood a local resident surnamed Chen. His five-year-old son was perched on his shoulders, shouting with the crowd as another boat sped past. "This is already his fifth time watching dragon boat races," Chen said. "He just told me he wants to join the race one day." Boat racing in Yinzhou dates back more than 2,200 years, as evidenced by the discovery of an ancient bronze axe adorned with an image of men in feathered hats racing boats. At the event, a new provincial training base for village-level dragon boat teams was inaugurated in Yinzhou, in a step toward expanding access and reinforcing grassroots participation in this age-old tradition. The scene in Zhejiang echoes a nationwide surge in mass sports enthusiasm -- a result of China's ongoing efforts to enhance public fitness, seen as a cornerstone of the country's long-term ambition to become a leading sporting nation and build a healthy China. While the most iconic races remain concentrated in the water-rich southern regions, dragon boat activities are gaining traction across the country. According to preliminary estimates, dragon boat races will be held in 25 provinces nationwide during the three-day Duanwu holiday from Saturday to Monday. In south China's Guangdong, long regarded as a stronghold of dragon boat tradition, local races began as early as May 1. Over 100 races are scheduled around the holiday period in the provincial capital of Guangzhou alone. Among the races will be the high-profile 2025 Guangzhou International Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament. Set to be held on Sunday, the event, with a history of 40 years, will see the participation of 116 teams and over 4,000 competitors. Seven teams from Russia, the United States, Canada, Malaysia and Kazakhstan are expected to join the action. Meanwhile, in Beijing, the festival is being marked by a sports carnival of over 30 events extending beyond traditional boat racing to include paddleboarding, kayaking and other activities aimed at engaging the public in festive fitness. "The growing popularity of dragon boat racing is expected to attract more people to water sports, helping promote aquatic recreation across China," said Zhai Junshuai, general manager of a water sports club in the northern port city of Tianjin. Zhai also emphasized the potential of this dragon boat racing craze nationwide to invigorate the local economy, which is aligned with China's broader efforts to stimulate domestic consumption. National action plans released in March and April highlighted the integration of sports, culture and tourism as a strategic pillar, calling for more high-quality sports programs and distinctive events. Data from major travel platforms has showcased clear economic ripple effects. Tongcheng Travel reported a 270 percent week-on-week spike in searches for "dragon boat" as of May 19. Data from Group shows significant year-on-year growth in bookings for cities with dragon boat traditions. In Foshan, Guangdong, total travel orders rose 167 percent; in Miluo, Hunan Province, considered by many the birthplace of dragon boat culture, bookings jumped 85 percent. To capitalize on the enthusiasm, Guangzhou plans to host over 650 cultural and tourism events related to dragon boating during the holiday, enriching the city's offerings for visitors. More Chinese people are prioritizing health and leisure amid rising living standards, said Li Peigong, president of Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance. "A combination of sports and travel has become a go-to solution that caters to a wide range of needs." Meanwhile, observers underscore the need to further unleash the nation's sports consumption potential. "It is necessary to broaden access to fitness and sports programs nationwide. And teaching people how to play sports will be the first step to boost sports consumption," said Wang Yuxiong, head of the sports economics research center at Central University of Finance and Economics.
South China Morning Post
31-05-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Qu Yuan, Chinese patriot whose death is said to have inspired Dragon Boat Festival customs
This weekend many people celebrate the Duanwu Festival, also known as the Tuen Ng Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival. The festival, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth month in the traditional Chinese calendar, is observed by Chinese all over the world, as well as by Japanese, Koreans, Ryukyuans (or Okinawans) and Vietnamese. The festival has long been associated with the poet Qu Yuan (342–278BC). It is because of him, the legend goes, that we row dragon boats and eat zongzi, sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves , during the festival. The only problem with this story is that the Duanwu Festival, or at least many of its customs, predate Qu. At some point in time, the Chinese probably appropriated him and events in his life, eventually putting Qu at the centre of the ancient festival. In a similar way, the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ were melded into pre-Christian festivals to give us our Christmas and Easter weekends. Qu Yuan, a poet and court adviser during the Warring States Period in ancient China, died by drowning himself in a river in 278BC. Qu was a patriot and brilliant poet in ancient China. Born into one of the noble families of the southern Chu state during the Warring States period, he served King Huai of Chu as a trusted adviser. He advocated alliances with other states to counter the expansionist ambitions of the powerful Qin state in the west. However, his reformist ideas and personal integrity provoked the envy and opposition of his rivals at the royal court, which led to his eventual exile.
