Category: Chinese Culture

While giving a gift is much appreciated and it’s the thought that counts, there are some gifts that are absolute no-nos in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Avoid these Chinese gift-giving blunders.

Chinese Wedding Traditions – Engagement

In the past, engagements were arranged by parents and matchmakers. The engagement consisted of 'six courtesies'. The six courtesies were: a marriage proposal, asking for names, praying for good fortune, sending betrothal gifts, sending invitations, and welcoming the bride.

Kung Fu Cult Master倚天屠龙记之魔教教主1993

Today,we are going to talk about a 1993 Hong Kong film, Kung Fu Cult Master ( 倚天屠龙记之魔教教主yǐtiāntúlóngjì zhī mójiào jiàozhǔ) is adapted from Louis Cha's ( 金庸Jīn Yōng) novel The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber (倚天剑和屠龙刀yǐtiānjiàn hé túlóngdāo) . Directed by Wong Jing (王晶 Wáng Jīng) , it featured fight choreography by Sammo Hung, and starred Jet Li, Sharla Cheung, Chingmy Yau and Gigi Lai in the lead roles.

Holiday Taboos

It is a Chinese taboo to share stories about death and dying and ghost stories during special occasions and holidays.

Last Hero in China黄飞鸿之铁鸡斗蜈蚣(1993)

Today,we are going to talk about a 1993 Hong Kong film, Last Hero in China(黄飞鸿之铁鸡斗蜈蚣 Huáng Fēihóng zhī tiějī dòu wúgōng ). It is written and directed by Wong Jing(王晶 Wáng Jīng) . It is a derivative of the Once Upon a Time in China film series, and unlike other imitations, it can be considered a spin-off or parody to some extent. It was released after the first three films in the Once Upon a Time in China franchise. The film starred Jet Li as Chinese folk hero Wong Fei-hung( 黄飞鸿Huáng Fēihóng) and the action choreography was done by Yuen Woo-ping. However Last Hero in China differs greatly in tone from the Once Upon a Time in China films as it contains stronger elements of violence and broader, more slapstick, comedy.

Taboos in Gift-Giving

Since good things are believed to come in pairs, gifts given in pairs (except four) are best. When preparing the gift, do not wrap it in white as that color represents sorrow and poverty.

Cradie 2 the Grave致命摇篮（2003）

Today, we are going to talk about a film named Cradle 2 the Grave(致命摇篮zhì mìng yáolán）. It is directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak featuring actor Jet Li(李连杰Li Liánjié）and rapper DMX. is a 2003 American action film.

Taboos in Food

Young children should not eat chicken feet as it is believed they might not be able to write well when they start school. They may also be prone to get in fights like roosters.

Kiss of the Dragon龙之吻（2001）

Today,I will talk about a film named Kiss of the Dragon(龙之吻l óng zhī wěn) .It is a martial arts action film in 2001, directed by Chris Nahon, co-written and produced by Luc Besson, and starring Jet Li, Bridget Fonda, and Tchéky Karyo.

Taboos At Work

Shopkeepers may opt not to read a book at work because book (書, shū) sounds like lose (輸, shū). Shopkeepers who read may be afraid their businesses will suffer losses.