China Chat

We'll talk about the kind and helpful blue dragon, spring rains and Qing Ming for added measure. Blue Dragon Festival and Qing Ming are times for families to enjoy the first signs of Spring and picnic in the gentle breeze. 

Teachers Day in China is a time-honored holiday with a long tradition. Students may not wash their teachers' feet anymore, but their respect and love remain. 

Learn about the ancient legends surrounding the Mooncake Festival, and traditions both old and new. There's no treat in the world quite as beautiful or tasty as a mooncake. Contact us with your thoughts, comments and ideas at: yangjiajia@live.cn

It's time to enjoy the full moon, make some lanterns and riddles and have stilt and leather boat dances. The Lantern Festival is full of fun, yummy snacks and togetherness. Remember to contact us at: yangjiajia@live.cn

Spring Couplets, which grace the entrances of homes in China are beautiful, cheerful and offer greetings and blessings to all who visit. We'll talk about the history, varieties and some no-nos you need to avoid during China's biggest holiday. 

Discover the New Year's Eve traditions in China, family traditions and the history of how New Year's Eve and day became Spring Festival. We'll also talk about the meaning of each type of dumpling and the joy of fireworks. Feel free to say hi and offer any ideas, comments or requests by emailing us at: yangjiajia@live.cn

On today's show, we'll talk about the history, traditions and behind-the-scenes info of the Lion and Dragon Dances popular with people of every age. Contact us at: yangjiajia@live.cn

Let’s talk about Spring Festival - the biggest holiday in China each year. It’s the beginning of the lunar new year; full of family, celebrations, firecrackers and red paper! First we’ll look at the origin of Spring Festival and a sea monster named Nian. Contact us at:  yangjiajia@live.cn

During the major cold - the last solar term of the year - people prepare for the upcoming Spring Festival - the start of the new year and the biggest and most popular holiday in China. Get ready to hear about duck heads, chicken heads, deep cleaning the house, showers and haircuts. Chris also outlines her recipe for roast chicken, and tells the harrowing story of the chicken dinner that almost was...

We've reached the second to last solar term, "Minor Cold" which is often the coldest part of the year in China, despite its name. We'll talk about the phoenix and dragon symbols, their meanings and the delicious Laba Festival as we begin to wrap up our coverage of the 24 solar terms. 

It's time for Dong Zhi, the Winter Solstice. We'll talk about the traditions and delicious food of the solar term as well as the "Small New Year", "counting down the nines" and cows getting a one-day holiday. 

Da Xue, or Major Snow is the time for snowball fights, ice skating, preserving meat and enjoying delicious lamb soup to keep up your energy.

Minor snow means winter has really begun. It's time for all varieties of hot soup, and time to pickle vegetables and meat. We'll discuss how to stay warm, correct some jack-o-lantern errors and describe northern China's perfect snow for skiing or boarding. 

Li Dong is the start of winter which means ice and snow in the north and cooler temperatures in the south. We'll talk about dumplings again of course, as well as pumpkins and the most important phrase to learn in any language. Join us! 

"Frost Decends" is the transition from autumn to winter. You can satisfy your sweet tooth with persimmons and eat some roasted chestnuts to keep warm in the chilly breezes. 

Hanlu, "cold dew" is the first solar term after the autumn equinox. Make sure your feet stay dry and warm and learn how to make drunken crab from Jiajia. Contact us at: yangjiajia@live.cn

The Autumn Equinox features a delicious and beautiful treat - the moon cake. We'll talk about its history and the Moon Cake Festival as well as autumn cattle folk art and the bugs getting ready to sleep through winter.  

The third autumn solar term, bailu (white dew) means cooler temperatures, dry winds and birds migrating south to prepare for winter. Join us as Jiajia gives his recipe for tomato egg soup, talks about his grandma's rice wine soup and how lucky it is to step in dog excrement. 

In ancient times, chunshu, the second solar term of autumn, was a time for sailing candle-lit paper and eggplant boats to remember the ancestors, eating delicious duck meals to prepare for the coming winter and drinking herbal tea to help deal with the change of seasons. 

The Start of Autumn, Liqiu, is an ironic term, since many parts of China are still under the grip of summer temperatures.  It's time to celebrate the harvest, and fatten up on red braised pork for the coming winter. 

Major heat is the last of the summer solar terms. We'll talk about goat soup, summer boats, delicious lychee and the meaning of the phrase, "dog days of summer". Join our Facebook group, "China Chat" or email us at yangjiajia@live.cn

It's time for lotus blooms, soaring eagles, and magical fireflies. The Lessor or Minor Heat is a beautiful, if hot, part of summer. Send your comments, birthday requests, suggestions or ideas to: yangjaijia@live.cn - all languages are welcome! 

The longest day. We talk about the Northern Lights, White Nights, Beijing noodles, and the difference between wonton na dumplings. 

We talk about "Grain in Ear", the annual mud fight festival, "clash month", watermelon eating, ice cream, our "Great Durian Debacle" and Duck Soup!

Xiao man is the second Solar term of summer. We’ll talk about bitter melon, water wheels and delicious mulberries!