Episodes
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The chrysanthemum flower is one of China's top ten most popular flowers, boasting a cultivation history of over 3,000 years. These flowers not only add vibrant colors to the autumn season but are also deeply tied to the Double Ninth Festival. In this episode, we'll explore the connection between chrysanthemum and this festival, as well as its special significance in Chinese culture.
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As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, many places in China will be delighted with the enchanting scent of golden osmanthus. In this episode of "A Thousand Whys," we delve into the deep-rooted affection that Chinese people have for this flower and explore the rich symbolism it carries in Chinese culture.
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Missing episodes?
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A bull, a bronze tripod, a city gate latch—nothing was too heavy to lift! The awe for extraordinary strength dates back centuries. Curious about how ancient people in China practiced weightlifting? Tune in to find out!
(00:47) Travel back in time with Pierre de Coubertin to the scene of Unbeatable Strongman Challenge.
(03:30) Zhu Xianlin, a coach who has trained numerous national-level weightlifting athletes, explains the benefits of weightlifting.
(04:44) Explore weightlifting in the modern Olympics.
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Have you ever thought about learning some wrestling movements and postures? Follow Pierre de Coubertin to travel back in time to an ancient Chinese wrestling arena. Discover the rich cultural significance and unique techniques that set Chinese wrestling apart from other styles across the globe.
(00:21) Step back in time with Monsieur de Coubertin as he experiences the vibrant world of traditional Chinese wrestling.
(04:04) Gain insights from a former coach of China's national wrestling team as he sheds light on the deep-rooted traditions of Chinese wrestling.
(05:39) Explore wrestling in the modern Olympics.
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Imagine a diving competition where athletes leap not from a springboard on the ground, but from a swing that's suspended on a boat! In this episode, follow Pierre de Coubertin, father of the modern Olympics, on an exhilarating journey as he explores this unique ancient Chinese sport. Discover its fascinating techniques and see how its spirit resonates with sports in the modern era!
(00:52) A fun micro-radio drama of a special diving match.
(03:42) How ancient books describe water swing diving.
(04:25) Interview with Professor Cui Lequan about the similarities and differences between water swing diving and modern-day diving.
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Ta-da! Get ready for a wild ride with our new mini-series Sports Fantasia!
We're time-traveling back to ancient China with none other than Pierre de Coubertin, the father of the modern Olympics, to uncover some seriously cool sports secrets.
Who comes to mind when thinking of a great archer — Eagle Eye, Oliver Queen (Green Arrow), Robin Hood, or maybe Cupid? In ancient China, archers didn't just aim for the bullseye; they shot in sync with musical rhythms! Why, you ask? In this episode, we explore the traditions of Chinese archery rituals and follow Monsieur Coubertin on his time-traveling adventure to see it all firsthand.
(01:00) Monsieur Coubertin's adventure; (04:40) Who comes to mind when thinking of a great archer? (06:09) What archery was called in ancient China and hear from Professor Cheng, a historian from Tsinghua University in Beijing, about ancient archery rituals.
Click to watch Monsieur Coubertin's adventure.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/R0KJxBAL7hM
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Get ready for an exciting adventure with "Sports Fantasia"! Join us as we travel back to ancient China to experience traditional Chinese sports. With Pierre de Coubertin, the father of the modern Olympics, we'll explore a fascinating mix of historical sports and shared cultural values. Coming soon!
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The lotus flower, known as "荷花" in Chinese, is one of the top ten most popular flowers in China. In this episode, we'll discover why the lotus plant holds such a special place in the hearts of Chinese people.
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When it comes to Chinese folk songs, "茉莉花" (jasmine flower) is often the first that comes to mind. But did you know that its name is also meant to encourage selflessness? In this episode of "A Thousand Whys," we explore why this gentle white flower holds such a special place in the hearts of Chinese people.
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Duanwu Festival, or the Dragon Boat Festival, is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month on the traditional Chinese calendar, which falls on June 10 this year. As a traditional Chinese festival, it is celebrated in various ways, one of which is hanging Chinese mugwort. But do you know where this custom comes from? In this episode, we will show you the story behind this custom!
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As temperature rises, there's nothing like chilling with a glass of refreshing pomegranate juice. Beyond its antioxidant-rich goodness, have you ever pondered why this fruit holds a special place in Chinese culture? Join us in this episode as we unravel the captivating tales behind the enchanting pomegranate flower!
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迎春花, or winter jasmine, is a native plant of China with a recorded history spanning over 1,000 years. In this episode, we'll continue our floral journey and get to know the hidden meaning behind this flower in Chinese culture.
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With the arrival of spring, colorful flowers are once again ready to take central stage. "A Thousand Whys" also offers a new series, exploring stories and meanings associated with various flowers. And in this episode, we will find out why peach blossoms are often associated with love in Chinese culture.
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"拜年" is a cherished tradition observed during the Chinese New Year. It includes not just saying "Happy Chinese New Year" but also visiting friends and families, bringing them gifts and extending good wishes during the month-long celebration period. In this episode, we explore how Chinese people extend Spring Festival greetings in an efficient way!
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2024 marks the Year of the Loong, or the Chinese dragon. In today's episode, we cover the powerful symbolism of loong in Chinese culture.
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Dahan (大寒 dà hán), or Major Cold, falls on January 20th this year. In this episode, we show you how ancient Chinese merchants conduct a grand ceremony to honor the god of earth.
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Xiaohan (小寒 xiǎo hán), or Minor Cold, falls on January 6th this year. In this episode, we show you what ancient Chinese people used to buy when preparing for the New Year.
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Dongzhi (冬至 dōng zhì), or Winter Solstice, falls on December 22nd this year. It is the 22nd of the 24 solar terms and the fourth one in winter. In this episode, we show you why Chinese people "count in nines" in winter.
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Daxue (大雪 dà xuě), or Major Snow, begins on December 7th this year. It is the 21st of the 24 solar terms and the third one in winter. In this episode, we show you whether ancient Chinese build snowmen in winter.
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Xiaoxue (小雪 xiǎo xuě), or Minor Snow, begins on November 22nd this year. It is the 20th of the 24 solar terms and the second one in winter. In this episode, we show you how Chinese people enjoy vegetables in winter.
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