Tai Chi, also noted as Taijiquan, is a traditional Chinese martial art that has evolved into a popular form of exercise and meditation. 【小题1】 (originate) from China's Fujian Province, Tai Chi has a history of over 1,000 years and is deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy and culture. It 【小题2】 (characterize) by slow, flowing movements that promote balance, 【小题3】 (flexible), and relaxation.

In recent years, Tai Chi 【小题4】 (gain) worldwide recognition for its health benefits. Studies have shown that practicing Tai Chi can also be helpful for people 【小题5】 (reduce) the risk of falls in older adults.

Tai Chi is often practised in groups or classes, 【小题6】 students learn from a qualified instructor. There are many different styles of Tai Chi, each 【小题7】 its own unique set of movements and techniques. Beginners are encouraged to start with the most basic movements and 【小题8】 (gradual) build up their skills and knowledge over time.

【小题9】 you are looking for a low-impact exercise, a way to reduce stress, or a close connection to Chinese culture, Tai Chi offers something for everyone. With regular practice, you can experience the transformative power of this ancient art form and discover 【小题10】 deeper sense of balance and harmony in your life.

It’s common to see a barista (咖啡) create coffee art, 【小题1】 it’s a whole different ballgame doing same thing with tea. Han Zheming has managed to perfect the skill, 【小题2】 (create) tea art in cups, or dian cha in Chinese, which used to be a routine during the Song Dynasty.

Over the past six years, the 40-year-old Shanghai resident 【小题3】 (use) tea and spoons to create nearly 200 patterns based on ancient paintings.

Chinese tea culture started to enjoy【小题4】 (popular) during the Tang Dynasty and flourished throughout the Song Dynasty, when tea had become a necessity for almost everyone, from nobles and scholars 【小题5】 common people, just like other essential items, such as rice, oil and salt, as 【小题6】 (suggest) by Song politician Wang Anshi.

In the Song Dynasty, the common way of having tea was through dian cha. The process begins with hot water being poured over fine powdered tea creating a paste, then more hot water 【小题7】 (add) slowly as the tea is constantly stirred by hand with a bamboo stick. This method later spread to other parts of East Asia, including Japan, 【小题8】 similarities can be seen in the way matcha is prepared today.

This action of pouring hot water is called dian, which was listed as 【小题9】 intangible cultural heritage in 2019. About tea—stirring, Han said that it usually requires stirring the mixture between 180 and 200 times before the water and the tea are 【小题10】 (full) blended.

There’s a type of porridge in China that’s filled with tradition and celebrated for its delicious taste. Unfortunately, to my mind, it also has a funny name.

Every year during the Laba Festival, which 【小题1】 (happen) on the eighth day of the 12th lunar month, Laba porridge is the food traditionally served. However, the first time I heard its name was in a nursery rhyme my daughter’s nanny 【小题2】 (sing) to her, 【小题3】 goes: “after Laba is the Lunar New Year.” But thanks to my bad Chinese and her heavy accent, I instead heard Laba in different tones that changed the meaning to “poop”. For a good two days I thought it was a nursery. rhyme to help toddlers with potty training. I was very wrong.

The Laba Festival arrives before Lunar New Year. Traditionally 【小题4】 (observe) by Buddhists to honor the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama, the festival is now more of a time for reflection, gratitude and preparing for the upcoming Lunar New Year festivities.

Laba porridge is delicious and beautiful. Its heartiness lies in its array of ingredients. 【小题5】 every family has their own variation, it typically includes a mix of beans, rice, nuts and 【小题6】 (dry) fruits. The key ingredients, however, are glutinous rice(糯米), beans and carious grains, cooked 【小题7】 thickened. Each ingredient has symbolic significance around the ideas of prosperity and health. For example, red beans symbolize good luck and happiness while glutinous rice signifies family unity.

Traditionally, before the Lunar New Year, families gather to prepare Laba porridge together, 【小题8】 (roster) a sense of unity and shared traditions, much like how families in the US do with their Thanksgiving meals. It’s about the time you spend together 【小题9】 the food you eat.

Laba porridge is one of those dishes that hold a special place in Chinese culinary heritage, 【小题10】 (combine) history, symbolism and a sense of community. In each streaming bowl of Laba porridge are well-wishes that one family member bestows upon another.