In April, students from YLPMS Alumni Association Tang Ying Yip Primary School took part in a workshop aimed at promoting Chinese Stories, jointly organized by the Hong Kong Community Foundation and the Hong Kong Palace Museum. The new English-language book delves into the wonders of traditional Chinese culture and customs. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
The Hong Kong Community Foundation released Chinese Stories, an English-language book that aims to introduce Chinese culture and heritage to a global audience.
Engagingly told and vividly illustrated, Chinese Stories provides a perfect starting point to fully understanding China’s lengthy and profound history and culture.
The book covers a wide range of topics, such as Chinese festivals, cuisine, inventions, sports, architecture, geography, and cultural heritage. Through everyday topics such as clothing, food, architecture, and festivals, the book shares over 4,000 years of unique Chinese culture with readers of all ages who are interested in exploring Chinese culture.
“Chinese culture is an indispensable part of our society. Through Chinese Stories, we can preserve our rich cultural heritage and promote it in more families, schools, and communities,” said HKCF Chairman Daryl Ng Win-kong.
During the workshop, students from different cultural backgrounds were inspired by a lecture on the Qing Dynasty court costumes to create their unique hand-painted canvas bags. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
The book is written in simple and easy-to-understand language, making it suitable for readers of all backgrounds.
The 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) has expressed support for Hong Kong’s development into an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchanges. The HKSAR government is also actively promoting Hong Kong as a cultural capital, with the goal of sharing the story of Chinese culture with the world.
To inspire the next generation to preserve the knowledge and treasures of Chinese culture, HKCF partnered with the Hong Kong Palace Museum to hold a workshop in April, inviting 25 students from Yuen Long Public Middle School Alumni Association Tang Ying Yip Primary School to learn about Chinese culture and history in a fun and interactive way.
Students were introduced to Qing Dynasty court costumes and encouraged to design personalized tote bags with Chinese cultural elements. By collaborating with institutions such as the Hong Kong Palace Museum, HKCF is able to reach a wider audience and promote the preservation.
Absorbed by the creative process, a young boy at the Palace Museum Workshop ponders how to incorporate Chinese cultural influences in his design. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
One of the book’s chapters is dedicated to the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, which have played an essential role in Chinese culture for centuries. Each animal is associated with certain characteristics and traits, which are said to be possessed by people born in the year of that particular animal. For example, anyone born in the Year of the Eat is said to be intelligent and resourceful, while those born in the Year of the Dragon are said to be strong and ambitious.
Another chapter of the book is dedicated to Chinese festivals and celebrations. Each festival has its unique traditions and customs. During Lunar New Year, people traditionally wear red clothing and give red envelopes filled with money to children. Some lesser-known rituals and unwritten rules that come with the festival are also covered in the book.
“This book can bring joy and inspiration to everyone, allowing younger generations to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the values, philosophies, and traditions that have influenced us for over 4,000 years and pass them down from generation to generation,” Ng added.
A well-bound copy of Chinese Stories. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
HKCF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting philanthropy and community engagement in Hong Kong. Chinese Stories is part of HKCF’s ongoing efforts to encourage giving to create positive societal change and promote social cohesion.
Chinese Stories can be purchased at Asia Publishers Services Limited’s website and leading bookstores in Hong Kong. The proceeds will be donated to UNICEF in support of the protection of the rights of children.
