My Dragon Boat Festival


Book Description

Every year a boy and his parents travel back to their hometown to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival. It's a wonderous time for the boy, as he learns Chinese traditions from his grandparents. He always leaves with only one wish--to return next year.




The First Dragon Boat Festival


Book Description

The Dragon Boat Festival celebrates the first Chinese poet, Qu Yuan. And before the poet came along, this Chinese holiday was all about getting rid of creepy crawlies at the beginning of summer! Come explore the many traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival. Along the way, you may learn a few Chinese words and get to know some interesting historical figures. For more books in The First Chinese Festivals series, go to LSamZhang.com.







Chinese Festivals


Book Description

Chinese Festivals provides an illustrated introduction to China's traditional festivals, firmly established as part of China's rich, diverse culture.




Introduction to Taiwan


Book Description

Taiwan is a small island located in Eastern Asia, between the South China Sea and the East China Sea. It is officially known as the Republic of China and has a population of over 23 million people. Taiwan is known for its beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and vibrant culture. The economy is largely based on manufacturing and exports, with electronics being the largest sector. Taiwan is also known for its food, with a variety of dishes influenced by the cultures of China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. While Taiwan is a small island, it has a rich and complex history. Originally inhabited by Austronesian tribes, it was colonized by the Dutch in the 17th century and later ruled by the Qing Dynasty of China. In 1895, Taiwan was ceded to Japan, who controlled the island until the end of World War II. After the war, Taiwan was returned to China, but in 1949, the communist party won the Chinese Civil War and established the People's Republic of China on the mainland. The Nationalist government fled to Taiwan and established the Republic of China, which continues to govern the island today. While Taiwan has faced challenges related to its political status and relationship with China, it has emerged as a prosperous and democratic nation with a unique identity and culture.




Introduction to Macao


Book Description

Macao, also known as Macau, is a small peninsula located in the south of China. It is considered to be one of the most unique cities in the world due to its combination of Chinese and Portuguese cultures. During the 16th century, the Portuguese established a trading port in Macao, which made it the center of economic and cultural exchange between China and the West. Consequently, Macao has been influenced by western culture, religion, language, and architecture making it an interesting cosmopolitan city. In addition to its cultural richness, Macao is also a famous tourist destination due to its many casinos, luxury hotels, and entertainment venues. It is often referred to as the “Las Vegas of Asia” as it is home to the largest gambling market in the world. Macao has a rich culinary scene influenced by Chinese and Portuguese cuisine. Its signature dishes include egg tarts, pork chop buns, and Macanese-style seafood. With its unique cultural heritage, vibrant entertainment scene, and delicious cuisine, Macao is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to China or the surrounding areas.




Awakening the Dragon


Book Description

In ancient times, the Chinese saw the dragon as both a protector and a threat, able to bring on rain or cause droughts. To honor this powerful creature, people created long narrow boats that they raced in an annual rainmaking festival. From the wearing of fragrant pouches, to the consumption of rice dumplings, to thrilling boat races, the dragon boat festival of today is a celebration of Chinese traditions all over the world. Arlene Chan, a respected librarian and an experienced dragon boat racer, explores the origins of the festival, it’s customs, and the races themselves. Beautifully detailed illustrations by Song Nan Zhang let you experience the beauty and energy of this ancient festival.




Feasts of Good Fortune


Book Description

75 recipes for a full year of celebrations with family and friends the Chinese American way in this deeply personal intergenerational cookbook, cowritten by mother and daughter. Covering everything from traditional Lunar New Year menus with recipes passed down generations to Thanksgiving get-togethers celebrated with tantalizing side dishes, Feasts of Good Fortune invites you to take a seat at the Chou's warm family dinner table. Author and former James Beard Foundation cookbook committee chair Hsiao-Ching Chou (Chinese Soul Food) brings her on-ramp approach to Chinese cooking full circle with fresh, uncomplicated home cooking for celebrations typical of the Chinese American experience. Master dumplings, scallion pancakes, and more, to contribute to “tuan yuan” (the act of coming together) that define family meals in these 75 tried-and-true recipes anyone can tackle. Cowritten with Hsiao-Ching’s 17-year-old daughter, Meilee, on reconnecting with her Chinese American heritage as a young adult, this deeply meaningful cookbook is an exploration of what it means to grow up in a “forever hyphenated culture” and celebrates the joy of the mother-daughter bond in cooking together. Organized chronologically with menus that'll take out the guesswork, including: Lunar New Year (Sticky Rice with Chicken and Chinese Sausage) Lantern Festival (Glutinous Rice Balls with Black Sesame Paste) Honoring the Dead/Qing Ming (Steamed Spinach Dumplings) Dragon Boat Festival (Zong Zi) Mid-Autumn Festival (Mooncakes) Birthdays & Party Bites (Stir-Fried Long-Life Noodles) Side Dishes for East-meets-West Menus (Braised Kale with Dried Cranberries) Hot Pot Parties




Identity Discourses and Communities in International Events, Festivals and Spectacles


Book Description

This collection focuses on the multi-layered links between international events and identity discourses. With a unique line-up of international scholars, this book offers a diverse range of exciting case studies, including sports competitions, music festivals, exhibitions, fashion shows and royal celebrations.




Paddles Up!


Book Description

Paddles Up! provides an in-depth look at dragon boating from its beginnings in ancient China to the modern-day prominence of Canadian teams on the international scene, as told in the words of top coaches of men’s and women’s teams, experts and enthusiasts, and sports health professionals across Canada. Contributing writers include Mike Haslam, executive president International Dragon Boat Federation; Matthew Smith, president Dragon Boat Canada; Kamini Jain, Vancouver; Albert MacDonald, Halifax; Jamie Hollins, Pickering; Matt Robert, Montreal; and Jim Farintosh, Toronto. Through legends, history, and traditions, to paddling tips and mental readiness, and from choosing gear to exceptional achievements, a battery of Canadian dragon-boat notables share their considerable knowledge in one authoritative volume.