In this special episode of "Chinese Folk Tales", our journalist Bianca takes you on an unforgettable journey through Xinjiang — from the vibrant Grand Bazaar of Urumqi to the Frog Alley of Turpan. She bites into freshly baked nang, stands before the legendary Flaming Mountains straight out of the classic novel "Journey to the West", and dives into local life for a truly immersive experience. Curious to know what surprised her most? Hit play and join the adventure! 00:00 — Off to Xinjiang! 02:36 — Urumqi Unveiled: Bazaar Buzz & Nang Coffee 07:20 — Into the Flaming Mountain: Where Monkey King "Left His Mark" 09:57 — Walking Through History: The Jiaohe Ruins 11:13 — Frog Valley Legends 13:24 — Back in Studio: Stories, Snacks & Memories
Over a thousand years ago, an aging doctor discovered that sometimes the best medicine comes in the form of food. In this episode of "Chinese Folk Tales: Tales on a Plate", we follow the story of Shou Zhua Fan – Xinjiang's fragrant lamb pilaf eaten with bare hands which is a dish that heals, nourishes, and forges community connections. More than a dish, it's a story you can taste.
Tender chicken, spicy chilies, saucy potatoes, and chewy noodles – all piled high on one massive plate. More than just food, Big Plate Chicken is a tale of drivers, highways, and the irresistible joy of sharing a meal. In this episode of "Chinese Folk Tales: Tales on a Plate", we dish out the flavorful story behind Dapanji – the "Big Plate Chicken" that won the hearts of many.
Under the blazing sun of the Taklamakan Desert, one shepherd's clumsy mishap gave birth to a timeless treasure. In this bonus episode of "Chinese Folk Tales: Tales on a Plate", we trace the quirky legend of Turhong and his "dough hat" that turned into Xinjiang's most beloved flatbread – Nang. Crispy, golden, and steeped in tradition, Nang is more than food – it's a story shared and enjoyed across vast regions of the world.
Prof. Zhang Juwen argues that translating "龙" as "dragon" perpetuates colonial discourse. The Chinese loong embodies benevolence, ethics, and hope, fundamentally different from the Western concept. True cross-cultural exchange requires a firm challenge to entrenched stereotypes.
Folklore expert Professor Zhang Juwen reveals how ancient Chinese folk tales, while adapting, retain their core ethics, fostering global connections and face-to-face bonding in a digital world.
Once upon a time, the desert kingdom lay choked by yellow dust from raging sandstorms, waiting for a miracle to change its fate. How did it transform into a land renowned for its sweet fruits? This episode reveals the answer. For more captivating tales and videos, follow us on Facebook.
Have you ever wondered how the very first stringed instrument came into being? Maybe this story can explain the birth of the very special Dombra. For more captivating tales and videos, follow us on Facebook.
When times get tough, the Dragon King descends from Heaven to battle the drought – but the arrival of a mysterious demon girl throws everything into disarray. For more captivating tales and videos, follow us on Facebook.
Born in a small village, she captures the king's heart and rises to greatness, leaving a mark on history with her mastery of Xinjiang's unique Muqam music. For more captivating tales and videos, follow us on Facebook.
Gold coins appear where no one expects…Afanti and his trusty donkey are at it again, showing a greedy man that greed isn't golden. For more captivating tales and videos, follow us on Facebook.
Meet the legendary donkey-riding Afanti, renowned for his clever solutions. With the wit sharper than any sword, Afanti can always hatch a clever plan to turn the tables – teaching the arrogant miser an unforgettable a lesson in generosity. For more captivating tales and videos, follow us on Facebook.
In this new series of Chinese Folk Tales, we journey to Xinjiang — the vast and enchanting land in far northwest China, home to many ethnic groups that hold a rich reservoir of stories passed down through generations. It's on this land that a witty man rides his donkey backwards, a sacred lake is guarded by ancient spirits, and girls weave tradition into their long braids. Listen to "Chinese Folk Tales: Xinjiang" and discover a Xinjiang you've never seen before.
Following "Black Myth: Wukong", the new project delves into the legend of Zhong Kui, the fierce ghost hunter of traditional Chinese folklore. For centuries, from the dreams of the Tang Dynasty to the traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival, this figure has been revered as the protector of people and their homes. Now, his legend is ready to come alive again.
"Ne Zha 2" is a global hit, but in China, Nezha has been a legendary folk hero for centuries! Watch the video and discover the classic tale of "Nezha Conquers the Sea"!
The animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" has made history—becoming the first Chinese and first Asian film to surpass 10 billion yuan at the box office, securing its place in the global TOP 10! But what about the original legend of Nezha? Has Nezha always been the fearless trailblazer we see on screen? In this episode of "Chinese Folk Tales," we're telling a story full of magic, power, and a spirit that never gives up!
In this video, join us on a journey through time as we unravel a story behind the legendary creature "Loong" and explore how it has come to represent an array of awe-inspiring qualities and blessings.
In this special edition, we're waving goodbye to the Year of the Rabbit and welcoming the Year of the Loong, or the Year of the Chinese Dragon. Join us on a journey through time as we unravel a story behind this legendary creature and explore how it has come to represent an array of awe-inspiring qualities and blessings.
China has some incredible landscapes and science tells us how they have been shaped over millions of years of evolution. Yes, we know about the movements of the earth, of volcanoes, the power of wind and rain. But ancient stories suggest maybe... just maybe other forces have been at work creating the Sun Moon Lake.
Once upon a time, there was a kind and brave young man who ventured up a mountain, fought a monster and saved a princess. This story teaches that doing good things and telling the truth will make everything turn out right.
The ancient story of Mulan is an old favorite of many, made more popular outside China with grand movies in recent years. Join us in reliving the life and times of courageous Mulan.
Do you know that for some people the peacock is a symbol of happiness? The Dai people consider it a holy bird and the traditional Peacock Dance is still very popular nowadays. We have a love story to tell you, from thousands of years ago when Peacock princesses could fly.
A widow is inspired to create a work of such beauty in our next tale that the fairies steal it away. But the story is really about the son's true and steadfast love for his mother.
In this episode, prepare to be spellbound as we explore the extraordinary adventures of King Mu of Zhou, a legendary ruler who embarked on a remarkable voyage into the enchanting realms of magic and wonder.
In this video, let's meet the mythical hero Shen Nong who is said to be the father of the great system of traditional Chinese herbal medicine. It’s said that one day alone, he ate more than 70 different kinds of plants, roots, stems, leaves, and took notes to describe the effect they had on him... According to legend, he was the son of a princess and a heavenly dragon; maybe that made him special and made him able to resist the worst poisons? Or maybe he was an ordinary man, who was either very stupid, or very, very, lucky...
Our story pays tribute to the mythical hero Shen Nong who is said to be the father of the great system of traditional Chinese herbal medicine. When you think about it, there must have been someone many, many years ago who was brave enough to try and work out what plants might heal at the risk of discovering those that harm.
Did you know that many of the things we use today are credited to one man. Check out the video to know the tale of Lu Ban.
I bet you know all about the many, marvellous and ingenious objects Chinese inventors have created over the centuries. But did you know that many of the things we use today are credited to one man? Here we tell the tale of Lu Ban.
The Qixi Festival, which is also known as Chinese Valentine's Day. In this video, we take you to discover the mythical romance between Niulang and Zhinyu, or the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, who were allowed to meet just once a year. Join us for a captivating journey through ancient "Chinese Folk Tales."
Two lovers take center stage in our next story in one of the great Chinese Folk Tales. Join us for the romance of Zhi Nyu and Niu Lang, the weaving girl and the cowherd who are allowed to meet just once a year.
