In modern days, people are writing less and less with pens. Instead, the computer and smart phone have taken place to function as the method of conveying or recording information and messages. But in China, there are still quite a large quantity of people practicing the traditional Chinese handwriting, or the Chinese calligraphy. What's the charm and magic behind it? Let's find out more.

Cicadas have a rather short life, but they signify rebirth and immortality in Chinese folklore and art. They’re known for their noisiness, but useful in Chinese medicine in treating ear-ache, sore throat, husky voice, and sick eyes. (Photo by Xie Yanan)

Chinese people are considered to be good at martial arts, or Kung Fu. There is Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li to name just a few of the masters the world may well know. But are all, or most of the Chinese people good at Kung Fu as some may assume?

Ask any Chinese people about his or her favorite flower in summer, you would probably get the same answer - the lotus. It is beautiful, it is fragrant, and it contains some cultural messages that really enchant the Chinese people. You'll surely find out more after listening to this episode.

50 Shades of Qing... greenish blue, blueish black, blackish green...

If you lived in ancient times and wanted to build a house, what materials would you use for the framework? In China, the answer was wood. Why?

For a Chinese person, Sichuan Cuisine means something that can really bring out your great appetites, no matter whether you are a lover of spicy food or not. How could the food coming from a province in southwest China become a knock-out cuisine that has won most stomaches throughout the country? Let's find out with Shen Ting.

Playing with fire, standing for justice, fighting for peace... mythical animals can do a lot that humans are not able to. These glass animals are often seen on the upturn eaves of Chinese imperial buildings. Find out who they are and what they're good at.

The world of numbers is fascinating. While designers are obsessed with the golden ratio 1.618, and mathematicians with Pi 3.1415926, the Chinese people tend to mostly favor the number 8. But why?

Why do the Chinese people love using chopsticks, which look so hard to master for many westerners? Why do they not throw these two sticks away and turn to use fork and knife like many people in the rest of the world? Listen to the show and find out reasons in terms of funtions and cultural connotation contained in chopsticks.