The "囍" character, since ancient times, has symbolized double joy and happiness. But when exactly did this character begin to weave itself into the rich tapestry of Chinese culture? And under what circumstances was it created? Join us on a sweet journey through time to unveil the story behind it.

Editor: Luo Wen

Operation: Qiu Ruiqi

Producer: Li Xin

Chief Editor: Zhang Wan

Supervisor: Liu Changying

Collecting objects with the character "囍" is a journey to treasure happiness and joy," says Wang Yanping. Once a prima ballerina with the National Ballet of China, in 1999, a serendipitous encounter she had with "囍" started a love affair with the character. Since then, she has been acquiring items adorned with it, as conduits to carry forward her artistic journey.

Editor: Luo Wen

Operation: Qiu Ruiqi

Producer: Li Xin

Chief Editor: Zhang Wan

Supervisor: Liu Changying

On the day of Dragon Boat Festival, a stately river parade is held in Hong Kong’s Tai O. Among the stilt houses of this tranquil fishing village, traces of a traditional but vanishing way of life can still be found.

Editor: Luo Wen

Operation: Qiu Ruiqi

Producer: Li Xin

Chief Editor: Zhang Wan

Supervisor: Liu Changying

Built on the ruins of three Qing Dynasty imperial gardens, Beijing's Yuanmingyuan Park (The Old Summer Palace) has been open to residents and tourists for more than three decades. On this episode of Park Life in China, we explore the grounds during the Lotus Flower Festival, and see why millions of people still visit this ancient wonder each year.

Editor: Luo Wen

Operation: Qiu Ruiqi

Producer: Li Xin

Chief Editor: Zhang Wan

Supervisor: Liu Changying

Beijing is world famous for the monuments and landscaping of its parks. Lesser known, however, is the rich community life that thrives in them. Every morning, elderly folks from surrounding neighborhoods gather in these public places for a wide range of leisure activities. Join us for this first episode in a series looking at park life in the Chinese capital.

Editor: Luo Wen

Operation: Qiu Ruiqi

Producer: Li Xin

Chief Editor: Zhang Wan

Supervisor: Liu Changying

The alleyways of old Beijing are home to all sorts of hidden gems where past and present meet. There’s one place in particular, an oasis of calm in the midst of a bustling city. That is Guozijian, the old imperial academy, focus of youthful ambitions in ancient times. There age-old Chinese traditions are kept going strong thanks of Z- generation youths. What a great place to mark May 4th, Chinese Youth Day, guided by your ever youthful foreign host, Martyn!

Editor: Luo Wen

Operation: Qiu Ruiqi

Producer: Li Xin

Chief Editor: Zhang Wan

Supervisor: Liu Changying

China's first National Botanical Garden is an urban oasis, offering a calm change of scenery in a place where nature, science and history all come together. Visitors, who arrive in large numbers throughout the year, can use its grounds to take a relaxing stroll, marvel at the live specimens in its huge greenhouse, immerse themselves in its historical sites, or absorb information in its plant museum.

Editor: Luo Wen

Operation: Qiu Ruiqi

Producer: Li Xin

Chief Editor: Zhang Wan

Supervisor: Liu Changying

From Qipao catwalking to stand-up Paddling, in Chaoyang Park, a multitude of lively leisure activities are always taking place, participated in by both the old and young. As the biggest park in central Beijing, the so-called “Sun Park” is much more than just a place where people come to cut out from the urban noise and enjoy peace and quiet. Join us in this episode of Park Life in China to find out more.

Editor: Luo Wen

Operation: Qiu Ruiqi

Producer: Li Xin

Chief Editor: Zhang Wan

Supervisor: Liu Changying

Beijing’s Olympic Forest Park is a Mecca for runners. Built as a supporting project for the 2008 Summer Olympics, its 680 hectares of nature gardens include landscaped hills, forests, lakes, and many kilometers of running track. That makes it an ideal location for residents of the capital to exercise; escaping the stress of city life in beautiful surroundings. In this episode we meet some of the many thousands of runners who come here every week, and talk to them about how this form of exercise has changed their lives.

Editor: Luo Wen

Operation: Qiu Ruiqi

Producer: Li Xin

Chief Editor: Zhang Wan

Supervisor: Liu Changying

Tibet boasts many specialty agricultural products; pine mushrooms and potato orchids to name but two. But local farmers often find it challenging to market them to the outside world. To remedy this, e-commerce expert Wang Lei has been applying digital technology to agricultural product manufacturing, sales and transportation, with impressive results.

Editor: Luo Wen

Operation: Qiu Ruiqi

Producer: Li Xin

Chief Editor: Zhang Wan

Supervisor: Liu Changying