The introduction of Buddhism into China during the Han period between 206 B.C and 220 A.D., proved to be a major turning point in Chinese history. Buddhist art also lent new stimulus to the art of China's indigenous belief: Daoism. Both spiritual beliefs flourished side by side, while associated objects and statues became the dominant force in Chinese sculpture. In today's Five Thousand Years segment, let us explore the beauty of the sculptures that reflect the faces of compassion. Largely, in Chinese history, Buddhism beliefs profoundly influenced Chinese culture. This influence continued until 1949 when the Chinese Communist party declared all these beliefs "superstitious". Today in China, the term "superstition" is still commonly used to label traditions and practices that seem to be a challenge for the CCP. (edit Dec. 09 2006)
The Journey to the East Program seeks to systematically introduce Chinese culture to the public and to truthfully explore what is happening in China, for helping to improve the public's knowledge of the ancient as well as the contemporary China, to facilitate cross-cultural understanding, and to enhance racial harmony in America.
The Tang Dynasty, from 618 to 907 A. D., is regarded as the one of the most prosperous dynasties in China’s long history. It was marked by a strong and benevolent rule, successful diplomatic relationships, economic expansion, and a cultural efflorescence of cosmopolitan style. It was also the golden age of Chinese art and literature. Shi, the classical form of Chinese poetry, developed two thousand years ago in the late Han Dynasty, reached its peak during the Tang Dynasty. Most Tang poems consist of four or eight lines, with five and seven Chinese characters in each line and follow certain regulations.
It is well known that in 1989, a student led democratic movement in China was violently crushed by the communist government. Actually in 1978 for several months the first popular request for democracy in China occurred. During this period, several pioneers of democracy for China started to express their opinions using big character posters on a wall in Beijing, known as the Xi-Dan Democracy Wall. In today's Living Chinese, we present the interview with Poet Huang Xiang, who was among the very first to appeal for democracy in China. (edit Dec. 29 2006)
The introduction of Buddhism into China during the Han period between 206 B.C and 220 A.D., proved to be a major turning point in Chinese history. Buddhist art also lent new stimulus to the art of China's indigenous belief: Daoism. Both spiritual beliefs flourished side by side, while associated objects and statues became the dominant force in Chinese sculpture. In today's Five Thousand Years segment, let us explore the beauty of the sculptures that reflect the faces of compassion. Largely, in Chinese history, Buddhism beliefs profoundly influenced Chinese culture. This influence continued until 1949 when the Chinese Communist party declared all these beliefs "superstitious". Today in China, the term "superstition" is still commonly used to label traditions and practices that seem to be a challenge for the CCP. (edit Dec. 09 2006)
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The Essence of Chinese Paintings - Portraits of Beautiful Women
The Essence of Chinese Paintings - Portraits of Beautiful Women As early as the beginning of the Warring States period from 475 BC, women were featured in Chinese paintings. Today, we have the chance to take a closer look at the paintings and the stories behind the ancient pieces that capture the appearance, clothing, adornments, and the demeanor of traditional Chinese women. As we can see, traditionally, a beautiful woman was one who was feminine and well-educated, calm and peaceful, caring and attentive to detail. Her movements were graceful, and her speech gentle. (edit Dec. 09 2006)
Hello everyone. Welcome to Journey to the East. I'm Anna Chan. Spanning across two long dynasties, from the Shang Dynasty between 1600-1050 B.C, and the Zhou Dynasty between 1046-256 B.C., the Bronze Age emerged in China. From objects for worshipping, to ornaments for the emperors, musical instruments for entertainment, to weapons for war, this age has been recorded as one of the most significant in Chinese history. In today's Five Thousand Years segment, we will see how bronze was used in ancient China and the objects that are among the most representative of Bronze objects in the world today. Then following, in our China Today segment, we will show the last part from the documentary on the Three Gorges Dam in China. (edit Dec. 09 2006)
While each of us has our own personalities and characteristics, plants and flowers, as well, have their own unique traits. Some flowers and plants like pine trees, bamboos, and plum blossoms are able to brave the winters symbolizing strength and bravery; and others such as peonies and narcissus symbolize richness, honor, and beauty. For hundreds of years, ancient Chinese painters have painted these plants and flowers on gate walls and wall screens for the emperors in the royal courts, acknowledging each of the plants¡¦ unique qualities. In today¡¦s episode of Journey to the East, we will see some select masterpieces dating back to the Tang Dynasty from 618 AD to 907 AD. (edit Dec. 02 2006)
For many months, NTDTV has been quietly planning the grand celebration for the 2006 NTDTV Chinese New Year Global Gala. Previously, Journey to the East has shown many of the highlights from the performances. Today we have a special treat to take you behind the curtains to see the hard work and planning that went into making of last year's 2005 Chinese New Years Gala, just in time to prepare you for this coming year's spectacle. Make sure not to miss the 2006 NTDTV Chinese New Year Global Gala. It promises to be the most exciting Gala yet. For more information, you can visit www.gala.ntdtv.com. Now, just before we go, let's enjoy the Dai Style dance that one of one of the audiences loved most. We thank you for watching and we'll see you next time. (edit Nov. 30 2005)
In this following China Today segment, we will travel to Australia where two former Chinese officials who have recently defected to. Australia¡¦s Sunday Nine will introduce us to Chen Yonglin and Hao Fengjun who are seen as heroes for stepping forward with their real identity and revealing working evidence of their secret orders given directly from the Chinese Communist Party. Let¡¦s see why their stories have shocked the world. (edit Aug. 24 2005)
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