VBCI news

Title

What is the Victoria Business Confucius Institute all about?

Speakers

• Professor Colin Clark, Director of Victoria Business Confucius Institute
• Ivy Wang, Victoria Business Confucius Institute Public Relations Assistant

Transcript

Ivy: Hello everybody! My name is Ivy, and I am the host of our VBCI podcast series. The podcast series is hosted by the Victoria Business Confucius Institute at Victoria University. We created this podcast to introduce Chinese language, culture, and doing business with China resources to the VU community. Today, we have the Director of the Institute, Professor Colin Clark to introduce the VBCI and what we do. 

Ivy: Hi Colin, tell us a little bit about yourself and who is VBCI and what do you do? 

Colin: I am the Director of the VBCI.  I am a Professor of Accounting, and I am a former Dean of Business and I have also served as Dean International here at VU.   

The Victoria Business Confucius Institute (VBCI), which I lead, is like other Confucius Institutes around the world, in that it offers Chinese-language and culture programs, but our CI does so in a business context. 

Ivy: Tell us about your interest and how you started your journey of engaging with Chinese language and culture. 

Colin: As a Dean of Business within a very internationalized university I have done quite a bit of international travel, and I have always been very impressed by the language skills of those I met with internationally.  That made me keen to learn a second language.  Also, from my many visits to China I have been fascinated with China – its people, culture, and history, from the time of my first visit.  That all combined to make me keen to learn about Chinese language, culture, society and business. 

Also, as Dean of a large Business Faculty, I was conscious of the benefits for our students in being internationally savvy, particularly China literate, in terms appreciating the people and culture of China. 

Whilst there have been some trade tensions between Australia and China; China remains Australia’s major trading partner and will continue to do so.  Similarly, Australia has a large Chinese diaspora, with more than 1.2 million Australians of Chinese heritage.  China has been Australia’s largest source of international tourists, and also international students, until COVID more recently hampered international travel. 

The benefits of being China aware are enormous!

Ivy: What are VBCI’s activities? 

Colin: We offer Chinese basic language and culture courses, not just as general Chinese language and culture, but also with a stream of basic Chinese language and culture for business - and we have developed a number of levels of offerings of these so that participants can progress through the levels.   

We offer regular business and culture workshops across a range of topics.  The topics change with the current issues.  In our business workshops series, for example, workshops include current Chinese social media platforms used for marketing, the economic impact of China’s net zero emissions policy, and Australia- China logistics issues.     

VBCI has become the largest Chinese language test centre in Melbourne for students taking HSK language testing. 

We have recently been growing our hub of resources on Doing Business with China on our website.  Visitors to the site will find a growing number of reports on Doing Business with China, reports on specific industries, reports on business in particular Chinese cities.  We hope to become the go-to starting point for resources on Doing Business with China. 

In the past, before COVID restrictions prevented, we hosted regular inbound and outbound study tours between Australia and China.  These have been extremely popular, and highly valued experiences.  We are looking forward to getting back to that.   

Ivy: VU’s events and activities cater to a diverse cohort of communities, can you tell us how VBCI further adds a flavour to that? 

Colin: VBCI’s reach is quite broad.  In the case of the VU community, VBCI’s programs are on offer to VU students, staff, and alumni.  Actually, a surprisingly large number of VU staff have undertaken our Chinese language and culture programs, adding to VU’s international and multicultural capability. 

VBCI’s programs are available to the wider community, and we also tailor our programs for offer in-house to industry and professions.  We have worked with some fabulous clients- those reaching out to cater for the tourism market in Victoria, or it could be companies doing business with China. Recently a company acquired by Chinese owners drew on our services so that their staff are more China aware.   

VBCI has an active schools’ program, providing cultural programs in to the primary and secondary School system in Melbourne.   

Ivy: How does the VBCI sit alongside other Confucius Institutes? 

Colin: Of the network of approximately 500 Confucius Institutes globally, about ten have a business focus.   Because the VBCI has a business focus it is differentiated from, and complements, the other two Confucius Institutes in Melbourne.

VBCI was co-established by Victoria University and the University of International Business and Economics, in Beijing (UIBE).  UIBE is ranked in the top couple of Chinese universities for finance and economics. UIBE has ten CIs, most focused on business, creating a valuable global, prestigious network for VU. 

Ivy: If people are interested, how do they find VBCI to learn more? 

Colin: Search VBCI on the web, or at vu.edu.au, and you will be directed to our website! Otherwise, we are on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin, if you would like to keep updated with our events & activities. 

Our office is located at the Footscray Campus of VU, and you are welcome to stop by and say hi, or Ni hao! 

Thank you everyone for tuning in for our podcast launch episode. We look forward to having you at future episodes of our business podcasts and culture podcasts.  See you soon. 

Chinese Dating Culture and the Qixi festival

Hosted by Betty Gao, VBCI Non-Award Subject Coordinator

Hello listeners! Welcome back to another episode of China Talks. China Talks podcast series is hosted by the Victoria Business Confucius Institute at Victoria University. We created this podcast to introduce Chinese language, culture, and doing business with China resources to the VU community. Today, we have our Non-Award subjects coordinator and Mandarin teacher, Betty Gao to talk about the Chinese dating culture and the Chinese Valentine’s Day. 

Can you introduce yourself and tell me more about what you do at the VBCI? 

My name is Betty....

Tell me about the Chinese Valentine’s Day and how people celebrate it? 

The Chinese Valentine’s Day is called Qixi festival, the 7th day of the 7th lunar month. In 2022, it fell on August 5^th. Young Chinese couples celebrate the festival.  It’s also Young Girls' Festival (Qiqiao Festival) 

For girls, Qī xī has another meaning, for it is the time of year to plead with the Goddess Zhinu for ingenuity. Girls in ancient times joined various competitions on needlework, played among girls, in the hope of getting all intelligence.

Chinese Valentine' Day 

February 14th: Roses, chocolate, gifts... celebrated among couples 

Qī xī festival: apart from the traditional celebrations, Qixi festival includes various romantic activities.

Some gifts idea 

Handbag, beauty stuff, watches, hand-made gifts, flowers

Be careful with chrysanthemum – this is a symbol of death

A few gift taboos

Umbrella – symbolizes being apart

Pear - symbolizes divorce

Scissors - symbolizes being cut off

Clocks - symbolizes death

What’s the story about the Qixi festival

It is a day full of romance because of an ancient household love story in Chinese mythology about:

Niú láng 牛郎 (Cowherder)

Zhī nǚ 织女 (Weaver Girl)

Milky Way - silver river

Magpie bridge

What’s the difference between Chinese and Western dating culture

The subtle romance——The unspeakable love 

Confess your love to someone “I like you” 

我喜欢你。(Pinyin: Wǒ xǐhuan nǐ.)

Why don’t people say “I love you” often?

我爱你。(Wǒ’ài  nǐ)

Showing love is way more important than saying it. 

Commitment - The sequence of romantic stages 

Friends -Relationship - Get to know each other -Marriage/ breaking up

Breaking up is way better than being unclear about the relationship.

Individuality VS“the other half” 

The ways of showing independence are quite different.

e.g. Housework, cooking, finance……In Chinese culture people won’t prefer splitting one task into half.

Tip: It’s important to eat together. 

That’s a wrap for this episode, stay tuned for more China Talks! 

Trending Chinese Slang Words

Hosted by Betty Gao, VBCI Non-Award Subject Coordinator

Hello listeners! Welcome back to another episode of China Talks. China Talks podcast series is hosted by the Victoria Business Confucius Institute at Victoria University. We created this podcast to introduce Chinese language, culture, and doing business with China resources to the VU community. Today, we have Betty Gao again to talk about trending Chinese slang words.

Betty: So today we want to talk about the slang words, partially because Word of the year 2020: words of an ‘unprecedented’ year; 2021: VAX. 

In the Chinese language context, the slang words also demonstrate the current social and cultural situation. For example, in 2000, we were quite excited about the internet and the trending slang word was “net worm 网虫”, but things are quite different now. Let’s have a look at some Chinese slang words in 2022.

Betty: give us some examples of Chinese slang words. 

社恐 (Pinyin: shè kǒng) and 社牛 (Pinyin: shè niú)

社恐 (Pinyin: shè kǒng) social anxiety 

This is used to describe introverted people who experience social awkwardness a lot.

我  是 社 恐。(Pinyin: Wǒ shì shè kǒng.) I am socially anxious.

Check the descriptions and see if you are one of them: 

1. Afraid of shopping, especially the super friendly sales assistants.
2. When meeting someone, take a different route directly. When it is inevitable, pretend that you are on your phone. 
3. Afraid of picking up phone calls; always setting your phone on mute; pretend that you missed the call and reply via SMS.

A more extreme social awkward situation can be described as:

社牛 (Pinyin: shè niú)Social Bull: gregarious people 

• Indifferent chat: Can have a nice chat with anyone around.
• The forever spotlight：Can become the center of attention anywhere.
• Super confident: very confident at anytime without caring about other people’s judgement.
• Can be a friend with anyone.

Are you a 社恐(Pinyin: shè kǒng) or 社牛(Pinyin: shè niú)? 

In the current social environment, it seems that people who are cheerful and talkative are always more in line with the expectations of society. In fact, whether you are "社恐" or "社牛", it is just a lifestyle that you are comfortable with. That's it.

内卷 (Pinyin: nèi juǎn) and 躺平 (Pinyin: tǎng píng)

内  卷 (Pinyin: nèi juǎn)  Rat race

It is used to refer to the phenomenon of internal vicious competition, excessive competition.

Example: 

1. A company originally implemented an eight-hour workday.

2. Some people volunteered to work overtime and were appreciated by management. 

3.People who get off work on time began to worry that they would be disadvantaged, so they also volunteered to work overtime. 

4. Over time, WOT became the norm. Finally, if they do not volunteer to work overtime, it would affect their survival in the workplace and reduce their negotiating power.

卷王  (juǎn wáng) King of the racing rat

别卷了。(Pinyin: Bié juǎn le.)  Stop competing.

卷 不动了。(Pinyin: Juǎn bú dòng le.)  Can’t compete anymore.

 躺 平(Pinyin: tǎng píng) Lie flat 

The phrase 躺平 in Chinese, refers to an intentionally dispirited lifestyle that goes against the traditional notions of ambition and a grueling work culture. To cope with China’s fierce social competition, some millennials advocate a defeatist attitude toward life and careers.

卷不动了，我躺平吧。(Pinyin: Juǎn bú dòng le,  wǒ tǎng píng ba.)

内卷 (Pinyin: nèi juǎn) or  躺平(Pinyin: tǎng píng)？ 

1. “996 (9am- 9pm, 6 days)” work schedule - 内卷(Pinyin: nèi juǎn)

2. a slogan of a training school: If you join our school, we will educate your children. If you don’t, we will educate their competitors.- 内卷(Pinyin: nèi juǎn)

3. Quit job and take a gap year- 躺平(Pinyin: tǎng píng)

That’s a wrap for this episode, stay tuned for more China Talks!

E4. Mandarin on the Dinner Table

Hosted by Chunxiao Liu, VBCI Mandarin Teacher

Hello listeners! Welcome back to another episode of China Talks. China Talks podcast series is hosted by the Victoria Business Confucius Institute at Victoria University. We created this podcast to introduce Chinese language, culture, and doing business with China resources to the VU community. My name is Chunxiao. I am a Mandarin teacher at VBCI and today, we have Betty Gao. We will be discussing Mandarin on the dinner table today. 

Chunxiao: Hi Hongyu, do you know that In China, dining is more than filling your stomach, it also has a social purpose. 

Hongyu: Yes, I know a little bit about this.

Chunxiao: There are a lot of words or expressions associated with eating and food. For example: 

民以食为天 (Pinyin: Mín yǐ shí wéi tiān), literally means People take food as their heaven, indicating that "foods are the most important to people".

铁饭碗 (Pinyin: tiě fànwǎn) means iron rice bowl word by word, used to describe” a job for life” 

丢饭碗 (Pinyin: Diū fànwǎn) lost rice bowl, refers to say someone lost his job.

I’ve heard that in some typical Chinese social situations, you need to think twice before figuring out what does the person really mean. Betty, could you help to dig out the real intention in scenarios below: (let’s say we are business partners)

1. We have to go for dinner sometime!

A. I think maybe we can cooperate in the future.      B. I know a great Chinese restaurant. 

Hongyu: I prefer to B. I know a great Chinese restaurant. It’s a good restaurant.

Chunxiao: In Chinese culture, actually people intend to cooperate in the future. Another scenario.

1. Are you available sometime for a lunch? My shout/treat!

I might ask some favour from you, or I might have a new project for you.      B. I don’t want to have dinner with you because I need to go home early.

What is the proper situation to invite your business partner for a dinner?

A. His wife just gave birth to a new baby.

B. He is going to move back to China from Melbourne next week.

C. It's going to be Christmas soon.

When to Eat?

• To welcome a new guest

• To farewell an old friend

• To express thanks

• To look for cooperation

• Before signing a contract, for last discussion and final decision: a gesture of showing friendliness and stepping back

• To celebrate an agreement

Q: where to eat?

Fancy restaurant? café?  Hot pot? KFC?

Book a private room if there are more than 6-8 guests, or if this guest is really important to you.

How to Eat?——Seating

Who is supposed to take a seat

first?

A. Ladies first.

B. Seniors first.

C. Children first.

D. The host first.

When put an order, Let the host decide. Guests can order 1-2 dishes for all tastes, not too many.

Numbers: 

It's good to have 2 dishes more than the number of guests to show generosity. Numbers like 6, 8, 10 are usually good.

Who starts first?

A. The host starts first.

B. The guest starts first.

• The host usually invites the important guest to eat first.

Toasting

After several cold dishes are served, the host will toast and everyone will raise the glass to cheers.

Gānbēi

• 干杯！(Pinyin: Gānbēi! Cheers!)

After Eating

• The host will make sure that every guest finishes the meal.

• The host will ask for more dishes if he thinks not everyone is full. Sometimes it is a gesture of politeness.

• You can tell the host you are full and appreciate the food.

That’s a wrap for this episode, stay tuned for more China Talks!

E5. Tea & Coffee in China

Monolog

Hosted by Chunxiao Liu, VBCI Mandarin Teacher

Hello listeners! Welcome back to another episode of China Talks. China Talks podcast series is hosted by the Victoria Business Confucius Institute at Victoria University. We created this podcast to introduce Chinese language, culture, and doing business with China resources to the VU community. My name is Chunxiao. I am the Mandarin teacher at VBCI and today, we have Hongyu Gao. We will be discussing tea and coffee in China today.

Hi Hongyu, do you like drinking tea? Do you know any names of tea? 

I drink green tea, and black tea mostly. Actually, these two are at different fermented levels.

Green tea, or 绿茶 (Pinyin: lǜchá), is basically unfermented.

To put it in other words, green tea is ready to drink after being well fried. The color of green tea and the tea soup preserve the green flavor of fresh tea leaves, and the distinctive feature is the green leaves of the clear soup.

But black tea 红茶 (Pinyin: hóngchá), is fully fermented. It tastes more mellow and fragrant after brewing.

Oolong tea, 乌龙茶 (Pinyin: wūlóng chá) is one kind in between, which is semi-fermented. Compared with green tea, oolong tea is plump and even, the color is sandy green, the aroma is strong, the fragrance of flowers and fruits is faint, and the taste is mellow and sweet.

Black tea is mild in nature and can regulate the spleen and stomach. Oolong tea is cold in nature. It has a significant stimulating effect on the human stomach, and excessive drinking can cause abdominal pain. Not only can it not prevent stomach problems, but it can also make stomach problems worse.

 Tea is really popular among people. Do you know any benefits of drinking different kinds of tea?

Sure! Generally speaking, Green tea is exceptionally high in flavonoids that can help boost your heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and reducing blood clotting.

Oolong tea is notable for containing l-theanine, an amino acid that reduces anxiety and increases alertness and attention. Scientists have found that l-theanine can help prevent cognitive diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

Unlike many other varieties, black tea is caffeinated, so it’s important to monitor your intake. When you do pour yourself a cup of black tea, you benefit from flavonoids that combat inflammation and support healthy immune function.

Anyway, tea is not medicine. It is more of a common drink. It is beneficial, but not for the treatment of disease. It's like coffee that can refresh your mind, but it doesn't work for everyone.

All in all, both coffee and tea are an integral part of brunch or afternoon tea.

That’s a wrap for this episode, stay tuned for more China Talks!

E6. Chinese New Year 

Monolog

Hosted by Betty Gao, VBCI Non-Award Subject Coordinator

Hello listeners! Welcome back to another episode of China Talks. China Talks podcast series is hosted by the Victoria Business Confucius Institute at Victoria University. We created this podcast to introduce Chinese language, culture, and doing business with China resources to the VU community. Today, we have Betty Gao again to talk about the most important festival in the Chinese culture, the upcoming Chinese New Year.

How Long is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year 2022 fell on February 1st, 2022. Celebrations last up to 16 days, but only the first 7 days are considered a public holiday. The 2022 Chinese Zodiac is Tiger, and we are expecting a year of Rabbit in 2023.

What to eat

tuányuán fàn

团圆饭(Pinyin: tuányuán fàn) Reunion Dinner On Chinese New Year’s Eve

On the new year’s eve, family members are meant to get together to celebrate. It is often considered the most important get-together meal of the entire year.

鱼 - increase of prosperity

鱼 (Pinyin: yú) -sounds like surplus

keep the head and tail of yú

年年有鱼(Pinyin: niánniányǒuyú. richer and richer)

饺子 dumplings - wealth

Pinyin: jiǎo zi

Boat-shaped ingot

Lucky jiǎo zi: 

a white thread inside-longevity

a coin inside - wealthy

What to do 
 红包 (Pinyin: hóngbāo)  Red Envelope—giving good luck

Parents and/or the elder give children of the family red envelopes containing money. 

The red envelopes are often decorated with pictures and good-luck messages. 

It will bring them good luck.

What to say

The most common greeting is 新年快乐(Pinyin: xīnnián kuàile), which is used during the Chinese New Year festive season. 

It means “Happy New Year” and it’s commonly used on the first of January too, to wish someone great happiness and prosperity for the whole year!
 万事如意 (Pinyin: wànshì rúyì) — MAY ALL GO WELL WITH YOU

This is a common sweet wish for all of someone’s dreams to come true! 

Go ahead and wish someone “新年快乐 万事如意” this coming New Year, which literally means “May all your wishes come true and go well with you”!

Question:True of false

Chinese people believe that wearing red on the Chinese New Year Day can bring good luck. 

It is good to empty the rice bucket then the family can buy new one.

That’s a wrap for this episode, stay tuned for more China Talks!

Dragon Boat Festival 

Hosted by Hongyu Pu, VBCI Event Coordinator

Hello listeners! Welcome back to another episode of Focus on China. Focus on China podcast series is hosted by the Victoria Business Confucius Institute at Victoria University. We created this podcast to introduce Chinese language, culture, and doing business with China resources to the VU community. My name is Hongyu. I am the event coordinator and Mandarin teacher at VBCI. 

In today's episode, we'll be talking about the Dragon Boat Festival, a significant event in Chinese culture that's celebrated annually on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. The festival has a rich history, and it's marked by several traditions and customs that we'll be discussing in detail later. But first, let's dive into the background and origin of the Dragon Boat Festival.

Legend of Qu Yuan

The Dragon Boat Festival traces its roots back to the Warring States period in ancient China, over 2,000 years ago. The festival is named after a famous Chinese poet and statesman named Qu Yuan, who lived during this time. Qu Yuan was a loyal patriot who loved his country and worked tirelessly to protect it from invaders.

However, his efforts were not always appreciated, and he was eventually exiled from his home state of Chu due to political intrigue. In exile, he continued to write poems about his country, and expressed his love for it.

But things took a tragic turn when Qu Yuan learned that his country had been invaded, and the Chu capital had fallen. Devastated by this news, he threw himself into the Miluo River and drowned himself.

According to the legend, the local villagers raced their boats to try to save Qu Yuan but arrived too late. To honor his memory, the villagers threw rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves into the river to prevent the fish from eating Qu Yuan's body. This tradition gradually evolved into the Dragon Boat Festival as we know it today.

Dragon Boat Racing

One of the most popular customs of the Dragon Boat Festival is dragon boat racing. Dragon boats are long, narrow boats shaped like dragons, and they're usually powered by a team of paddlers. The boats are decorated with dragon heads and tails, and they're believed to symbolize the spirit of Qu Yuan.

Traditionally, dragon boat racing takes place on rivers or lakes, and the length of the race can vary from a few hundred meters to several kilometers. The number of paddlers on a dragon boat can range from 10 to 80, depending on the size of the boat. In some cases, there's also a drummer on board who beats a steady pace to help the paddlers stay in sync.

Today, dragon boat racing has become a popular international sport. It's also a popular team-building activity for companies and organizations. Perhaps you have heard that there are more than 10 Dragon Boat clubs across Victoria. They annually organize dragon boat racing in March and April. 

Resources: https://www.dragonboatvictoria.com.au/home/

Zongzi

Another key aspect of the Dragon Boat Festival is the traditional food, known as zongzi. Zongzi is a type of rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves and filled with different ingredients, such as pork, beans, or eggs. It's believed that zongzi originated from the practice of throwing rice dumplings into the river to honor Qu Yuan.

The preparation of zongzi can be quite labor-intensive, with the rice and fillings needing to be cooked separately before being wrapped in bamboo leaves and boiled for several hours. However, the end result is a delicious and filling snack that's enjoyed by people across China.

There are many regional variations of zongzi, with different ingredients and cooking methods used in different parts of the country. Some people even make sweet zongzi by adding sugar or dates to the filling.

Other Traditions and Customs

Apart from dragon boat racing and zongzi, there are several other traditions and customs associated with the Dragon Boat Festival. For example, it's common to hang calamus and mugwort leaves around the house or wear colored silk threads to ward off evil.

Chinese Words and Phrases

Regarding Dragon Boat Festival, here we can learn several Chinese words and phrases.

• 端午节 Duānwǔ jié  Dragon Boat Festival
• 粽子 zòngzi sticky rice dumpling, typical food for Dragon Boat Festival
• 龙舟 lóngzhōu dragon boat
• 赛龙舟 sài lóngzhōu dragon boat racing
• 端午安康！Duānwǔ’ānkāng! Wish you a safe and healthy Dragon Boat Festival! 

Normally we greet people have a happy festival 快乐 (Pinyin: kuàile). But we don’t say “端午快乐”(Pinyin: Duānwǔ kuàile!) as the legend of Qu Yuan is a sad story. We prefer to greet people “端午安康” (Pinyin: Duānwǔ’ānkāng!).

Stay tuned for more Focus on China podcast episodes! 

Tourism Cities in China – Chongqing 

Hosted by Hongyu Pu, VBCI Event Coordinator

Hello listeners! Welcome back to another episode of Focus on China. The Focus on China podcast series is hosted by the Victoria Business Confucius Institute at Victoria University. We created this podcast to introduce Chinese language, culture, and doing business with China resources to the VU community. My name is Hongyu. I am the event coordinator and Mandarin teacher at VBCI. 

When you’re traveling to China, you probably find yourself visiting Beijing or Shanghai, such famous cities. China is a huge country. You might be interested to see other cities. Today I will introduce one of China’s tourism cities, Chongqing. It’s also my hometown. Now let me show you more about this city. I am confident you will add it to your travel plan. 

Resources 

• https://chengdu.china.embassy.gov.au/cxdu/blogchongqingcity.html
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyz7bGQ8pSo

General information

One of the biggest cities in the world, with over 30 million people, Chongqing is an exciting metropolis.  Economic growth began to take off since Chongqing became its own municipality, separate from Sichuan province in 1997. 

With a history stretching 3,000 years, Chongqing has been an important political, economic, and strategic centre in China’s southwest.  It is known as mountain city (山城 Pinyin: shān chéng) owing to its beautiful landscapes and steep cast terrain.  

Chongqing is located at the point where the green and brown waters of Jialing River and the Yangtze River clash together. There were 20 bridges on the Yangtze River and 28 bridges on the Jialing River within the urban area. So, sometimes Chongqing is also known as the 'Bridge Capital of China' (桥都Pinyin: Qiáo dū). You can take a ferry or cable car over the rivers. Or, you can find a perfect lookout at the wharf called Chaotianmen (朝天门 Pinyin: Cháotiān mén) for the amazing riverside view. 

Transport

If you visit Chongqing for the first time, you may get lost even using GPS. Only here you enter a building from ground floor, then you go up 10 stories, walk out, then you discover you are still on the ground level. Recently Chinese people call Chongqing “3D city” because of its terrain and special designed buildings across the city. The city planners have many indigenous responses to Chongqing's geographical features. I would recommend you take a ride on subway line 2 to see the best views of the city. Before getting off at Liziba Station, at this stop, there is actually a viewing platform where the metro goes through a building. Yes, through a building. 

Museums

I always visit museums when I travel around. Personally I think, to visit museums is a smart way to know more about the city and the local history, culture of this area. In Chongqing, there are a lot of galleries, art museums, science, and technology museums besides general museums. 

What to See

You can find some amazing places in Chongqing. The Dazu Grottoes is the world famous historical site in Chongqing. It has a history of 1,200 years and has been built for more than 250 years. Dazu Grottoes is famous for numerous Buddhist rock carvings. There are more than 4,600 rock carvings which are spread out across different mountains. 

Food

When you are walking on the streets in Chongqing, you will find Hotpot (火锅 Pinyin: Huǒguō) restaurants everywhere. Chongqing Hotpot soup is quite spicy, and the main ingredients are red chili oil, beef fat, chili bean paste and Sichuan peppercorns. It is representative of Chongqing's food culture. There are many food options for a hotpot. You can even try Australian beef in the hotpot.

When you eat hotpot and other spicy dishes in Chongqing, Chongqing Beer (重庆啤酒 Pinyin: Chóngqìng píjiǔ) may bring you back to the cool world. 

If you are scheduling travel to China, Chongqing will be a good option. Hopefully this episode would be helpful for you. 

Stay tuned for more Focus on China podcast episodes! 

E11:  Chinese Musical Instruments 

Monolog

Hosted by Betty Gao, VBCI Non-Award Subject Coordinator

Welcome, dear listeners, to another exciting episode of Focus on China. I'm your host, Betty, and today we're diving into the rich and diverse world of Chinese musical instruments. China has a long and fascinating history of musical traditions, and today, we're going to explore 10 things you should know about these unique instruments.

Number 1: Ancient Roots

Chinese musical instruments have a history that dates back over 4,000 years. Some of the earliest instruments were made from stone, bone, and bamboo, illustrating the deep roots of Chinese music in the country's culture and heritage.

Number 2: The Silk Road Influence

China's musical traditions have been influenced by various cultures along the Silk Road. Instruments like the pipa, which resembles a lute, and the erhu, a two-stringed fiddle, have their origins traced back to Central Asia. The exchange of ideas and music along this ancient trade route helped shape Chinese music.

Number 3: Guqin – The Scholar's Instrument

The guqin is often called the instrument of the Chinese literati. It's a seven-stringed zither known for its delicate, haunting melodies. Playing the guqin was considered a mark of refinement and intellect, and it has deep cultural significance in Chinese history.

Number 4: The Peking Opera Connection

Peking Opera is a renowned traditional Chinese art form that incorporates singing, acting, and acrobatics. The music for Peking Opera is played using a variety of instruments, including the jinghu (a two-stringed bowed instrument) and the xiaoluo (a gong used for timing).

Number 5: The Diversity of Flutes

China is home to a wide variety of flutes, each with its unique sound and character. The dizi, for example, is a bamboo flute with a mellow tone, while the xiao is known for its haunting, ethereal melodies. These flutes are used in both classical and folk music traditions.

Number 6: The Intricate Art of Making Guzheng

The guzheng is a Chinese zither with 21 or more strings, known for its intricate, plucked melodies. Crafting a guzheng is a meticulous process, with craftsmen carefully selecting materials like wood, silk, and metal for its construction. The result is a beautiful instrument with a rich, resonant sound.

Number 7: The Innovative Yangqin

The yangqin is a hammered dulcimer that originated in China. It's played using small mallets, and its design has evolved over centuries. Modern yangqins often feature innovations like metal strings and a damper system to control the sustain, making it a versatile instrument in Chinese music.

[Music played by Yangqin]

Number 8: The Power of the Pipa

The pipa, a plucked string instrument with a history of over 2,000 years, is known for its virtuosic performances. It's an essential instrument in traditional Chinese music and has a distinctive, bright sound. Some contemporary musicians have also fused the pipa with other genres, creating unique and modern sounds.

Number 9: The Erhu's Expressiveness

The erhu is a two-stringed bowed instrument often called the "Chinese violin." Despite its simple appearance, it can convey a wide range of emotions, from sorrow to joy. It's a staple in Chinese folk and classical music, and its mournful sound can be hauntingly beautiful.

Number 10: Modern Innovations

Chinese musicians and instrument makers continue to innovate, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity. Some have combined traditional instruments with electronic elements, creating a fusion of sounds that appeal to a contemporary audience, demonstrating the adaptability and enduring appeal of Chinese music.

So there you have it, 10 fascinating things you should know about Chinese musical instruments. From their ancient roots to their modern innovations, these instruments have played a significant role in shaping China's rich musical heritage.

Thank you for joining us on this musical journey today. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Focus on China for more enlightening discussions on a wide range of topics. Until next time, keep exploring the world of music, and may the melodies of life continue to inspire you.

EP12. Tourism Cities in China – Qingdao

Monolog

Hosted by Chunxiao Liu, VBCI Mandarin Teacher

Welcome, dear listeners! Welcome back to another episode of Focus on China. Focus on China podcast series is hosted by the Victoria Business Confucius Institute at Victoria University. We created this podcast to introduce Chinese language, culture, and doing business with China resources to the VU community. My name is Chunxiao Liu, one of the Mandarin teachers at VBCI.

In this episode, we are about to have a captivating journey through one of China’s most enchanting coastal cities: Qingdao! I’m Chunxiao, your guide on this adventure, and by the end of this podcast, you’ll be itching to pack your bags and set off to this incredible destination.

Picture this: you’re strolling along a pristine sandy beach, the sun setting over the vast expanse of the Yellow Sea. You’re in Qingdao, a city that effortlessly marries natural beauty with a rich cultural tapestry. Get ready to uncover the magic that makes Qingdao irresistible.

Food

First, let’s talk about the food because no trip to Qingdao is complete without indulging in its culinary delights. Seafood lovers, you’re in for a treat! The city’s bustling seafood markets are a feast for the senses. From succulent grilled oysters to mouthwatering seafood hotpot, Qingdao’s culinary scene is a food lover’s paradise.

But that’s not all! You simply can’t visit Qingdao without sipping on the world-renowned Tsingtao beer, lovingly crafted right here. Take a brewery tour to learn the secrets behind this iconic brew, and don’t forget to raise a glass at one of Qingdao’s charming beer gardens.

Must visit venues

Now, let’s explore some of the city’s must-visit venues. Start your adventure at Zhanqiao Pier, an iconic symbol of Qingdao that stretches gracefully into the sea. The views here are breathtaking, especially during sunrise and sunset. And speaking of views, a visit to the Badaguan Scenic Area is a must. Stroll through tree-lined streets adorned with picturesque European-style architecture.

For art and culture enthusiasts, Qingdao offers a vibrant arts scene. Explore the Qingdao Grand Theatre or the Qingdao Art Museum to soak in the local creativity. And don’t miss out on Qingdao’s unique blend of traditions, where the past meets the present in perfect harmony.

Travel Tips

Now, here are some essential travel tips to make your visit even more memorable. First, learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. While many locals are friendly and helpful, having a few words in your arsenal can go a long way. Secondly, check the weather before packing. Qingdao’s climate can vary, so be prepared for a range of conditions.

Lastly, embrace the warmth and hospitality of the locals. Strike up conversations, ask for recommendations, and savor the moments of connection. The people of Qingdao are known for their genuine friendliness, and you’ll leave with cherished memories and new friends.

So, dear listeners, if you’re ready to make Qingdao your next travel destination, get those travel plans in motion. This city has it all: delectable cuisine, breathtaking vistas, and unforgettable experiences. By the time you finish listening to this podcast, you’ll be marking Qingdao as your top choice for your next adventure.

Thank you for joining us on this journey to discover Qingdao’s magic. Stay tuned for more travel inspiration in the episodes to come. Until then, happy travels!

Chinese Chopsticks 

Hosted by Hongyu Pu, VBCI Event Coordinator

Hello listeners! Welcome back to another episode of Focus on China. Focus on China podcast series is hosted by the Victoria Business Confucius Institute at Victoria University. We created this podcast to introduce Chinese language, culture, and doing business with China resources to the VU community. My name is Hongyu, I am a Mandarin teacher at VBCI.

I assume most of you have used chopsticks when you have Asian food. But do you really understand chopsticks? Today let’s talk about Chinese chopsticks.

History of chopsticks

Dating back thousands of years, chopsticks first emerged as practical extensions of our hands, designed for cooking and serving. The earliest chopsticks were used in the Shang Dynasty, around 1200 BC. They were made of bronze and were used primarily for cooking. After several hundred years, in Han Dynasty, chopsticks were used for eating, and their usage spread to other Asian countries. 

Bamboo has long been the most popular material used for chopsticks in China. The choice of bamboo was no accident because it is inexpensive, readily available, easy to split, resistant to heat, and has no perceptible odor or taste. 

Cultural Identity

Over centuries, the humble bamboo chopsticks evolved into China's cultural identity, spreading their influence far beyond tableware. They are a bridge between generations, a connection of values passed down from ancestors who valued unity, harmony, and balance. The art of using chopsticks become a mirror reflecting Chinese ideals of harmony and respect. ‘Monkey see, monkey do.’ Almost all Chinese children learn how to use chopsticks by observing their parents and other family members. 

Chopsticks are significant in the Chinese culture. So, there are a lot of old sayings and proverbs about chopsticks. Here is a famous one, '一根筷子容易折，一把筷子难折断 '(Pinyin: Yì gēn kuàizi róngyì zhé, yì bǎ kuàizi nán zhé duàn.) which means ‘One chopstick is easily to be broken while a bundle of chopsticks are not.’

Chopsticks in Chinese is “筷子” (Pinyin: kuàizi), which sounds very similar to the word 'happiness' in Chinese "快乐"(Pinyin: kuàile). The act of gifting a pair of chopsticks carries a profound message. Giving chopsticks to children represents a wish for a joyful childhood. Presenting chopsticks as a gift to the elderly is a symbol of good wishes for longevity and good health. When you give chopsticks to the new couple, it shows your best wishes to their marriage. It means they are a perfect match for marriage, just like two chopsticks always perfectly matched for each other.

If you travel to China and look for gifts for your friends, chopsticks will be an ideal one. Just remember, buy chopsticks in pairs. Chinese people believe ‘好事成双’ (Pinyin: Hǎoshì chéng shuāng) which means good things come in pairs. However, don't worry about this. Because Chinese shop owners will never sell you a single chopstick.

Things to Avoid with Chopsticks

When using chopsticks to eat in China, people need to pay attention to some taboos and common conventions:

1. Don't point your chopsticks at others. This is seen as a sign of disrespect. Likewise, don't wave your chopsticks around in the air or play with them while eating.
2. Don't knock on tableware with chopsticks: this is seen as a sign of begging.
3. Don't stir food with your chopsticks to find what you want. This is very rude and unhygienic. Instead, you can use serving chopsticks.
4. Never stick chopsticks into your food, especially not into rice. Only at funerals, chopsticks are stuck into rice on an altar, where they look like joss sticks, also burnt on the altar for the dead.
5. Don't suck your chopsticks. It is also a kind of rude behavior.
6. Never overlap or cross your chopsticks. It is not polite to cross chopsticks when eating with others. It is seen as unwelcoming or a sign of displeasure if chopsticks are left crossed.
7. Don't use chopsticks of unequal length. In Chinese culture, unequal length chopsticks remind people of funeral matters, which is unlucky.

All those taboos mentioned here will be taught by parents when their children are learning how to use chopsticks. 

Nowadays, chopsticks are made of many different materials, and they have become more and more popular all over the world. Among different chopsticks, one-use chopsticks are popular in restaurants. In recent years, there has been a drive to reduce one-use chopsticks in China. More and more people bring their own chopsticks when dining outside. Likewise, some people don't ask for one-use chopsticks when they order take-away food and then use their own. Do you have any good ideas? Welcome to share with us by visiting our Facebook page 'vbciAustralia'.

Thanks for joining us today. Stay tuned with VBCI for more Focus on China podcast episodes.

Chinese Calligraphy

Hosted by Suzhen Hu, VBCI Mandarin Teacher

Hello listeners! Welcome back to another episode of Focus on China. Focus on China podcast series is hosted by the Victoria Business Confucius Institute at Victoria University. We created this podcast to introduce Chinese language, culture, and doing business with China resources to the VU community. My name is Suzhen Hu. I am one of the Mandarin teachers at VBCI. 

If language is the carrier of culture, then calligraphy is silent poetry and music, invisible dance, and painting.  As an important part of traditional Chinese culture, Chinese calligraphy has more than 2000 years of history.  Chinese traditional calligraphy is not only a means-of communication, but also the expression of individual aesthetic and inner world. During the Chinese New Year Spring Festival Couplets are always indispensable decorations. Even today, Calligraphy is more favored by contemporary people as gifts and works of art to decorate their house. 

Let's learn about Chinese traditional calligraphy and experience its magical charm!

First, let me introduce the basic tools of calligraphy: “four treasures of study “，namely the writing brush, ink stick, paper, and ink slab. 

Rice paper (宣纸 Pinyin: xuānzhǐ), originally produced in Xuancheng, Anhui Province, is so called "Xuan paper”. That is a kind of high-quality rice paper with thousands of years of life and best shows the charm of traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy.  Later, Chinese paper spread to the West via the Silk Road. Then thousands of years of Chinese culture and civilization were recorded on paper and passed to different parts of the world.

Next, let's learn about the origins of the brush. 

More than 2,000 years ago, a general returned from hunting and was inspired by the tail of a rabbit.  He cut off the tail and stuck it into a bamboo drain, making the first writing brush (毛笔 Pinyin: máobǐ). The pen holder is made of bamboo or bone while the nib is made of hairs from sheep, rabbits, or wolves. Over time, 毛笔 became a friend of Chinese scholars making records of their knowledge and character.  Writing became an art called calligraphy.

Chinese calligraphy (书法 Pinyin: shūfǎ) refers to writing art and techniques with writing brushes. It represents the aesthetic taste and philosophy of Chinese scholars.  The focus is on guiding the soft writing brush charged with fluid ink, and writing on the rice paper where the ink will diffuse quickly.  Once you hesitate when writing, an unexpected black mark will appear which will ruin your work.  So, speed, strength and agility are the essence of a fine artwork.  Therefore, many calligraphers put all their thoughts and values into the Calligraphy works, forget all worries, so that promotes well-being and living longer. 

Last, I would like to share with you a story of Wang Xizhi.

One of the most famous calligraphers in China, who was versed in nearly all kinds of styles of calligraphy. His work, the preface of the Lanting Poems Collection, is written in running hand and is esteemed as the best running hand work in the world. 

1,600 years ago, a boy named Wang Xizhi worked hard at calligraphy, even when eating and walking. Without pen and paper, he wrote on his body. Over time, his clothes were all scratched.  Sometimes the practice of calligraphy reached the level of forgetfulness.  Once, he practiced calligraphy, even forgetting to eat. His family sent the meal to the study room, he did not even think about food.  He dipped it in ink and ate it, but it was also very tasty.  His mouth was already full of black ink when the family found him.  Later, Wang Xizhi often washed the bushes in a pool, until the pool turned black.

Almost all the great calligraphers in history, even if they were gifted, all studied hard. Therefore, the saying "Heaven rewards hard work" applies to all times and to all people.

Well, that's today's topic on calligraphy (书法 Pinyin: shūfǎ).  Thanks for joining us today. Stay tuned with VBCI for more Focus on China podcast episodes.