Shen Yun Collections Blogs

Stories Behind the Alternative Names of the Mid-Autumn Festival

Xi Shi, One of the Four Beauties

By Evan MantykThe phrase “sinking fish, falling geese, eclipsing the moon, shaming flowers” (沈魚落雁、閉月羞花) is ancient Chinese idiom of praise for an u...

The October Birthstone: Opal and Its Myths Through Time

Opal, the mesmerizing and colorful birthstone for October, is a historically mystical gemstone. Throughout history, opals have been linked to legen...

What Is the Moon Festival?

Whether it’s New Year’s Eve, Christmas, or a national day like Thanksgiving, holidays are a time of family and friends, festivities, and food in th...

Emperor Xuanzong and Lady Yang (Part 2)

One of the Four Great Beauties of China, the inspiring Lady Yang played an important role in the reign of one of China’s greatest emperors, Xuanzon...

Emperor Xuanzong and Lady Yang (Part 1)

One of the Four Great Beauties of China, the inspiring Lady Yang played an important role in the reign of one of China’s greatest emperors, Xuanzon...

Father's Day: Stories of Exemplary Filial Piety

Filial piety is the best gift to give your parents. We hope these moving stories of filial devotion throughout history bring everyone joy and peace...

The Story of Zhongli Chun, One of Four Great Ugly Woman

Zhongli Chun lives to be an old maid and then decides she must serve the emperor by helping him. But will he accept her offer?

The Song of Everlasting Sorrow

Read translation of the classic poem about the great Tang Emperor Xuanzong and Lady Yang, one of the Four Great Beauties in Chinese history.

Yi Ethnic Clothing and Culture

The Yi culture includes about 9 million people in China today and has an awe-inspiring tradition behind it.

The Mother of Ouyang, One of the Four Virtuous Mothers

Like today’s homeschooling mothers, she was known for using creative and humble means to educate her child, including using a reed to write on sand.

The Mother of Tao Kan, One of the Four Virtuous Mothers

What can a good mother do when her household is poor but her son is about to host an eminent official? Learn what the exemplary mother Madame Zhan ...

The Mother of Mencius, One of the Four Virtuous Mothers

In the famous Chinese children’s education text The Three Character Classic, there is a well-known saying: “In ancient times, Meng's mother chose a...

The Mother of Yue Fei, One of the Four Virtuous Mothers

The story of the Northern Song Dynasty's famous general Yue Fei and his loyalty has been passed down through the ages. A key part to that story is ...