Tag: Chinese culture

大张伟 – 葫芦娃 (2018)

This gem is a classic Chinese children’s song from the 1986 animated series 葫芦兄弟 (Húlu Xiōngdì, Calabash Brothers), performed by Wowkie Zhang in the version linked below. Here’s a breakdown of the lyrics with English translations, pinyin and more.

赵传 – 我是一只小小鸟 (1990)

我是一只小小鸟 is a classic song from the 90’s by 赵传 (Zhao Chuan that is still popular today. Here’s the song with Chinese lyrics, English translation, pinyin and more background information.

Learning Chinese? 12 BLOGS you should know about

Chinese learning blogs are like hidden provision camps in the desert. If they are not pointed out, you are likely to miss them.

花儿乐队 – 果汁分你一半 (2006)

The catchy pop song 果汁分你一半” by the Chinese band 花儿乐队 (Huā’ér Yuèduì) is the kind of tune that gets stuck in your head. In this post, I’ll break down the lyrics for you, provide English translations and pinyin and dive into key vocabulary.

宋祖英 – 辣妹子 (1998)

辣妹子 is a popular song by 宋祖英 (Sòng Zǔyīng), blending folk music with modern pop elements. My Chinese teacher introduced me to it (as did others) very early on. Here’s the Chinese lyrics with English translations, pinyin and more.

大壮 – 我们不一样 (2017)

The song 我们不一样 (We Are Not the Same) by 大壮 (Da Zhuang) is a heartfelt ballad about brotherhood, perseverance and the passage of time. Here’s the Chinese lyrics with English translation, pinyin and more.

费翔 – 故乡的云 (1987)

**”故乡的云” (Hometown’s Clouds)** is a famous Chinese song originally performed by **费翔 (Fei Xiang)** in the 1980s. The song expresses deep **思乡 (homesickness)** and the emotions of a **游子 (wanderer)** who has spent years **浪迹天涯 (roaming the world)** but longs to return home. The lyrics are filled with nostalgia, describing how the **故乡的风 (hometown’s wind)** and **故乡的云 (hometown’s clouds)** seem to call him back.

The song became widely popular, especially among overseas Chinese, as it resonated with those living far from home. Its touching melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a classic in Chinese pop music.

王菲 – 紅豆 (1998)

王菲’s 红豆 (Hóng Dòu, meaning Red Beans), released in 1998, is one of her most iconic and beloved songs. It’s a melancholic yet tender ballad. Here are the Chinese lyrics with English translations, pinyin and more.

任賢齊 – 心太軟 (1996)

“心太软” (xīn tài ruǎn) is a well-known love song by Ren Xianqi (任賢齊), released in 1996. Here are the Chinese lyrics, English translations, pinyin and more.

屠洪刚 – 中国功夫 (1997)

“中国功夫” (Zhōngguó Gōngfū), or “Chinese Kung Fu,” is a famous song by 屠洪刚 (Tú Hónggāng), a well-known Chinese singer. Here are the Chinese lyrics, English translations, pinyin and more materials for learners of Chinese.

蒋大为 – 敢问路在何方 (1986)

敢问路在何方 (“Where is the Road?”) is the iconic theme song from the 1986 Journey to the West TV series. I added a vocabulary list, English translations with pinyin, key phrases and interpretation.

张国荣 – 倩女幽魂 (1987)

The song《倩女幽魂》(Qiàn Nǚ Yōu Hún) by 张国荣 (Leslie Cheung) was released in 1987 as the theme song for the classic Hong Kong film A Chinese Ghost Story (倩女幽魂). Here are the Chinese lyrics, English translations with pinyin and more.

李娜 – 青藏高原 (1994)

This song, 青藏高原 (Qīng Zàng Gāo Yuán, “Qinghai-Tibet Plateau”), is a famous Chinese song that celebrates the beauty and grandeur of the Tibetan Plateau, sung by folk singer 李娜. Here are the Chinese lyrics, English translations, pinyin and more.

王菲 – 你快乐 所以我快乐 (1997)

“你快乐 所以我快乐” (You’re Happy, So I’m Happy) by 王菲 (Wáng Fēi) is a popular Chinese song released in 1997. Here are the Chinese lyrics, English translations with pinyin and more.

腾格尔 – 天堂 (1997)

“天堂” (Tian Tang), which translates to “Heaven” in English, is a famous song by the renowned Mongolian singer Tengger (腾格尔). Here are the Chinese lyrics, English translations with pinyin and more.

张伟进 – 猴哥 (1998)

“猴哥” (Monkey Brother) by 张伟进 (Zhāng Wěijìn) is a popular Chinese song released in 1998. Here are the Chinese lyrics, English translations with pinyin and more.

Bobby Chen – 把我的悲伤留给自己 (1991)

陳昇 Bobby Chen – 把我的悲伤留给自己 (1991) 能不能让我 陪着妳走 既然妳说 留不住妳 回去的路 有些黑暗 担心让妳 一个人走 我想是因为 我不够温柔 不能分担 妳的忧愁 如果这样 说不出口 就把遗憾 放在心中 把我的悲伤 留给自己 妳的美丽 让妳带走 从此以后 我再没有 快乐起来的理由 把我的悲伤 留给自己 妳的美丽 让妳带走 我想我可以忍住悲伤 可不可以 妳也会想起我 是不是可以 牵妳的手呢 从来没有 这样要求 怕妳难过 转身就走 那就这样吧 我会了解 把我的悲伤 留给自己 妳的美丽 让妳带走…

jamie bilbow cooking with granny

New show: Granny knows best 奶奶最懂得 (2019, TV series)

More about cooking! In his new show Jamie Bilbow explores rural China to learn from the true kitchen heroes – Chinese grandmothers. How did the British moderator become so fluent in Mandarin?! Three reasons why you should watch the show.

Still unbeaten: Journey to the West (1986, TV series)

Journey to the West is a key to understanding China. There is just no way around it. The TV-adaption from 1986 remains a must-see classic till this day.

Recommended: You Can Learn Chinese Podcast

I’m talking about the You Can Learn Chinese Podcast. It’s an expert panel for everything related to learning Mandarin.

The online Chinese cooking community

What’s the one thing that always gets Chinese people excited?

Love defense wars: 爱情保卫战

She broke his fishing rod and she liked it! Yes, I sometimes watch bad Chinese television and insult my intellect. You should too! You wanna know why?

buddhist statue

Pleco’s graded reader: Journey to the West

Pleco’s abridged version of “Journey to the West” offers a well-priced and swift way to immortality which can be bought in your local app store.

Women in Shanghai: 上海女子图鉴 (TV series)

Year: 2018 Duration: 20 episodes X 25 min. Subtitles: Chinese only Difficulty: Intermediate / upper intermediate Luo…

“Dutch Mandarin” Robert van Gulik

“He was always immersing himself in the traditional culture of the country in which he was staying”.

Film tip: My Ferry / 我的渡口

“我的渡口” or “My Ferry” struck me as a rather slow and silent movie, conversations between country people…