From snake-themed events to whether your luck is in: discover all you need to know about the coming Lunar New Year in our Year of the Snake 2025 series. Chocolate Tsang opens the door to her Hong Kong studio wearing one of her handmade cheongsam, the Chinese-style, form-hugging dress characterised by a high collar, short … Read more
Liu Qilan used to be a kindergarten teacher in Guiyang, capital of Guizhou province in southern China. About two years ago, she returned to her rural hometown in Rongjiang county to launch a community-focused business selling local products – from traditional silver to wax-dyed clothing. She has never looked back. Despite her lack of experience … Read more
For years, Tunisians have been picking bright red peppers, combining them with garlic, vinegar and spices and turning them into a saucy spread called harissa. The condiment is a national staple, found in homes, restaurants and food stalls throughout the coastal North African nation. Brick-red, spicy and tangy, it can be scooped up on bread … Read more
A group of governors is aiming to have Japan’s hot spring culture added to Unesco’s intangible cultural heritage list in 2028, to bring recognition to the importance of the centuries-old practice of bathing in naturally heated water. The group, set up in November 2022, defines the culture of hot springs, or “onsen” in Japanese, as … Read more
Sake is perhaps more Japanese than sushi. It is crafted in centuries-old breweries, savoured in the country’s pub-like izakayas, poured during weddings and served slightly chilled for special toasts. Now the rice wine has been inscribed by United Nations cultural organisation Unesco on its list of the “intangible cultural heritage of humanity”. At a meeting … Read more
