Cultural Stories

Sunday 09/08/2026 Winter is still with us in Perth, though the odd warm afternoon suggests spring is closer than it feels. The kind of in-between weather that makes us want to do something refreshing with our hands. This August, we're working with water and colour. Water marbling is one of those art forms with surprisingly deep roots - first recorded in ancient China, travelling through the Silk Road to Persia and Turkey, where it became a celebrated tradition in its own righ

Over 1,200 years ago, papermakers in Sichuan created something unexpected - flowing sand paper, one of the earliest known forms of water marbling in the world. Here's its story.

Discover the visual language of Peking Opera - how colour, line, and symbol reveal a character's entire moral world before a single word is spoken. Plus, the art form that nearly disappeared.

How were Chinese herbal sachets traditionally worn? Explore the history of 香囊, from children's chest pouches to hidden sleeve fragrance, and why this Dragon Boat Festival tradition still matters today.

Learn how to dry citrus peel at home the traditional Chinese way - a simple, zero-waste practice for natural home fragrance, everyday cooking, and a little slow living.

Dragon Boat Festival is more than dragon boats and sticky rice dumplings. Explore the traditions behind mugwort, herbal sachets, and what this 2,000-year-old Chinese festival means today.

The Chinese zodiac is far more than a personality guide. Discover the ancient astronomy behind the 12 animals, the Jade Emperor legend, how the zodiac once told the time, and why it remains deeply beloved today.

Research shows that passive rest barely restores the brain. Discover what mastery-oriented creative engagement actually does, and why hands-on Chinese arts workshops are active rest by design.

A Celebration of Reunion, Moonlight, and Meaning When the full moon rises on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, families across China and East Asia gather to celebrate one of the most beloved festivals of the year — the Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhōngqiū Jié). It’s an evening filled with soft lantern light, sweet mooncakes, and heartfelt reunion. At its core, the festival honours togetherness, gratitude, and the beauty of the full moon as a symbol of completeness. 🌸 A Festiv