Online Chinese lessons & Cultural events

Xiangqi (Chinese: 象棋; pinyin: xiàngqí), also called Chinese chess, is a strategy board game for two players. It is one of the most popular board games in China, and is in the same family as Western (or international) chess, chaturanga, shogi, Indian chess and janggi. Besides China and areas with significant ethnic Chinese communities, xiangqi (cờ tướng) is also a popular pastime in Vietnam.

The game represents a battle between two armies, with the object of capturing the enemy’s general (king). Distinctive features of xiangqi include the cannon (pao), which must jump to capture; a rule prohibiting the generals from facing each other directly; areas on the board called the river and palace, which restrict the movement of some pieces (but enhance that of others); and placement of the pieces on the intersections of the board lines, rather than within the squares. (Quoted from Wikipedia)

Are you interested in experiencing the decent and traditional Chinese culture?

Programme on this event

1. Drinking traditional Chinese tea.
2. Introduction of Chinese chess.
3. Chinese chess practice

Limit: 10 participants (maximum)

fees: 300 Rand per person

You can go buying the ticket on our official website.
https://hlsmandarincentre.com/cultural-event/chinese-chess/

Chinese calligraphy is a form of calligraphy widely practiced in China and revered in the Chinese cultural sphere, which often includes Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

The calligraphic tradition of East Asia originated and developed from China. There is a general standardization of the various styles of calligraphy in this tradition. Chinese calligraphy and ink and wash painting are closely related, since they are accomplished using similar tools and techniques.

Chinese painting and calligraphy distinguish themselves from other cultural arts because they emphasize motion and are charged with dynamic life. According to Stanley-Baker, “Calligraphy is sheer life experienced through energy in motion that is registered as traces on silk or paper, with time and rhythm in shifting space its main ingredients.” Calligraphy has also led to the development of many forms of art in China, including seal carving, ornate paperweights, and inkstones. (Quoted from Wikipedia)

Are you interested in experiencing the decent and traditional Chinese culture?

Programme on this event.

1. Drinking traditional Chinese tea.
2. Introduction of Chinese calligraphy.
3. Chinese calligraphy practice.

Limit: 10 participants (maximum)

fees: 300 Rand per person

You can go buying the ticket on our official website.
https://hlsmandarincentre.com/cultural-event/chinese-calligraphy/

Our centre will send the list of all ingredients to the participants at least 3 days ahead before the cooking lesson starts at 14:00 on the 23rd of June 2024 (Sunday). The participants need to prepare all the ingredients by own selves.

The online cooking lesson will be conducted via Zoom.

https://hlsmandarincentre.com/cultural-event/online-cooking-lesson-fried-dumplings-making/

The jiaozi (餃子/饺子) is a common Chinese dumpling which generally consists of minced meat and finely chopped vegetables wrapped into a piece of dough skin. The skin can be either thin and elastic or thicker.

Popular meat fillings include ground meat (usually pork, but can instead be beef or chicken), shrimp, and even fish. Popular mixtures include pork with Chinese cabbage, pork with garlic chives, pork and shrimp with vegetables, pork with spring onion, garlic chives with scrambled eggs. Filling mixtures vary depending on personal tastes and region. Jiaozi are usually boiled, steamed or fried and continue to be a traditional dish eaten on Chinese New Year’s Eve, the evening before Chinese New Year, and special family reunions. Particularly, in Northern China, people generally eat dumpling on the Winter Solstice (22 December of each year), a custom signifying a warm winter.

Extended family members may gather together to make dumplings, and it is also eaten for farewell to family members or friends. In Northern China, dumplings are commonly eaten with a dipping sauce made of vinegar and chili oil or paste, and occasionally with some soy sauce added in. (From Wikipedia)

Are you interested in learning how to make dumplings?
Please sign up to the event on our official website.

fees: 150 Rand per person