Mamianqun, also known as “Horse-faced Skirt”, is     1     kind of traditional Chinese dress. Actually, the name “Mamianqun” has nothing to do with the animal. There is a theory that the “skirt doors” of Mamianqun     2     (close) look like “Ma Mian”, a kind of structure used for defense on the ancient city walls, so the skirt got the name “Mamianqun”. But this is still a question to be verified.

Mamianqun, dating back     3     the Song Dynasty, had become the most typical style for women by the Ming and Qing dynasties. It became prominent due to     4     (it) use by nobility and the rich as a status symbol. The style of Mamianqun     5     (go) through a series of changes since it emerged. However, the “Ma Mian” structure has always been deeply rooted.

Silk, the most revered (受尊敬的) fabric in ancient China, was the     6     (prefer) material for making a Mamianqun, particularly for the upper class of society. Mamianqun has numerous pleats (褶) on either side,     7     (create) uniquely beautiful and graceful waves when walking. The most attractive aspect is the elegant patterns on the skirt     8     represent people’s beautiful aspirations in Chinese clothing culture, such as the Depiction of Birds Adoring the Phoenix and Prosperity and Blooming Flowers.

Mamianqun, with deep historical roots, has transitioned into modern fashion, where it serves as a bridge between the past     9     present. Nowadays, Mamianqun is gaining increasing     10     (popular) among both Chinese and foreigners.

4 . Internet addiction is a common problem that can be just as damaging as any other form of addiction.     1    

Charge devices in another room at night to prevent bedtime browsing. Bedtime browsing can interfere with your sleep due to the blue light your smart phone emits, so stopping bedtime browsing may help you to sleep better. If you often browse the internet on your phone while lying in bed, prevent yourself from doing this by charging your phone in another room of the house.     2    

Remove social media apps from your phone. If you find yourself picking up your phone and going on the internet every time you get a notification, delete the social media apps on your phone.     3     This may help to prevent you from accessing these apps on and off all day.

    4     Exercising, writing, and doing crossword puzzles are all better alternatives to mindlessly browsing the internet. If you want to reduce the time on the internet but aren’t sure what to do with the extra time, identify some meaningful activities that you enjoy and pick one to do instead when you’re feeling the urge to go online.

Reach out to friends and family to build more in-person connections. If you’re longing for social interaction, call up a friend and make plans to do something fun, or arrange a family dinner or game night.     5     look into a special interest group that you can join. Attend in-person meetings to connect with other people sharing your interests, and you can make new friends and distract yourself from the internet.

6 . On the bustling streets of Sydney, Australia, Dong Min, a young Chinese woman, dressed in elegant Chinese traditional clothing — hanfu, gracefully holds a dizi, the bamboo flute of China, fascinating passersby with the melodies of traditional Chinese music.

Dong Min, a talented musician was born in 1990. Seeing a female performer playing the bamboo flute on TV fired her interest in this Chinese traditional instrument at the age of 8. Soon her interest blossomed into talent. At the age of 10, winning a provincial-level Chinese musical instrument competition earned her one of only four spots for further studies in Beijing. After graduating from Minzu University of China with a major in Chinese bamboo flute in 2015, she enrolled at the University of New South Wales in Australia to study cultural leadership where she initiated street performances, featuring Chinese traditional instruments. One year later, she formed a band and founded the Sydney Meya Institute of Chinese Music to teach various Chinese traditional instruments to more people.

Apart from street performances and her institution, Dong also offers online dizi lessons to a global audience and organizes online exchange concerts for her students worldwide. “Our students range from 4-year-olds to 80-year-olds, reflecting the timeless appeal of Chinese music across generations,” Dong said.

Her effort paid off eventually. Her performances grew in popularity. Many audiences traveled all the way from cities like Melbourne and Brisbane to Sydney just to attend her performances.” Many music schools now offer courses on Chinese instruments. I hope to create a platform for music enthusiasts to connect and cultivate friendships through their shared love for music. Thus, we can not only raise awareness of Chinese traditional music in Australia but also share the richness of Chinese culture through music with the international audience.” Dong Min said.

7 . On 17 September 2023, Senior 1 student Charlie Robson was enjoying his dinner at the stand when there came a sudden scream from the boy next to his table, who accidentally swallowed the plastic wrapper stuck to the bottom of his food.

Seeing him unable to cough it up, the boy’s mother was immediately filled with fear as she stood there, patting his son’s back anxiously. “Somebody help! My son is going to choke with the wrapper in his throat.”

Charlie noticed that the boy’s face had turned complete purple. He knew he must take action immediately. Otherwise, the boy’s life was in great danger. Charlie quickly ran behind the boy and started doing the Heimlich maneuver (海姆立克急救法) whose theory is to push air through the airway to force whatever is in there out. Minutes later, the plastic wrapper was eventually forced out and the boy began to breathe again.

Seeing the boy was safe, Charlie rushed to the school without knowing his act of kindness went viral after someone in the scene posted the video on Tik Tok. Charlie’s father said, “I’m so proud of my son. He is a brave boy with great responsibility. He didn’t tell me what had happened until I saw the video on Tik Tok.”

Plus, the boy’s mother wrote to the headmaster, saying “The student who saved my son’s life the other day is really a hero. We’re so grateful that he stepped in to help when my son was faced with such a dangerous situation. Thanks so much for educating such well-rounded students with good moral virtues.” In response to the letter, Jimmy Mehwish, the headmaster of the school, said, “At the very beginning of the semester, Charlie has set a great example for all the students. His kindness really sets a tone for everyone else.”

8 . Summer vacation approaching, want your kids to explore something meaningful rather than being glued to the screens? Bring your kids to the Sarek National Theme Garden which combines a fascinating hike with an amazing opportunity to learn some knowledge about the unique carvings.

The garden, founded in 1979, is famous for its blossoms and the exhibition of rock carvings. Every year, countless visitors come to enjoy the spectacular blossoms, view the unique exhibition and participate in various educational activities.

Now let’s start the journey with admiring the beauty of the local blossoms, ranging from lotuses to Begonia flowers along the paths. Meanwhile, you can enjoy the unique exhibition, featuring a wide range of rock carvings by experienced craftsmen with professionals introducing them in detail.

Rules:

Don’t pick the flowers or shake the trees while enjoying the blossoms.

Pets are not allowed except guided dogs to serve people with disabilities.

Don’t touch the carvings with your hands except the particular ones.

Opening hours:

Tuesday — Sunday: 9 am-5 pm.

Prices:

Adult: ¥75 (a 10% discount before June 16, 2024)

Child (6-18): ¥35

Child under 6: Free

All visitors including children under 6 need tickets to enter the garden. Tickets are available at the Visitors Service Center. Also you can book tickets in advance online.