The dragon, a famous beast born from fantasy,     1     (exercise) a hold on people’s imagination over centuries. In traditional Chinese culture, a dragon is a symbol of luck, power and high status. They can cause weather changes and bring rainfall to the fields     2     (ensure) rich harvests. Therefore, to symbolize their power, ancient Chinese emperors decorated their clothes     3     dragon patterns. Many Chinese view the dragon as a national symbol,     4     (proud) referring to themselves as “descendants of the dragon”.

Although Start of Autumn, the 13th traditional Chinese solar term, often indicates the     1     (begin) of autumn, heat waves will not come to an end. The period of high temperatures,    2     (call) “Autumn Tiger”, usually lasts for about 30 days. Because of decreasing precipitation(降水), it is even hotter during this period than Major Heat. As the saying goes, “If it rains     3    the day of Start of Autumn, a good harvest is expected.”

    1     February 10, the first day of the Year of the Dragon, the crowd in a public square in London burst into cheers. Sixteen dancers performed the Chaoshan Yingge dance, a traditional Chinese folk dance     2     (celebrate) Chinese New Year. In the Chaoshan region of Guangdong province,     3     the dance originated, people believe it brings good luck for new year. This performance     4     (attract) millions of tourists since 2023.

5 . Guy Noble, one of Australia’s most famous conductors, who conducted the touring concert “East Meets West”, said he’d like to learn more about Chinese music. “I’m impressed by the history and the beauty Chinese music has,” he’s said in an interview recently.

“East Meets West” concert tour in Australia was resumed this year after being postponed twice due to the pandemic. It was hosted in Canberra last Saturday, bringing audiences some well-known Chinese and Western pieces such as Jasmine Flower, Carmen, Romeo and Juliet, and The Yellow River.

While it was called “East Meets West”, music from China and the West with the same themes was brought together. Chinese singer Ya Fen and Australian singer Victoria Lambourn performed a duet (二重唱) Hope Betrayed, which was inspired by the Chinese classic novel A Dream of Red Mansions. Noble said he loved the duet as it showed completely different singing styles: traditional Chinese opera style and Western opera style. “They’re not exactly the same, but they came together,” he said.

Having been a professional conductor for more than 20 years, Noble called music an international language. He noted that most music at the concert was about love, which was also an international language. He also spoke highly of some Chinese musicians, such as pianist Lang Lang who he thought has inspired many kids in China to learn music.

Noble admitted his knowledge of Chinese culture was limited. He said that conducting the Canberra concert was “an experience that I’ve enjoyed”, which made him more interested in discovering the background and history of the music, as well as the stories behind it. Noble is ready to create more things that can involve dance or calligraphy or some of the other aspects of Chinese culture, and put them together with music.

Yours,

Li Hua

Traditional Chinese tea-making    1    (consist) of knowledge, skills, and practices about the management of tea plantations, picking of tea leaves, and the processing, drinking, and sharing of tea. Not only are tea-related customs found across the country, but also they     2    (influence) the rest of the world since ancient times through the ancient Silk Road and trade routes. Teas have pleased and fascinated the world    3    thousands of years. They have finally received top-level global recognition as a     4    (share) cultural treasure of humankind.

By drawing patterns such as bamboos on the surface of a cup of tea, Chabaixi, an ancient Chinese tea trick     1    (go) viral recently. There are a dozen steps, from grinding tea for fine powder, to pouring boiled water, stirring the mixture for thick froth(泡沫), and finally drawing patterns. Clear water it used to put into the cup. When the water     2    (touch) the surface of tea, it turns into a white color and disappears in 20 minutes. The process before drawing is known as “diancha.” The quality of it is crucial to     3     the patterns can be successfully produced later.