Hobbies In Chinese
You aren't making the most of your time in China if you ever find yourself stating, "I'm bored." Instead than relying on modern conveniences like Netflix, the gym, and the internet, you may instead include several age-old practices into your life that will improve your mental and physical health and your awareness of other cultures. Here are some time-honored pastimes that will enrich your experience of Chinese culture.
Turning letters into works of art is the goal of calligraphy.
Although most modern Chinese use smartphones or computers to input characters, calligraphy is still practiced, particularly by the country's aging population. Traditional Chinese characters are written by calligraphers using a broad-tipped brush and ink (or a wide brush and puddle water, if you've ever seen the old people in parks) to add flair and style to the text. To "give shape to signs in an expressive, harmonic, and skilful way" is the official definition of calligraphy.
The ability of calligraphy may not have many real-world applications, yet both the practice and the product are useful in their own right. Spending time studying Chinese calligraphy can enrich your life in China in many ways, including improving your language abilities, providing you with a contemplative outlet, and introducing you to a community of like-minded people.
Tai Chi: A Martial Art for Mind and Body
Have you ever seen a film in which a character stands on a precipice and slowly walks towards the light of a dawning day? Yes, you just seen a Tai Chi demonstration. Although it is considered a martial art by some, I wouldn't use it in a street brawl. However, it's a fantastic method of relieving stress and improving circulation.
Tai Chi's central idea is that yin and yang may be reconciled to form a single, 'ultimate,' more powerful force. The basic premise is that it can help you deal with the stress of everyday life in China by training your mind to focus solely on the movements and forms.
You can practice Tai Chi on your own, with a group, or at a club to meet people who share your interests. Tai Chi can provide you with a fitness routine and some mental peace in a country that is always on the go, whether you prefer to practice alone or with a group.
The art of the tea ceremony: caffeine consumption done with refinement
No non-Chinese person I've ever met shared my enthusiasm for tea ceremonies, but since they're so popular in China, I figured I might as well give it a shot. Simply put, a tea ceremony is a ritualized practice of preparing tea using a method that has been perfected over the course of centuries for maximum flavor. The ritual includes not only the making of tea but also its presentation and consumption.
Learning the correct and specific order of the many'moves' involved in a tea ceremony is said to be calming for the mind, much like learning Tai Chi. The other amazing thing about tea ceremonies is the variety of special settings you may have them. Those interested may find a ready group to slurp with in any of China's many cities, all of which are home to stunningly gorgeous and soothing teahouses.
The Olympic sports of ping pong and badminton are the perfect group activities.
Ping-pong diplomacy, huh? It may be time for you to start making connections on your own. Although ping pong and badminton aren't often thought of as the most violent games, in the hands of skilled players, they can become very quick and competitive. Plus, the Chinese players are seasoned pros.
Both of these games are widely played and enjoyed all across China, and it would be a mistake not to give them a try if you find yourself in China. All racquet sports are beneficial to your health, but ping pong and badminton are considered "skill sports," meaning they always have space for growth.
There's no shortage of things to do in China, but picking up one of the aforementioned pastimes is an excellent way to boost your wellbeing and get insight into Chinese culture.