A man tries to make his treasured hunting bow (弓 gōng) even more perfect than it already is, but learns an obnoxious life lesson instead. HSK 3-4.
Essay:《打人》Hitting Someone by Zhang Ailing (Eileen Chang)Essay:《打人》Hitting Someone by Zhang Ailing (Eileen Chang)
An essay from Chinese lit diva Zhang Ailing about a scene of police brutality she witnessed in Shanghai in the 1940s. HSK 6 and up.
Story behind the idiom: 狐假虎威 – Using powerful connections to intimidate othersStory behind the idiom: 狐假虎威 – Using powerful connections to intimidate others
In this HSK 3-4 story, a crafty fox (狐狸 hú li) escapes being eaten by playing a cunning trick on a mighty tiger (老虎 lǎo hǔ).
Mythology: 八仙过海 – The Eight Immortals Cross the SeaMythology: 八仙过海 – The Eight Immortals Cross the Sea
I’ve got a good, but challenging, read for HSK 6 readers today: the Eight Immortals mess around in the Dragon King's domain, almost starting a cataclysm in the process. HSK
Story behind the idiom: 邯郸学步 – Making oneself ridiculous by slavishly imitating othersStory behind the idiom: 邯郸学步 – Making oneself ridiculous by slavishly imitating others
A young man tries to copy the way people walk in the city of Handan (邯郸), but only succeeds in making a fool of himself. HSK 3-4.