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.
Novels: Start reading Chinese gangster novel 《一半是火焰，一半是海水》by Wang ShuoNovels: Start reading Chinese gangster novel 《一半是火焰，一半是海水》by Wang Shuo
In my most challenging post yet, you'll read the first chapter of controversial literary bad boy Wang Shuo's dark plunge into the criminal underbelly of Beijing. HSK 6+, not suitable