Inspire Through Words

Welcome to our mini-library, a treasure trove of DIY tutorials, innovative gift ideas, an eclectic mix of crafts and arts, and featuring the masterful artisans of China.

StoryI learnt embroidery in Zhenhu (Suzhou, China) for 4 days, and what happened?

I learnt embroidery in Zhenhu (Suzhou, China) for 4 days, and what happened?

Suzhou embroidery is the most representative type of Chinese embroidery. It’s one of the well-known "four great embroideries of China" along with Cantonese, Sichuan and Xiang embroidery. It alread...

StoryPingtan - The pop music in ancient China

Pingtan - The pop music in ancient China

Pingtan is a kind of oral performance art in China. It was originated from the late Ming dynasty (明朝), which is over 400 years ago.  The birth place of Pingtan is Suzhou city, hence Pingtan is per...

StoryAll you need to know about Kunqu Opera performance from China

All you need to know about Kunqu Opera performance from China

Kunqu originated in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and has been passed down through the generations for over 600 years. It was once the preferred form of entertainment for Chinese royalty and litera...

Craft & Art7 stones used in Chinese classical gardens as rockeries

7 stones used in Chinese classical gardens as rockeries

There is no Chinese classical garden without stones. The inanimate stones are endowed with meaning far beyond real rocks by traditional Chinese Zen, philosophy and aesthetics. When the ancients bu...

Story$3,500! Probably the most EXPENSIVE brick in the world | Golden bricks in China

$3,500! Probably the most EXPENSIVE brick in the world | Golden bricks in China

This is the story about the Golden Bricks in China. They name it Golden Bricks not because of the colour, but because of the sound. When knocking the bricks, you can hear the same sound from the m...

StoryEverything you need to know about Chinese Gardens | History, Layout, Designs, Tour Guide

Everything you need to know about Chinese Gardens

What is special about Chinese Gardens? Imaging creating a landscape of your own, and put it 500 meters away from your bedroom. Yeah, this is the idea we are talking about...Roughly Suzhou is more ...