In the global wave of #BecomingChinese, cultural activities like playing mahjong, learning Chinese knotting, exploring traditional festivals, and group-watching Chinese TV dramas have become vivid windows into understanding Chinese culture. For Chinese people, these are not just casual pastimes—they are ways to inherit history, bond with others, and anchor their cultural identity. Let’s uncover the stories and meanings behind these beloved activities.
Mahjong: Wisdom and Connection in a Square Table
To many foreigners, mahjong may seem like a complex game of chance, but for Chinese people, it is a cultural symbol woven into daily life and social interactions. This game, which evolved from ancient board games over hundreds of years, carries profound Eastern philosophy and life wisdom in its 32 tiles and simple rules.
The design of mahjong tiles reflects traditional Chinese cosmology: the three main suits (wan, tiao, tong) correspond to wealth and nature, while the wind and dragon tiles embody the concepts of “heaven, earth, and humanity” and the balance of yin and yang. The core rules of “chi, peng, gang, he” (eating, punging, konging, winning) teach a way of living—seizing opportunities, being patient, and knowing when to be content. As the saying goes, “A person’s character is revealed at the mahjong table”—the game becomes a subtle way to observe others’ attitudes toward gains and losses, cooperation and competition.
More importantly, mahjong is a social bond. During Spring Festival, families gather around a mahjong table to chat and laugh, putting aside work and worries to strengthen kinship. Among friends and neighbors, it breaks down barriers and builds trust. From the bold rules of Sichuan mahjong to the flexible gameplay of Cantonese mahjong, regional variations showcase cultural diversity, yet the core pursuit of “harmony as the most valuable” unites them all. Today, mahjong has become an international intellectual sport, proving its enduring cultural charm.
Chinese Knotting: Weaving Blessings with a Single Thread
Learning to weave Chinese knots is more than mastering a craft—it is a dialogue with thousands of years of history and a way to express good wishes. Originating from primitive rope knots used for recording events in the Paleolithic Age, Chinese knots have evolved from practical tools to exquisite intangible cultural heritage, carrying the aesthetic and emotional needs of generations.
Every knot is woven from a single unbroken thread, symbolizing continuity and unity. The names of knots are full of poetic meaning, derived from their shapes or homophones. For example, the “Pan Chang Knot” (Endless Knot) represents eternal companionship, as its interlocking pattern has no beginning or end; the “Double Coin Knot” signifies prosperity, resembling ancient coins; and the “Concentric Knot” is a token of love, often used in weddings. In the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Chinese knot elements were integrated into torches and guide signs, conveying the Olympic spirit of unity and connecting Chinese culture with the world.
For modern Chinese people, weaving Chinese knots is a form of mindfulness. The slow, deliberate process calms the mind, while the finished work carries personal blessings—whether hung at home, given as a gift, or made into accessories. By learning this craft, people inherit not just a skill, but the wisdom of turning simple materials into carriers of emotion and culture.
Traditional Festivals: Preserving Cultural Memory Across Generations
Exploring traditional festivals is how Chinese people trace their roots and strengthen collective identity. These festivals, honed over thousands of years, are not just dates on the calendar—they are living cultural rituals that pass down values, ethics, and emotions.
Each festival has its unique significance and customs. Spring Festival is about family reunion: no matter how far they are, Chinese people strive to return home for a New Year’s Eve dinner, paste couplets, and set off fireworks, embodying the importance of family in Chinese culture. Qingming Festival combines mourning ancestors with embracing spring, reminding people to honor the past while cherishing the present. Mid-Autumn Festival, with its mooncakes and moon-gazing, celebrates reunion and gratitude. These rituals create shared cultural memories—when a child eats zongzi during Dragon Boat Festival or hangs lanterns during Lantern Festival, they absorb the spirit of their ancestors.
In a fast-paced modern society, traditional festivals slow people down and reconnect them with their roots. They are a bridge between the past and the present, uniting Chinese people at home and abroad. Even simple festival foods, like dumplings or mooncakes, carry the taste of hometown and belonging, reinforcing cultural confidence and national cohesion.
Group-Watching Chinese TV Dramas: Sharing Stories and Building Identity
Watching Chinese TV dramas in groups is a popular way for Chinese people to share emotions and understand their society. Unlike solo viewing, group watching turns a personal experience into a social event, fostering connections and shared perspectives.
Chinese TV dramas cover a wide range of themes—historical epics that revisit dynastic glory, family dramas that reflect daily life, and modern stories that depict social changes. When people gather to watch, they discuss characters’ choices, debate plot twists, and reflect on their own lives. Historical dramas, for example, spark interest in ancient culture and history, making distant stories accessible. Family dramas resonate with audiences by portraying the warmth and conflicts of family life, reinforcing values like filial piety and harmony.
Group watching also strengthens cultural identity. Through the stories, dialogues, and cultural details in dramas, people deepen their understanding of Chinese traditions, social norms, and values. For overseas Chinese, it is a way to stay connected to their motherland, sharing the same cultural references as friends and family back home. In the era of social media, discussions about popular dramas further expand this shared experience, creating a sense of community.
The Heart of #BecomingChinese: Inheritance and Connection
Playing mahjong, weaving Chinese knots, celebrating traditional festivals, and group-watching TV dramas—these activities share a common core: they are ways for Chinese people to connect with their history, their loved ones, and their cultural identity. They are not rigid traditions stuck in the past, but living practices that adapt and evolve with time.
For those curious about #BecomingChinese, these activities offer a glimpse into the soul of Chinese culture—a culture that values harmony, inheritance, and emotional bonds. In every mahjong game, every woven knot, every festival celebration, and every drama discussion, Chinese people are writing the story of their culture, passing it down to the next generation while opening their arms to the world.
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