History in Full Circle: The Chinese Canadian Museum 永生號的前世今生

Newly settled into its permanent home, the Chinese Canadian Museum (CCM) opens its doors to the public this July in Vancouver Chinatown, with exceptional new gallery spaces to explore the rich and complex histories and culture of the Chinese Canadian community. The strong ‘sense of place’ of the museum is a story within a story within a story, and one that all urban design and history enthusiasts will love. Located in the historic Wing Sang Building at 51 E Pender Street, the museum venue is a remarkable heritage site that marks many Chinese experiences throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries and played a significant role in the social, economic, and cultural life of residents in Chinatown.

The Age-Old Tradition of Rice Dumplings for Duan Wu Festival

It's time for the annual Duan Wu Festival 端午節! This special occasion falls on the 5th day of the 5th month of the Lunar calendar, around the Summer Solstice. It is also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, 龍舟節.⁠

Food and Lifestyle, Design DialogueGuest UserJune 13, 2023Food, Recipe, Chinese Food, taiwa, rice dumplings, Dragon Boat FestivalComment

Conquering Hate with Art + Love 2.0 用愛與藝術征服仇恨第二章

Art reflects our ever-changing culture and has the ability to shift society's values and views. Racism and injustice have been huge topics during the pandemic, especially in the Asian community, where the anti-Asian racism, discrimination and violence in North America became a harsh reminder that we must stand up against hate.

THE REINVENTION OF: CHEUK KWAN 關卓中：以生命影響生命

For 4 years, Cheuk crossed the globe, travelling to 13 countries, venturing behind kitchen doors to feature the journeys of 15 émigrés he found in each place. From Madagascar to Israel, from Brazil to South Africa, the real-life stories he uncovered along the way were more riveting than any work of fiction could ever be. Some were running from war, many from political oppression, a few from religious persecution; some were highly educated; some were farmers — yet all were forced to pick up a wok and a spatula — not because they loved Chinese food, but out of necessity.

Personal Stories, Design Dialogue, Film & BooksFête ChinoiseApril 24, 2023Art, artistsComment

The Fusion of Christmas Moments in Chinese Art & Design

A growing trend toward the use of Chinese culture in Christmas décor and design has inspired modern designers to create holiday-themed products that connect with the past. Modern design has the ability to revitalize existing cultural elements, connecting today’s dialogue with the past. This article introduces some interesting designs and products of Christmas that are inspired by or employ Chinese cultural elements, preserving and in some ways, innovating using heritage through design.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseDecember 21, 2022Christmas, Chinese Design, Chinese ArtComment

Designing Moments · Part 2: Style in Sport Culture, Stationery & Jewellery 從產品設計尋根【貳】

The second part of the series of Chinese-inspired design in North America, explores some distinct stationery and fashion items. Fête Chinoise also collaborated on some projects with partners in all three categories of stationery, sports and fashion. If you want to nominate products inspired by Chinese culture, that are well-designed, please share with us for a chance to be considered in the next design annual.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseOctober 26, 2022Chinese Style, Chinese Design, Calligraphy, Graphic Design, Packaging DesignComment

Designing Moments · Part 1: From Chic Chili Sauce to Festive Fashion 從產品設計尋根【壹】

The beauty of Chinese heritage is a fascinating source of inspiration for designers across disciplines. Modern design has the ability to rejuvenate cultural heritage and traditional handcrafts, connecting today’s dialogue with the past. In this editorial, we introduce some interesting designs and products that are inspired by Chinese cultural elements, preserving heritage with design.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseOctober 14, 2022Chinese Style, Chinese Design, Calligraphy, Graphic Design, Packaging DesignComment

An Icon Revisited: The Blue Mansion 世界文化遺產:住進南洋首富的「藍屋」

If you had to name one of the most memorable scenes from the 2018 rom-com Crazy Rich Asians, the fervent mahjong game between Eleanor Young and Rachel Chu (played by Michelle Yeoh and Constance Wu respectively), would be at the top of many people's lists. What looks like a beautiful mahjong club set in a traditional Chinese courtyard was, in actuality, the majestic UNESCO heritage site-turned-boutique hotel Cheong Fatt Tze, located in Penang, Malaysia.

History & Architecture, Design DialogueFête ChinoiseSeptember 29, 2022blue mansion, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, malaysia, UNESCO, heritageComment

Painting Lollipops: Chinese Pulled Sugar Art 以勺為筆，以糖為墨 — 糖畫

‘Painting' with sugar is an age-old edible art that never goes out of favour. The artist begins by simmering down brown sugar, granulated sugar and maltose until they turn into liquid. Once the concoction is ready, the artist quickly scoops up the syrup with a metal spoon to begin forming designs on a metal or stone surface.

Food and Lifestyle, Design DialogueFête ChinoiseSeptember 21, 2022sugarart, pulledsugar, chinesesugarartComment

Our Collective Memories: Mooncake Tin Time Capsule 我們的「月光寶盒」

Mid-Autumn Festival is an important occasion in Chinese culture, and equally significant are mooncakes which symbolize the celebration. Traditional mooncake tins in various designs, shapes and sizes have become little treasure boxes that house heirlooms and collections in many families, long after the festival and often for decades to come. We thank each person who submitted their mooncake tin for this collective memory project!

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseSeptember 9, 2022photography, Mooncakes, Mid-Autumn Festival, midautumn, tincase, memoryComment

Designing a Contemporary Mid-Autumn Feast ‧ Part II 設計師們的當代中秋盛宴【貳】

Restaurants, hotels and banquet halls are also settings that some families have chosen to celebrate the festival around the world. As food options expanded and the design of food has progressed to a new level of luxury, the aesthetic design of the celebration has yet to match the same level of sophistication.

Food and Lifestyle, Design DialogueDeborah Lau-YuSeptember 2, 2022midautumn, midautumnfestival, food, restaurant, chinesefoodComment

Designing a Contemporary Mid-Autumn Feast ‧ Part I 設計師們的當代中秋盛宴【壹】

The full moon is perfectly round on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Lunar calendar, representing unity and togetherness for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Family gatherings have traditionally been hosted in multi-generational home environments, where grandchildren, parents and grandparents dine together with an elaborate feast of homemade dishes.