Tricolor Chinese Culture Podcast

辛苦 (xīnkǔ): Seeing the Effort Behind the Work What does it really mean when someone in China says 辛苦了 ? Often translated as something like “you’ve worked hard,” 辛苦 goes beyond simple gratitude. It acknowledges the...

热闹 (rènao): When Life Gets Loud What does it really mean when someone in China says a place is 热闹 ? Often translated as lively or bustling , 热闹 is about more than noise or crowds. It reflects a deeper cultural...

What happens when words mean more than what the dictionary says? The Tricolor Chinese Culture Podcast returns for Season 5 with a deeper exploration into the language of everyday life in China—where words are not just...

In this episode, we sit down with two educators from XIS’s secondary department, Liz Li and Jonathan Venneberg. Liz shares her observations as a coworker, friend, and cultural guide to our foreign staff, while Jonathan...

Both within and beyond XIS, Luke and Kiko have had countless opportunities—through a range of professional and personal experiences—to observe and engage with 外国人 (foreigners). In addition to the warm smiles they offer...

In this episode, we’re joined by long-time friend of Xi'an International School, Steven Hou. From teaching middle school English at an international school, to working with engineers at an IT firm in Shanghai, and now...

In this episode we get to hear "suitcase stories" from a local friend outside of the XIS community. Audrey's work as a teacher and translator and her involvement with English corners have given her lots of opportunities...

In this conversation we get to hear from our very own Miss Harris (XIS Principal) and Niu Laoshi (lead for XIS' Chinese language program)! Both of them have a lot of experience (and stories!) of watching new arrivals...

This is a special episode, where two of XIS's summer interns, Laura and Andrea Gonzalez, interview XIS G5 teacher, Tori Vaughn, about her "suitcase stories". We also get a great opportunity to learn some valuable...

,We get to hear some great advice from XIS G11 student, William Zhang, that includes the idiom, "入乡随俗“/ "When you enter the village follow their customs." We also get a chance to hear from XIS's former G2 teacher...

This season: Suitcase Stories — exploring the deeply personal journeys of going and staying in China. What do we pack when we cross cultures? What do we carry home? And what transforms us along the way? From unexpected...

In this episode we get to hear Kevin Hu and Lucy Liu, two local friends, give explanation of and insight into some of the traditions of CNY as well as share some of their favorite memories. I learned a lot from this...

Chinese New Year (CNY) is so big that it needs at least 2 episodes. In this episode (Part 1) we get the "outsider's" perspective with Paul and Analisa. They share what it's like celebrating this important holiday with...

What do dragon boat races, a patriot-poet named Qu Yuan, zongzi (glutinous rice- with filling- steamed in bamboo leaves) and fragrant pouches have in common? They are all connected with a holiday that falls on the 5th...

Tomb sweeping festival (清明节qīngmíngjié) may be observed in the early spring (April 4 or 5) but learning about the meaning and traditions associated with it can give us insight into Chinese culture that is helpful no...