Enjoy all the previous LadyB and Fashu episodes here,
https://radiosinoland.com/2025/11/22/adventures-in-asia-with-ladyb-fashu-laolao-and-gonggong-focused-on-taiwan-province-and-the-rest-of-asia/
And my many articles about Taiwan Province here,
https://radiosinoland.com/2025/02/02/jeff-j-browns-taiwan-province-library-years-of-articles-podcasts-interviews-and-tv-shows-100000s-of-visitors-are-accessing-these-works-time-to-get-smart-china-rising-radio-sinoland-250202/
ADVENTURES IN ASIA WITH LADYB, FASHU, LAOLAO AND GONGGONG
Story #29: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year with an accent on Tibet!
Puli Town (our home), Taiwan, with gifts from the Mainland and Taiwan Province.
This is going out today at the post office…
Dear Granddaughter Mila and Grandson Liam,
First off, don’t worry about the cost of all these gifts. They are so inexpensive that it’s almost embarrassing. Not to mention traveling in China is dirt cheap. ENJOY!
The lowdown on your Sino-Christmas gifts
First, amazing art from Qinghai, Xizang (Tibetan) Plateau
There are seals in the ocean and then there are Sino-seals. About the big red one pictured above.
#1: the big red seal above on the insert introduces our story. It says the same thing as the box cover (昆仑琼宝 = Kunlun Qiongbao), which means Kunlun Fine Jade Jewelry. Kunlun is a very famous mountain range that runs through Xizang (updated name for Tibet). LadyB, Fashu, Laolao and I drove through them on our 5-week journey we just took November-December 2025 (reports forthcoming).
Above: the mighty Kunlun Mountains as a backdrop to Lake Qinghai, at 3,000 meters above sea level (masl). This is an internet picture, with two Xizang yurts. Laolao and I have similar , photos which we’ll share in future posts. Liam, your painting came from this area.
Above: Qinghai (青海) means “Blue-Green Sea”, due to several big lakes around this desert province. Ground floor is 3,000 meters above sea level (masl) and it goes higher from there. It is the eastern part of the Xizang Plateau. In my first China Trilogy book, 44 Days Backpacking in China, I visited the Western part of Sichuan and wrote some great passages about this remaining part of the Plateau!
Have you ever noticed that China looks like a big chicken, with Hainan and Taiwan as its feet? It’s true! Even the Chinese joke about it…
Qinghai’s amazing merger of two timeless art forms
…#1 continued- a thousand years ago, the vibrant and colorful cloisonné technique traveled to China along the Silk Road, enriching the artistic heritage of Chinese craftsmanship. Among its many developments, Qinghai cloisonné stands out as a unique masterpiece—a brilliant stroke that gave birth to a dazzling art form rivaling the stars in the Milky Way.
Your Xizang Snake Zodiac painting merges two traditional art forms into a fabulous modern expression.
Traditional tangkas (唐卡) were developed in Xizang in the 7th century AD. They are oil paintings done on silk cloth. While we were in Qinghai Province’s capital Xining, we visited a museum that has a 2m-tall x 1-kilometer-long silk tangka, all hand painted. We left with our heads spinning! Be patient, reports will get there…
Cloisonnés (景泰蓝 = Jingtailan) was brought to China by Islamic Mongols and developed there during the short-lived Mongol Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368AD). Traditionally, cloisonnés are wire/metal borders backfilled with colorful ceramics or porcelain, used in all kinds of artwork, kitchen- and dining ware.
Thus, Liam, what you have here is a mixture of these two art forms, Tangka and Cloisonné, except, instead of painting with oils, the artists paint with jade dust! Everything you see except the gold-plated metal is jade dust – that’s right – jade dust – including the black background and all the colors, then baked in an oven to seal it all.
Even though it has a stand on the back to put it on a tabletop, it might be best to hang it on the wall. If it falls down, I’m afraid the jade dust might get knocked out here and there.
Not many Oklahoma boys have a Zodiac Qinghai Kunlun Qiongbao. LadyB, Fashu, Laolao and I hope you treasure it, as you get older.
All ocean seals are big. Sino-seals are big and small.
Above: yes, that’s right, it says “Bank of China”!
The small red seal is of the type typically used on documents, certificates, or artworks as official authentication, institutional identification, or personal signature. Also, for bills, contracts, etc. issued by banks to demonstrate their authenticity and authority. In some special occasions, such as issuing souvenirs, collectibles, or cultural products, this seal can be affixed to indicate official endorsement. Documents or items stamped with this seal usually have official validity or symbolic significance. This is the case here. Undoubtedly, Bank of China (BOC) is donating money to Xizang to support local arts. Incidentally, BOC is where Evelyne and I do our banking in China.
Analysis of Seal Content
This seal is written in Seal Script (an ancient Chinese character font), read from right to left and top to bottom. We can clearly identify four words: Bank of China
Central, China: (中 = Zhōng）
Country (国 = Guó)
Silver, money, finance (银 = Yín)
Bank, industry (行 = Háng) : Industry, bank.
It represents one of the most important financial institutions in China – Bank of China.
Historical Background
Established in 1912, Bank of China is one of the oldest banks in China and one of the four major state-owned commercial banks.
Its seal design is simple and solemn, reflecting the seriousness and credibility of financial institutions.
Chinese post offices R-O-C-K!
2: Chinese are big-time stamp collectors because their postal stamps are so cool! China Post is one of the trendiest postal services in the world, selling all kinds of souvenirs, really awesome postcards, figurines, children’s toy’s and even coffee! Both of you get a collector frig magnet for your Chinese Zodiac signs, Snake and Tiger.
The Chinese means Postal Zodiac Prosperity (Shengxiao Youfu = 生肖邮福). Great for show and tell at school!
Hand-carved Zodiac animals in Chongqing
3a: Liam, you get favored this round, since your are a newborn and your big sis has been raking in the Sino-loot for three years. Mila, we would have actually gotten you a Tiger, since they are small (we only have so much luggage space), but Mr. Xie had run out. We’re going back to Chongqing in 2026 and will get you one then. Until then, you can both call her Cutey-Pie Snake!
3b: Liam, Mr. Xie was nice enough to quickly carve your name on the bottom of Cutey-Pie Snake, as well as 平安喜乐 (Pingan Xile), which mean Peace and Happiness. He has a deft hand!
3c: I am watching Mr. Xie Zhai, while he carves on the bottom of Cutey-Pie Snake. He is an incredible wood sculptor, who creates everything you see in his store, all hand-carved and painted, .
3d: Laolao hammed it up with Mr. Xie’s mother, who was on hand for all the fun.
3e: Mr. Xie hand-painted his store front. His name, 谢宅 (Xie Zhai) is next to Laolao. Next to me, it says, Baijiakou is waiting for you (白家口等你 = Baijiakou Dengni). We were in Chongqing during our trip last month and visited his neighborhood, which is very famous as a movie set.
Handmade Dragon Boat Fesitval medicine pouches for good mental and physical health
#4: these two very cute sachets/medicine bags have shapes and patterns full of childlike charm and auspicious meanings. They are in the style of “Dragon Boat Festival sachet” or “Chinese zodiac amulet” in Chinese traditional folk culture. Dragon Boat Festive is also called Loong Boat Festival.
In Chinese, they are called Fragrant Sachets (Xiāngnáng = 香囊).
They are small bags sewn with fabric, filled with fragrant herbs, used to be worn on the body to ward off evil, protect safety, and pray for health. Because they are so aromatic, they are also great to wear when you have cold. Your mom and dad can remove the necklaces to be used when you sleep. Much healthier than petroleum-laden Vicks and other oil-based ointments.
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Left blue sachet: snake
Pattern: A green cartoon snake surrounded by several small red flowers.
Meaning
Snake is one of the twelve Chinese Zodiac animals, representing wisdom, agility, and mystery.
In traditional beliefs, snakes also have “spirituality” and can communicate with gods. Did J.K. Rowling do her Sino-research?
Embroidering a snake on a sachet symbolizes “using poison to fight poison” or “turning danger into safety”, hoping that the wearer can be as agile and avoid danger as a snake.
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Right light green sachet: Tiger
Pattern: A yellow cartoon tiger standing on a mountain rock, with a cute expression.
Meaning
The tiger is the king of all beasts, symbolizing bravery, majesty, and warding off evil.
In traditional Chinese culture, especially when children wear tiger head hats (Mila -your Christmas gift sent earlier!), tiger head shoes, and tiger shaped sachets, it is to ward off evil spirits and be blessed with healthy growth.
Tiger also represents yang qi (阳气), which can dispel yin qi (阴气) and evil, of famed Daoist Ying-Yang.
Content of sachet (internal filling)
This type of sachet is usually filled with the following aromatic herbs:
Asian mugwort (Àicao = 艾草): the most commonly used herb for repelling mosquitoes and warding off evil spirits (Harry Potter again).
Acorus calamus (Chāngpú = 菖蒲): It has a delicate fragrance, can refresh the mind, and is also an important plant for Loong Boat Festival.
Mint (Bòhe = 薄荷): Refreshing and refreshing, with mosquito repellent effect.
Lilac/clove (Dīngxiāng = 丁香), patchouli (Huòxiāng = 藿香), Dahurian angelica (Báizhǐ = 白芷), etc.: are all traditional Chinese herbs with fragrant aroma and medicinal value.
Use and Cultural Significance
Use
Wear it on the body, such as hanging it on the chest, waist, or bag, to ward off evil, avoid filth, and ensure safety. If one has a cold, it can be kept near one’s pillow during sleep.
On Loong Boat Festival, parents will wear sachets for their children to prevent diseases and drive away mosquitoes.
As a gift for family and friends, express blessings and care.
Cultural significance
Traditional festival customs: This sachet is one of the important folk articles of the Loong Boat Festival.
Zodiac culture: Embroidering zodiac animals on sachets reflects China’s unique belief in zodiac animals and auspicious culture.
Handmade art: The embroidery craftsmanship of sachets is exquisite and reflects traditional handicrafts.
There’s gold in this little snake!
#5a-b: Liam, this is a gold foil sticker or imitation gold coin, which is placed in a transparent plastic box. However, in this gift, there is some gold, if just a little. Time to start stacking ingots, son!
The Chinese character on the left is a very stylized 寿 (shòu), incorporating the characters 千 (qian = 1,000) and 万 (wan = 10,000), which are big numbers and fit perfectly with shou, which means longevity.
Inside the concept of longevity are the hopes for happiness and prosperity.
The little star shapes represent Chinese coins.
On the back, it certifies that your little snake has 2mg of pure gold, so you are already stacking, baby! At today’s rate, this little snake is worth $0.30. It’s a start!
These stickers are commonly used for:
Births
Birthday occasion: as a gift for elders, to express blessings.
Collectibles: due to their many variations and golden appearance, they have collectible value.
One last piece of advice: it’s very small, so be careful to not lose it!
We can’t keep away from China Post
#6a-b: Liam, we’ve given several of these to Mila, since she was born. These are from the post office, one medallion and one stamp, both collectibles. They celebrate the Year of the Snake, your Zodiac animal. On the front of the medallion is the word 蛇 (shè), which means snake and on the flip side is the Chinese Zodiac with the word 福 (fú), meaning properity, blessings, etc. On the back of the stamp box, it says, I am in Chongqing (Wo zai Chongqing = 我在重庆), the idea being to buy it and mail it to family or friends on the spot. Above both of them are laser certificates of authenticity.
Your Sino-Dynamic Duo
#7: you each get a little statuette of your Zodiac animal. Be careful, because we saw a couple of them in the store in Chongqing with broken off ears and tails, so they are not bulletproof.
Liam, the Snake has a gold coin in its mouth and it says, 12生肖 – 六六大顺 （12shengxiao liuliu dashun), which means, Zodiac six-six-easy going, since the Snake is the sixth animal in the Zodiac’s order. Mila, the Tiger says, 12生肖 – 虎虎生风 （12shengxiao huhu shengfeng), which means, Zodiac Tiger-Tiger is roaring.
Mila, can you roar like a tiger?
Chongqing frig magnets
#8a-b: if this keeps up, you can both open a Chinese curio shop together! You each get a frig magnet from Chongqing, signed by Laolao and me. Again, from the post office. They are designed to write on the back and then mail them directly while there. 重庆 is Chinese for Chongqing, which means Repeated Celebrations. Chongqing, along with neighboring Sichuan Province to the west are PANDA BEAR country!
The big, stylish phrase on the front of each says, 我很想你 (wo hen xiang ni), which means, We’re really thinking about you.
And it’s true. We talk about you two every day!
Rice Krispies – NOT!
#9: We got this as a gift for the New Year of the Snake in January, waiting for your birth, Liam. Giving high-quality rice as a gift is a time-honored tradition in China. We opened it to take the picture. The seal says, 乙已 2025 蛇正 (Yiyi 2025 Shezheng), which means, 2025 Year of the Snake Is Already Here. The little card is how to cook it. By volume, two parts water to one part rice over a slow boil should work fine.
Bon Appétit!
Hello Kitty is everywhere in Asia
#10a-10b: Mila, we got you a panda bear hair elastic and matching Hello Kitty bracelet. Show them off at school!
You both get Hello Kitty luggage tags for your next vacation. Hello Kitty is MASSIVE all across Asia.
For the Christmas tree next year
#11: Liam, you can add these two Snake Christmas tree ornaments to the family collection. They each have a thick wire inside to hold their shapes, so they are not really for playing with.
Church time
#12: we go to a Catholic church here in Puli every Sunday. For Christmas, they handed out crucifix key chains, so you each get one. We know you’re not driving yet. Maybe you can put them on your backpacks, bags or purses. Chinese crosses in Oklahoma are rare indeed!
Conclusion
Hope you enjoy this collection of Sino-gifts and that your parents can explain them to you.
We all love to you, dear grandchildren Mila and Liam,
LadyB, Fashu, Laolao and Gonggong
LadyB and Fashu, her travel partner, Frenchie the Rat, who loves bagettes – Liam’s new friend – are both looking for you both from across the Great Pacific!
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Praise for The China Trilogy:
Why and How China works: With a Mirror to Our Own History
JEFF J. BROWN, Editor, China Rising, and Senior Editor & China Correspondent, Dispatch from Beijing, The Greanville Post
Jeff J. Brown is a geopolitical analyst, journalist, lecturer and the author of The China Trilogy. It consists of 44 Days Backpacking in China – The Middle Kingdom in the 21st Century, with the United States, Europe and the Fate of the World in Its Looking Glass (2013); Punto Press released China Rising – Capitalist Roads, Socialist Destinations (2016); and BIG Red Book on China (2020). As well, he published a textbook, Doctor WriteRead’s Treasure Trove to Great English (2015). Jeff is a Senior Editor & China Correspondent for The Greanville Post, where he keeps a column, Dispatch from Beijing and is a Global Opinion Leader at 21st Century. He also writes a column for The Saker, called the Moscow-Beijing Express. Jeff writes, interviews and podcasts on his own program, China Rising Radio Sinoland, which is also available on YouTube, Stitcher Radio, iTunes, Ivoox and RUvid. Guests have included Ramsey Clark, James Bradley, Moti Nissani, Godfree Roberts, Hiroyuki Hamada, The Saker and many others. [/su_spoiler]
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