#Choy Ying Low | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

demospectator · 2 years

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“No. 145. Chinese Restaurant, San Francisco. Cal.” c. 1875. Stereograph by J.J. Reilly (from the collection of the Oakland Museum of California).

A Long-forgotten Jackson Street Restaurant

The albumen stereograph card by pioneer photographer John James Reilly held by the Oakland Museum of California (“OMCA”) depicts the exterior of a three-story building in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Taken from an elevated position across the street and at a diagonal to the building, Reilly captured two façades visible from the street. The exterior balcony of the third floor shows at least ten statues of venerated deities placed just outside the balcony’s railing across the entire width of the building’s frontage on Jackson Street. Numerous potted plants wrap around the front and half of the balcony’s length along the side of the building facing out onto Washington Place (also known as “Fish Alley” to non-Chinese). Two different pairs of lanterns are suspended from under the portion of roof overhanging the balcony. Elaborately carved wooden floral pieces frame the center pair of doors opening to the balcony. A common form of pennant can be seen hanging from an iron cross-mast mounting to one of the narrow columns supporting the cantilevered portion of the roof, probably advertising a tearoom at the topmost floor.

At the second floor’s balcony, English language signage appears above a circular, center window which the OMCA curator has erroneously discerned as “Chin Ying Low” over the word “Restaurant." The barely discernible Chinese characters on the glass lanterns of the second floor balcony further attest to the restaurant’s name as 聚英楼 or, Cantonese pronunciation, “Jeuih Ying Lauh”).

The Bishop directory of 1875 confirms, however, that the name of the restaurant’s name was “Choy Yan Low,” and its address listing read as follows: “restaurant SE cor [sic] Washington alley and Jackson.” According to the maps of that era, the southeast corner of the intersection corresponded to 633 Jackson St.

The OMCA’s estimate about the year during which Reilly took his fascinating stereograph of the Chinese restaurant proved remarkably accurate – to the precise year. As the 1876 Langley directory discloses, the restaurant had moved and reestablished itself one block away as the “Choy Yan Lou, 2 Washington Alley.”

The Wells Fargo Chinese business directory of 1878 confirmed its ongoing operation with a listing in Chinese as follows: 聚英樓號酒晏茶居德和街享, literally “Choy Ying Low, wine, quiet tea house – Tuck Wo Street [i.e., Washington Place]” (canto: “Jeuih Ying Lauh houh jau nan cha geui Duck Wo gaai heung;” pinyin: “Jùyīng lóu hào jiǔ yàn chá jū dé hé jiē xiǎng”).

A portion of “No. 145. Chinese Restaurant, San Francisco. Cal.” c. 1875. Stereograph by J.J. Reilly (from the collection of the Oakland Museum of California).

Another restaurant was located next door to the Choy Yan Low on the 600-block of Jackson Street. In the far left of the Reilly photo, the frontage of the “Yen Nem & Co Restaurant” (燕南樓; canto: “Yeen Nahm Lauh”) can be seen on the easterly adjacent side of the building in which Choy Yan Low was located. For a half dozen years, the Yen Nem restaurant would continue to appear in listings variously and at alternate addresses as the “Yennem Low (Chinese) restaurant,” at 629 Jackson or “Yen Nam Low & Co.” and the “Yen Nem Low restaurant” at 627 Jackson. The vertical signage along the left border of the photo is barely visible. However, other photos of this block (notably by Carleton Watkins), show that the sign advertised arrangements for literally “Manchurian meat and vegetarian banquets” or follows: “燕南樓包辦滿漢葷素歌筳酒席”(pinyin: Yàn nán lóu bāobàn mǎn hàn hūn sù gē tíng jiǔxí; canto: “Yeen Nahm Lauh bau baan wuhn hon fun soe gaw ting jauh jik”). With the presence of two major restaurants, ground floor retail stores, and the New Chinese Theater at 623 Jackson Street, this block of old Chinatown must have constituted a vibrant, commercial entertainment strip.

A detail from the 1885 map prepared for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from the Cooper Chow collection (at the Chinese Historical Society of America).

Reilly’s inclusion in his photograph of the western frontage of the Choy Ying Low building on Washington Place (now known as Wentworth), provides an intriguing hint about the three men seen to the right of the photo. Two individuals are standing outside the doorways to the ground floor spaces on Washington Place; a third man stands closer to the curb. All three men appear to be doing nothing except observing the street. Based on the detail of the 1885 map for this corner, their positioning coincides with the presence of gambling establishments and a pawnshop -- around the corner from the restaurant’s entrance and a couple of doors south on Washington Place, as would be shown a decade later on the city’s 1885 vice map. Thus, it would not be unreasonable to infer that Reilly’s photo captured two to three “look-see” men standing guard for the alleyway’s gambling operators .

With the presence of two major restaurants at 633 and 631 Jackson, ground floor retail stores, and the Cantonese opera offered by the New Chinese Theater at 623 Jackson Street, this block of old Chinatown must have constituted a vibrant, commercial entertainment strip during the late 1870′s.

“Chinese restaurant, Jackson St., S.F. 3753″ c. 1875. Stereograph by Carleton Watkins (from the public domain collection of the Getty Museum). Judging from the angle of the sunlight along the length of Washington Place at the right of the frames, the photo was taken around mid-day.

Choy Ying Low, c. 1875. Photograph by Carleton Watkins (from the collection of the California State Library). This print captures a wider angle view of the restaurant than the ones used for the stereograph.

Sometime in 1880, the Choy Ying Low apparently ceased operations. By the following year, the Sing Sing poultry store occupied the 2 Washington Alley address, and another legendary Chinese restaurant had passed into history.

[updated: 2022-9-23]

#Choy Ying Low #San Francisco Chinatown #Jackson St.#Washington Place #OMCA #Yen Nem Low #New Chinese Theater #J.J. Reilly #Carleton Watkins

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theadusa · 4 years

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All the dramas I’ve watched in 2020

These are all the dramas that I watched in 2020, with some review there should be NO Spoilers. I think I watched a lot more than usual probably because what else am I supposed to do between school and quarantine. So this is gonna be a long one...

Crash Landing on You (Lee Jung-hyo, 2019-2020)

Main Leads: Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin

Episodes: 16, 70 to 110 Minutes

Thoughts: I enjoyed this drama, and it was a good one to start 2020 with. I thought it was a perfect blend of romance, comedy, heartfelt, found family, action, and some tragedy. I would highly recommend it, especially for those who are new to Kdramas. Also fun fact this is my first Hyun Bin drama. Rating: Fun and adorable

Tale of Nokdu (Kim Dong-hwi, 2019)

Main Leads: Jang Dong Yoon and Kim So Hyun

Episodes: 32, 35 minutes

Thoughts: I actually started watching this when it was airing but I stopped around episode 13 because of my busy schedule and finished it in the new year. I adore the main couple, the romance, comedy, the found family, and the women center story. I thought it shined the brightest when it was focused on the group and its funny and warm moments but once it got too political it kinda fell flat. I loved the ending, however. Also, I really like Jang Dong Young as an actor, I saw him in Solomon’s Perjury (2016) and Mr. Sunshine (2018) and I loved how he played Nok Du too. Rating: I love a women’s only widow village

I’ll Find You When The Weather is Nice (Han Ji-seung, 2020)

Main Leads: Seo Kang Joon and Park Min Young

Episodes: 16, 60 minutes

Thoughts: I really liked this drama, probably one of my favorites this year. As you will notice I enjoy quieter and more slow-burn stories. Also, I am a fan of Park Min Young she tends to pick more interesting and strong-willed female roles, so it is really enjoyable to watch. Rating: makes me want to own a book store.

King: The Eternal Monarch (Kim Eun-sook, 2020)

Main Leads: Lee Min Ho and Kim Go Eun

Episodes: 16, 70 Minutes

Thoughts: Confession; I am actually not the biggest fan of Lee Min Ho, nothing against him I just hate rich bratty characters and he tends to play them. However, I surprisingly really liked his character, he wasn’t a rich brat he actually was likable. I also really like Kim Go Eun, she is actually one of the main reasons why I watched and also with all the hype around it. Woo Do Hwan, who I have always liked, stole the whole show, however. I didn’t hate it like a lot of people, I really liked the characters, I liked the romance and the action. Also, Lee Min Ho and Kim Go Eun’s hugs were absolutely fabulous. It wasn’t my favorite and there were too many product placements, but I don’t think it was the worst drama this year. Rating: Lukewarm

A Piece of your mind (Lee Sang-yeob, 2020)

Main Leads: Jung Hae In and Chae Soo Bin

Episodes: 12, 70 minutes

Thoughts: I actually really liked this drama despite the low views, again I’m big on slow burn stories and character focus. I believe the episodes were cut from 16 to 12 I don’t know exactly why maybe because of the Pandemic or due to viewership or a mixture of both. Despite its being cut short I really liked the ending, and I thought the two leads were sweet. Rating: Wish we had more time to develop the characters.

Its Okay not to be Okay (Park Shin Woo, 2020)

Main Leads: Kim Soo Hyun and Seo Yea Ji and Oh Jung Se

Episodes: 16, 70 to 85 minutes

Thoughts: Out of all the dramas I talked the most about this one. I have always been a fan of Seo Yea Ji since Save Me (2017) and Lawless Lawyer (2018) and I am happy to see her getting more recognition because of this role. The entire cast was amazing and I think I cried every episode. Such a good and heart-wrenching drama which is why I chose to watch it before work every time. Rating: I would let Seo Yea Ji stab me with a knife anytime.

Mystic Pop up bar (Jeon Chang-geun, 2020)

Main Leads: Hwang Jung Eum and Yook Sung Jae and Choi Won Young

Episodes: 12, 70 minutes

Thoughts: I actually watched this while I was watching Its Okay Not to Be Okay and it was a nice balance to it because this was more of a found family story with less heartbreaking moments. Though it did have its share of heartbreak. I really liked all the characters and their relationship. Also, I am a sucker for bureaucratic fantasy/ magic, and kdramas are so good at it. Rating: I wish it was 16 episodes.

When the Camila Bloom (Cha Yeong Hoon, 2019)

Main Leads: Gong Hyo Jin and Kang Ha Neul

Episodes: 20, 63 to 75 minutes

Thoughts: I liked the story overall, the romance was cute and the mystery was interesting but I thought the family expectations was the best part of the story. This was not my favorite drama, but it was enjoyable and heartfelt. I watched it right after It's Okay Not to Be Okay and while I was watching Flower of Evil (2020) which probably is why I was so underwhelmed by it. Rating: Sweet romance and adorable found family.

Flower of Evil (Kim Cheol Kyu, 2020)

Main Leads: Lee Joon Gi and Moon Chae Won

Episode:16, 70 minutes

Thoughts: This was my favorite drama of this year. I went into this drama not thinking much of it, and I mainly watched it as a post drama blues drama. It was an action and thriller which I mainly don’t get attached to plus I am a huge fan of Lee Joon Gi. I should have known better, I cared so much about all the characters, the acting phenomenal, also every time they showed their hands I cried. This drama left me shriveled and empty inside. Rating: Lee Joon Gi will literally kill me one day.

Put Your Head On My Shoulders (Zhu Dongning, 2019)

Main Leads: Xing Fei and Lin Yi

Episodes: 24, 40 to 45 minutes

Thoughts: This is the first Chinese drama on this list. I thought it was cute, I liked the couple and thought it was alright. I started to dislike the male lead later in the series but it was overall fine. It was basic and sweet with very little drama. Rating: It did its job.

The School Nurse Files ( Lee Kyoung Mi, 2020)

Main Leads: Jung Yu Mi and Nam Joo Hyuk

Episodes: 6, 45 to 57 minutes

Thoughts: This is probably my second favorite drama. I couldn’t tell what happened in the drama but I loved it. I thought it was weird and fascinating, and just so magical. I loved the children and just how the whole school was just off its rocker. I also think that Nam Joo Hyuk does really well in serious roles, and I thought he did a really good job here. Rating: 1 jelly heart.

Mr. Heart (Park Sun Jae, 2020)

Main Leads: Cheon Seung Ho and Lee Se Jin

Episodes: 8, 11 Minutes

Thoughts: This was 8 episodes of start fluff and I adored it. Apparently, it is apart of a BL series by Park Sun Jae and there is a movie version that I haven’t watched. If you want to destress and watch just fluff this is the show for you. Rating: If it is any sweeter I would be going to the dentist.

You are My Destiny ( Ding Ying Zhou, 2020)

Main Leads: Xing Zhao Lin and Liang Jie

Episodes: 36, 45 minutes

Thoughts: I hated this drama, I thought it was the worst thing ever. I don’t know why I even watched all 36 episodes. Apparently, it is a remake of a popular 2008 Twaniese drama Fated to Love You and there is a Korean remake of it as well. I have watched neither of them, so I was brand new to this story. I hated, despised the male lead. He was whiny, entitled, and an asshole. The only good part of the drama was the male and female lead actually had a lot of chemistry, unfortunately, they are playing awful characters. Rating: This was made in 2020???

First Romance (Ding Pei, 2020)

Main Leads: Wan Peng and Riley Wang

Episodes: 24, 45 Minutes

Thoughts: This is another Chinese drama. Similar to Mr. Heart (2020) this show was super fluffy. I really liked the main couple they seem to respect each other and they both had adorable crushes on each other. I loved the whole dumb jock and dumb artist dynamic it was so funny. Rating: Cute!!!

Lost Romance ( Eri Hao, 2020)

Main Leads: Marcus Chang and Vivian Sung

Episodes: 20, 70 minutes

Thoughts: This is the only Twainese drama on this list. I think I liked this drama, I actually only remember very little of this drama. I like the CEO in the real world more than the book world, and I also really liked the female lead except she lowkey stalked the CEO like that was not okay. Rating: I think I liked it???

When We Were Young ( Deng Ke, Liu Guo Hui, 2018)

Main Leads: Neo Hou and Wan Peng and Gala Zhang and Pan Mei and Ye Marcus Li

Episodes: 24, 45 minutes

Thoughts: I really liked this film, I loved all the characters and thought it was all very heartfelt. I cried like a baby, and Hua Biao was such a touching and relatable character. And the whole grandma story hit so close to home. Rating: Made me cry like a baby.

Moment of 18 ( Sim Na Yeon, 2019)

Main Leads: Ong Seong Wu and Kim Hyang Gi

Episodes: 16, 70 minutes

Thoughts: I really liked this drama, and I thought the romance was so cute. I also really liked the relationship between the moms and was sad that the rich mom was a bitch and ruined the friendship. I also wasn’t a big fan of the ending, but I loved the rest of it. Rating: The main lead is part of a boy group because he had a random singing moment.

Perfect and Casual ( Li Shuang, 2020)

Main Leads: Miles Wei and Xu Ruo Han

Episodes: 24, 45 minutes

Thoughts: This is another Chinese drama on this list. I’m pretty sure it's considered an Idol drama so that sets your expectations. I really liked this drama a lot, I am a big fan of contract marriages and I thought the leads were so cute together. Also, this is the first contract marriage drama where the leads don’t break up which I like. A lot of the drama came from outside of the relationship. Rating: You can’t analyze love.

Le Coup De Foudre ( Wang Zhi, 2019)

Main Leads: Janice Wu and Zhang Yujian

Episodes: 35, 45 minutes

Thoughts: My favorite Chinese drama on this list. I loved this drama, I thought it was sweet and simple and the main couple was so realistic. Unpopular opinion I disliked the second couple and the best friend I thought she was annoying and brattish. However, I adore the main couple and their relationship. Rating: Realistic sweet romance.

More Than Friends ( Choi Sung Bum, 2020)

Main Leads: Ong Seong Wu and Shin Ye Eun

Episodes: 16, 70 minutes

Thoughts: I enjoyed the overall story and characters. I loved the group and their relationships. Also, Young-Hee made me cry, and her relationship with Hyun Jae was so sweet. The main leads were also sweet, and I related a lot to Lee So. I just didn’t like the back and forth. Rating: How many times can we break up in a drama.

Be With You ( Zhou Miao, 2020)

Main Leads: Ji Xiao Bing and Zhang Ya-Qin

Episodes: 24, 45 minutes

Thoughts: This is the last Chinese drama I watched this year. It was alright, the romance was sweet, I really like the female lead, and the male lead was nice to look at. It was okay. Also, the second couple was so ??? She was his boss, enemy, and older than him, what?? Rating: Sometimes you need to fall in love to be creative.

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo ( Kim Kyu Tae, 2016)

Main Leads: Lee Joon Gi and Lee Ji Eun (IU)

Episodes: 20, 60 minutes

Thoughts: I know I am really late watching this, but I finally did. I went in knowing this would hurt me and Lee Joon Gi already scared me this year ( damn this man) so I was fully prepared. I really wasn’t, it so much. (SPOIlERS) When Wang Eun and Park Soon Deok died I sob like a baby (SPOILER ENDING). It took me a long time to finish this show because its heart so much, like it physically hurt me. The show was really good, and heartbreaking, and the ending stabs me in the heart 20 times. Rating: Lee Joon Gi is trying to kill me with tears.

Persona ( Lee Kyoung Mi, Yim Pil Sung, Jeon Go Woon, and Kim Jong Kwan, 2019)

Main Leads: Lee Ji Eun (IU)

Episodes: 4, 19 to 27

Thoughts: This is a collection of mini-films by directors. 4 separate stories are starring Lee Ji Eun. I thought all of them good, especially “ Kiss Burn” and “Walking at Night.” There isn’t much else to this, more than it is an artistic display of filmmaking. Rating: Hipster Kdrama

Come and Hug Me ( Choi Joon-bae, 2018)

Main Leads: Jang Ki-Yong and Jin Ki-Joo

Episodes: 32, 35 minutes

Thoughts: I actually just finished this show today. I really liked it, I thought it was both sweet and heartwarming/wrenching. I hated that one journalist and the public like why are they blaming a victim. I didn’t watch it with my full mind because I’ve been distracted lately, but I did enjoy it. Rating: another cute but sad couple.

Movies I watched this year:

Spell Bound ( Hwang In Ho, 2011)

Main Cast: Son Ye Jin and Lee Min Ki

Running Time: 114 Minutes

Thoughts: I watched this at like 12 am after a bad day and it was cute. I love RomCom fantasy, which I think Korean media does really well. I don’t know what else to say except it is a really cute romance. Rating: Is it the ghost or the butterflies

The Host ( Bong Joon Ho, 2006)

Main Cast: Song Kang Ho and Byun Hee Bong and Park Hae Il and Bae Doona and Go, Ah Sung

Running Time: 119

Thoughts: This film I had to actually watch for class. It was a really good film which is expected from Bong Joon Ho. I love monster films and I thought this was a good rendition of this film. Also, The monster was so cool especially from 2006. I thought it was heartbreaking, stirring, and so beautifully shot. Rating: Oscar-worthy Direction

Little Forest ( Yim Soon-rye, 2018)

Main Cast: Kim Tae Ri and Ryu Jun Yeol and Moon So Ri and Jin Ki Joo

Running Time: 103 minutes

Thoughts: I really, really liked this film. It reminded me so much of I’ll Find You When The Weather is Nice (2020) that I thought that it was based on this film but it isn’t. I have watched this film 3 times since October and every time I watch it have made bread. I really just love everything about this film, how quiet it is, the cinematography, the acting, just everything. Rating: Three loaves of bread.

Always ( Song Il Gon, 2011)

Main Cast: So Ji Sub and Han Hyo Joo

Running Time: 106 Minutes

Thoughts: I thought it was okay, I watched it while I was knitting so I was distracted a bit. But I thought the couple was sweet, and the characters were interesting. Rating: It's Okay.

Currently watching

True Beauty ( Kim Sang-hyeop, 2020-)

Main Cast: Moon Ga Young and Cha Eun Woo and Hwang In Yeop

Episodes: 16, 70 minutes

Thoughts: This is currently an ongoing series that is actually really popular. Apparently, it is based on a webtoon, which I haven’t read. I like it so far, I always liked Moon Ga Young and I think she is a great actress. She plays Im Ju Kyung in a likable and insecure way, instead of someone annoying which could easily happen. I will be continuing watching. Rating so far: Okey dokey yo.

Live On ( Kim Sang-woo, 2020-)

Main Cast: Jung Da Bin and Hwang Min Hyun

Episodes: 8?, 60 Minutes

Thoughts: I really Like this show. The main couple is sweet and supportive. I really like the female lead, I like that she is cold and kinda quiet, but with a sweet spot if you are not a dick. I really like the main relationship conflict comes from friendship instead of romance, I think it makes the show more interesting. Rating: I want to Join a Broadcast group.

On My List:

I actually don’t have anything else on my list so if anyone has recommendations please tell me. I am thinking about watching Mr. Queen ( 2020) because I really like Shin Hye Sun. I also want to watch Sweet Home (2020) the Netflix series. But please recommend me some dramas!!!

This is such a long list, and I had fun doing it and going back over all the dramas. I hope everyone has a good New year and that we will have many more good dramas in 2021!

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sifeng · 5 years

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Review: The Legend of Zhen Huan

Harem dramas (or gongdou dramas) are really extremely interesting, not just because the schemes and plots are smart and evil, but also because the ones planning are ladies. Typically, in big historical political dramas, such as Nirvana in Fire (琅琊榜) or the legendary Romance of the Three Kingdoms (三国演义), the big players are all males. In the former example, you have a few notable female roles, but in the latter, there are a lot of main characters, and only one is a woman. In harem dramas, the tables are reversed. The ladies are the ones doing the scheming, and they’re doing it while completely hiding inner feuds from the emperor. Out of all the harem dramas that have been made by China, the prize for “Best Harem Drama” typically goes to The Legend of Zhen Huan (甄嬛传). So what’s so good about Zhen Huan? And why should you watch it?

The main five ladies fighting for the emperor’s love (or are they really just fighting for power?) From left to right: Hua Fei (华妃), the Empress (皇后), Zhen Huan (甄嬛), Shen Meizhuang (沈眉庄), An Lingrong (安陵容)

Plot:

Zhen Huan is a young woman who looks to have a normal life. However, all chances at a normal life are crushed when she is selected to become the emperor’s concubine. Now, she must learn the ways of the harem, which not only include etiquette, but also scheming and betrayal.

Cast:

Sun Li/Betty Sun (孙俪) as Zhen Huan (甄嬛)

Chen Jianbin (陈建斌) as Yongzheng/Emperor (雍正/皇上)

Cai Shaofen/Ada Choi (蔡少芬) as Ulanara Yixiu/Empress (乌拉那拉·宜修/皇后)

Li Dongxue (李东学) as Prince Guo/Yun Li (果郡王/允礼)

Jiang Xin (蒋欣) as Consort Hua/Nian Shilan (华妃/年世兰)

Tao Xinran (陶昕然) as An Lingrong (安陵容)

Lan Xi (斓曦) as Shen Meizhuang (沈眉庄)

My Opinions:

Plot (My Rating - A):

I would say the best thing about the plot is the pacing. It doesn’t go extremely fast, to the point where you lose track of everything that is happening, but it does go at a relatively reasonable pace so the show never gets boring.

This drama does an amazing job of showing the cruelty of the harem. Also, I kind of think the kind of scheming that goes on in harem dramas are even more scary than the big political schemes of the big historical dramas, because these ladies put on this image of being good sisters that support each other, when in reality they have thought up a million ideas on how to kill each other.

Of course, being a harem drama, there’s not a whole lot of cute romance here, but there are quite a few couples (beyond the emperor and his concubines) that are kind of cute. Also, as it is a harem drama, focus on friendship and loyalty to friends is rarely mentioned. There’s really only two cases of friendship in the entire drama, everything else is much more like an “alliance”.

Characterization (My Rating - A+):

I would say the two best parts of this drama are characterization and acting. Every character in this drama has their flaws, but also traits that we should be admirable of and learn from. Let’s take An Lingrong for example. Her biggest flaw is that she has extremely low self esteem, which leads her to be paranoid and loose her ability to trust her friends. However, she is also extremely persistent. She knows singing is her talent, and so she uses it on a number of occasions to gain favor. When she looses her voice, she learns to ice skate, and is able to do it wonderfully, and again, she gains favor with the emperor. She also later learns to take her future into her own hands, instead of depending on her friends, or the Empress to protect her.

Characters also grow throughout the series. Though they start out innocent, Zhen Huan, Shen Meizhuang and An Lingrong grow to become wise and mature. And as this show is extremely long, we get to see what events set off character growth. All slightly major characters undergo some kind of character development, and all of them have developed personalities that make you want to root for them sometimes, but sometimes you really just want to throw them in the Cold Palace.

No villain is left without a humanized side. No one is evil for the sake of being evil (which cough, Gao Guifei in Yanxi?), and even the villains have backstories that make you sympathize with their actions. At the end of the day, I can’t even really call them “villains” since, let’s be real, some of the “good guys” do things that are just as bad. Similarly, the very few heroes in our show have their negative traits as well. No one is perfect. Everyone is human.

The most impressive thing is definitely the growth of Zhen Huan. She starts out weak and somewhat of a coward, however, by the end, she is the one that people fear. As the show narrates the story of Zhen Huan from a 16 year old girl to the powerful Empress Dowager, we can see how every event in her life changes her. Every scheme, death, betrayal, they all build Zhen Huan to be a strong, powerful, but cruel person. Some have criticized the show because it seems to send out the message that in order to get above your bullies, you have to become just as evil. I disagree. Two of the concubines in the palace, Jing Pin and Duan Fei are more low-key, rarely participating in schemes, and they survive until the very end, earning the third and second highest ranks possible in the harem respectively. You don’t need to scheme in this show if you develop good relationships with everyone, and have a low-key and simple existence. As long as you don’t push yourself Ito the race for the emperor’s favor, you’re sure to live.

Acting (My Rating - A+):

My god. How did they literally manage to get ever single actor portray their characters perfectly? Not just the main leads, but literally everyone, made me truly believe their characterization. Of course I have to give props to Sun Li, Ada Choi and Jiang Xin for their portrayals of Zhen Huan, the Empress and Hua Fei. THEY WERE AMAZING. Even though the latter two are arguably villains, they played their parts so well that honestly, I felt bad when the Emperor didn’t believe them or ignored them.

I also think Tao Xinran did really good as An Lingrong. In the beginning she did a great job of bringing out An Lingrong’s self-deprecating and unconfident personality, and I could see that even though An Lingrong ended up growing significantly in power, underneath the facade of confidence, she’s has low self esteem and confidence.

What’s really amazing is that a lot of the supporting actors here have become stars themselves. Three of the supporting concubines, Qi Guiren, Chun Changzai and Ying Guiren are played by three rising stars Tang Yixin, Tan Songyun and Mao Xiaotong.

Cinematography (My Rating - A-): The shots of the Forbidden City are beautiful, but seeing as this is a 2011 drama, the quality isn’t amazing.

Costumes (My Rating - A+): I mean just look at the pictures above. The costumes are STUNNING.

Overall Rating: A+

Recommend For: People looking for a drama full of schemes and mystery. People who are okay with a drama that doesn’t include a whole to of romance or friendship. People looking for a good harem drama. People who liked Yanxi or Ruyi should definitely watch this drama!

#Cdrama #Cdrama Review #the legend of Zhen huan #Zhen huan #the story of yanxi palace #empress in the palace #RECOMMEND FOR EVERYONE HONESTLY #ITS THE BEST HAREM DRAMA

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joeyvintage · 7 years

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Five Animals (Ng Ying)

The section of Dragon (Lung) is an explicit introduction to the advanced „internal power training“ (Noi Gung) of Hung Kyun. Slow, isometric moves are coordinated with specific modes of breathing (slow/fast; inhaling through the nose/mouth, exhaling through the nose/mouth, holding one’s breath) and different sounds (silent/loud, soft/explosive, short/long).

The dragon section actually consists of greeting section, first section and parts of the second and third sections of the most advanced Hung Kyun set, „Iron Thread“ (Tit Sin Kyun ), and first two sections of „Tiger and crane Double Form“ (Fu Hok Seung Ying Kyun).

The techniques of Snake (Se) comprise of fast, continuous finger jabs (Lin Waan Biu Chyun Sau), aimed to the throat. The other representative techniques of the snake are „snake’s tongue“ (Se Sit) – double finger jab to the opponents eyes (also called „Two Dragons Snatching Pearls, Yi Lung Jang Jyu) and „Snake’s Head“ block (Se Tau). Rest of the snake part is a repetition of short parts of “Tiger and Crane Set.

Fierce and aggressive Tiger (Fu) uses the „hard power“ (Gong Ging) of its „Tiger Claws“ (Fu Jaau). The tiger section – except 2 „Black Tiger Claws“ (Hak Fu Jaau) in the beginning – is identical with „Ten Tiger Claws“ (Sap Fu Jaau) of „Tiger and Crane Double Form Set“, using “Single Tiger Claw“ (Daan Fu Jaau) and „Double Tiger Claw“ (Seung Fu Jaau) from different angles and with different types of offensive footwork. Both Wong Fei Hung and Lam Sai Wing were very famous for their art of „Tiger Claw“.

“Five Animals” part of “Ten Forms”, performed by Cheung Yee Keung Sifu, disciple of Grand Master Chan Hon Chung. Special thanks to Alberto Biraghi, disciple of Grand Master Chan Hon Chung for sharing this rare footage.

The fighting arsenal of agile, fast and ferocious Leopard (Paau) consists of so called “Thrusting strikes“ (Chaap Cheui), „Hanging Fist Strikes“ (Gwa Cheui) and „Sweeping Strikes“ (Sou Cheui), connected with agile footwork and body turning. The three main techniques – „hanging, sweeping, thrusting“ (Gwa, Sou, Chaap) come from the ferocious fighting arsenal of another famous Southern Gung Fu system, Choi Lei fat.

“Five animals” section ends with the taoist symbol of immortality and wisdom, elegant crane (Hok). The evasive and „soft“ crane techniques consist of „crane beak“ (Hok Jeui), „Crane Wings“ (Hok Chi), „Single Leg Stance“ (Duk Lap Ma), knee/front kicks and so called “Crane Head Strike“ (Hok Ding), also called „Phoenix Eye Strike“ (Fung Ngaan Cheui). Again, the crane section – except first three „Crane Wings Hands“ is identical with crane section of Fu Hok Seung Ying Kyun.

According to old Siulam tradition the techniques of the Dragon cultivate „Spirit“ (San), the Snake „vital energy“ (Hei), the Tiger „Bones“ (Gwat), the Leopard “Strength” (Lik) and the Crane “Essence” (Ging).

Contrary the popular theory, Hung Kyun’s Five Elements do not imitate the animals – we at Practical Hung Kyun joke that animals imitate PHK. All techniques have very practical usage – the poetical names were devised later to describe the spirit and usage of the combat techniques.

Five Elements (Ng Hang)

„Five elements“ (Ng Hang) should be more correctly translated as „Five Elemental Processes“ or „Five Phases“. Ng Hang section of „Ten Forms Set“ demonstrates the mighty arsenal of destructive boxing techniques of traditional Hung Kyun system, very useful in fighting mutiple opponents. The fist techniques of „Five elements“ (Ng Hang) were incorporated from „Buddhist Family Arhat Style/set“ (Fat Ga Lo Hon Kyun), commonly know as as „Hero’s family style” (Hap Ga Kyun).

The techniques of Metal (Gam) represent strong and heavy vertical and horizontal axe-like strikes, both from outside in and inside out – „Dividing Metal fist“ (Fan Gam Kyun) and “Chopping Fist” (Pek Cheui). “Ax-like” is important! Many practitioners perform Gwa Cheui as a back fist strike – wrong.

The techniques of Wood (Muk) are characterized by close range fighting techniques (but not only) – the block and punch are delivered simultaneously. One of the typical moves of the wood element is so called „Wood Squeezing Punch“ (Gap Muk Kyun).

Long reaching swingings technique of the Water (Seui) – „Water Wave Throwing Punch“ (Seui Long Paau Kyun) – are like wild sea waves. One arm blocks the opponents arm, the other arm breakes the enemy’s elbow in a scissors-like movement (and yes, if you know how to set it up, it works!) or attacks the opponents groin or chin. In the set, the Hung Kyun fighter throws 9 punches to all directions. Paau Cheui belonged to the most favorite techniques of Grand Master Lam Sai Wing.

Fast, continuous „chain“ punches – „Fire arrow Punches“ (Fo Jin Kyun), delivered to the opponents face, solar plexus or soft ribs, represent the element Fire (Fo). „Chain punches“ (Lin Waan Kyun) btw. represent one of the core techniques of Wing Cheun, although the way we throw them resembles more the aggressive “running” style of Hap Ga with zig-zag “Seven Stars Steps” (Chat Sing Bou).

“Five elements” section ends with the techniques of Earth (Tou) with the rising back fist strikes – „Earth Throwing Punches“ (Tou Paau Kyun) in a low and stable stance – famous “Crane Wing Hand” (Pok Yik Sau) of Hap Ga.

As for another common misconception: contrary to common believe, there is not generation/conquest cycle in “Five Elements” of Hung Kyun. Any element flows into another according to the needs and situation, any element counters any other element.

Pavel Macek Sifu, Practical Hung Kyun

Intro Photo: Gordon Liu (Lau Kar-Fai), from an old article, available together with 30 other rare articles in our Real Hung Kyun special collector’s edition.

#Kung Fu #reflexology #vin-ta-gee #escape

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cnfhumss12a-blog · 5 years

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Róng Qià ( 融洽)

By Daphne L. Ching Being a Chinese myself, there is one place I could freely use my language and heritage to bond with the other people, whether Chinese or Filipino. The word I can think of to describe such place is róng qià ( 融洽). This is Chinese for being in good terms, harmonious, and friendly with one another, where we live in perfect accord in each other. But how come róng qià, you may wonder. Let me explain through a simple trip I had one day in the very heart of the Philippines, Binondo.

As I stepped down from my first tricycle ride, I felt the hot air of the Chinatown. Sweat was already dripping down my face but I never let it bother me since that’s normal in this place. My mom and I walked down Binondo, its busy streets filled with transportations. I thought, people would smell the heavy smoke. Some may even smell the body odor from the sweats of the workers walking by on their day to day routines. But for me, that is not the case. The power of the scent that comes from the tiny noodle shop across the street overwhelmed me instead with the aroma of their la mian (hand-pulled noodles) and the spice of their mapo doufu (mapo tofu).

In a black shirt and loose shorts, I placed my small blue sling bag in front of my body and crossed the continuous traffic with my mom, delivery trucks stopping on their way to let us pass. Once we reached the other side, I can’t help but notice the big sign that said “Noodles Everyday” and posters over the glass swinging door that attracted the passersby of cheap, yet amazing la mian. A big window on the side gave people a view of the kitchen where one can watch chefs twist and pull noodles with practiced rhythms and skills.

The noise of dish plates clanging unto each other, the indistinct conversations of customers, and the common greetings of huan ying guang lin (Welcome!) floods my ears as I stepped inside. We were led by the courteous waiters to a table with red plastic chairs, where the Chinese traditional table setting of white porcelain bowl, chopstick, and tea cup are given to the hungry customers to use. Their menu presented a variety of dim sums such as siomai and xiao long bao that are cooked in round wooden dim sum steamers, bowls of soup such as misua and maki (Filipino-Chinese Pork Tenderloin), fresh seafoods such as shrimps and fish that are cooked in garlic or ginger, and vegetables such as bok choy (Chinese cabbage) that is greener than ever in oyster sauce. With just P165, one can already get their bestselling la mian called the “Special Everyday Ramen”. Pulled thinly and cooked to perfection, the noodles glistened under the clear broth where the white puffy wantons and fat juicy beef sat lightly on top. The colors in the bowl contrasted each other as a single bite of the beef and the saltiness of the soup also complemented one another. Because it was made from raw ingredients and is hand-pulled, the noodles was designed to be connected to one another, making it possible to slurp them until my mouth was full. Aside from that, their mapo doufuI satisfied my taste buds as well. The minced meat that’s marinated with the sweet and spicy sauce was combined with soft tofu and garnished with chopped green onions. Put these two dishes together and pair it their free cold soy milk and that gave me one of the best lunch experiences that you can only find in Binondo.

As we stepped outside full and satisfied, we joined the flow of the crowd, hoping to catch our second tricycle ride. We walked along people who were carrying things, pushing carts to make deliveries, and going along shops to make up their day. A few steps down the road, I felt it was as if I was in the setting of a Chinese movie. Every time I'd set foot in Binondo, my attention would always divert towards beautiful sceneries with unique structures. Lanterns hung along the lamp posts, creating what seems like a floating road that is made out of big and circular red balloons. Each bridge was artistically designed in the shade of red and arced to mimic the traditional style. Shops held up huge signboards that filled the sides of the road, big names in English and Chinese symbols plastered on top. The buildings were mostly made of concrete, as it was quite obvious that these building were here for a lot of years based on the worn out effect. Additionally, continuous walking resulted to us passing under a lot of arches that served as labels. One of which stood tall and strong in a shade of gray with a label of “Ongpin North Bridge” in a gold bold letters along with its Chinese translation. The place was very rich in their history that this culture, architecture, and designs still carried on throughout the years and generations.

We finally found a tricycle, its green cart was able to accommodate my mom and I. The driver, on the black bike, was very friendly as well since the ride was considerably cheap. Instead of giving us a fixed price, he asked us how much we would want to offer, and P40 each was all that was needed for him to agree to take us from Ongpin street to Soler street, the area of the shopping malls. The bike engine roared as he made a U-turn on the tight street of Ongpin. Along the bumpy roads, he skillfully dodged the traffic and maneuvered through cars, taking us to the final destination that was faster than expected. We descended the tricycle and with a crooked smile, he warmly said “Ingat! (Take care!)” before driving away to find other passengers.

At that moment, we were standing on the middle of a load full of malls. The Chinese gives so much value for money and luck that they have malls that are named after lucky numbers such as 168, 888, 999. As we visited them, endless rows of colorful stalls lined up in front of me. Chiang ge or Divisoria, as they called it, is a place filled with vendors selling a variety of goods that are different from one another. And oh, don’t get me started about the shopping. The biggest reason why we always go here is because it is a shopping haven for me where I can buy them cheap. Because of their low wholesale prices, we always buy in bulk for occasions such as Christmas gift shopping. Lines of gems and gold-plated jewelries shine under the light, appliances and devices such as lamps and signboards operate to attract buyers, and colorful stationaries and toys fill up the vision to make people stop by and interested Racks of clothes was presented in so much options, from denim to cotton. All are available in reasonable prices, perfect as a gift or for my own use. Shopping was also available on the streets as we stepped outside of the mall. Huge colored umbrellas marked the posts of different stalls and stands along the side of the street. Like a market, they sell a variety of fresh fruits and vegetable wherein my mom always had a friendly competition or bargain with the seller of lowering the price as much as possible, a term we call tawad. They spoke in a very familiar Fukien, a dialect that both my family and some of the sellers are very fluent in. All I can say is that it was definitely a complete source of anything one can think of and a shopping haven available for all.

The best part of Binondo, however, was present in every aspect of the experience - its people. From waiters who showed much courtesy in their service and welcoming, to tricycle drivers and friendly vendors, the people in Binondo make you feel the warmth and homeliness of the place. There was no discrimination but only harmony of two cultures or races, Filipino and Chinese, interacting and living together to create the amazing experience possible right here in Binondo. A third tricycle ride was just enough to give a perfect ending to the entire trip as I passed by and had a last glimpse of the shopping malls, the street vendors, the red Chinese plump lanterns along the lamp posts, the North Ongpin bridge that was still filled with people, and the big poster from the Noodles Everyday restaurant where I can still catch the smell la mian before I went home.

There is a reason why this place is given the name of Chinatown. Binondo proves its ability to give visitors to feel like they traveled to another country in its easiest ways. With just around P1000, one can experience China right here at the heart of the Philippines. Who needs a plane when you can just use three tricycle rides, right? Gallery: https://cnfhumss12a.tumblr.com/tagged/Daphne

#english #Daphne

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