From a Chinese bonsai enthusiast to a master of the art, Canadian Chad Sinclair has spent 21 years in China pursuing his passion for the country's traditional aesthetics.
Chinese bonsai, or penjing, is the ancient art of creating artistically formed trees, plants and landscapes in miniature. Sichuan-style penjing, renowned for its gnarled, picturesque tree trunks and imposing rock formations, stands as a significant school of the art form. In 2011, it was included in China's third list of national intangible cultural heritage.
Sinclair's interest in penjing began as a little boy on a tour of a Chinese Buddhist temple in Canada. He had no idea that his admiration would lead him to China, nor that he would become a promotional ambassador of the International Horticultural Exhibition 2024 held in Chengdu City of southwest China's Sichuan Province.
In 2003, Sinclair had his first encounter with genuine Sichuan-style penjing in Chengdu's Baihuatan Park.
"Twenty-one years ago, when I first came to Chengdu, this is the first place that I went to. And this is actually one of the trees that was there still, twenty-one years ago, this old pine. And it's been in the same location. I can really feel the age on this one," he said.
Years later, Sinclair became a professor of penjing and has developed his own understanding of the Chinese art.
"The twists and turns and ups and downs symbolize the way our life is. It's never an easy thing. We have good days and bad days," he said.
As Sinclair delved deeper into the creation of his own Sichuan-inspired penjing, the Canadian man also discovered an interest in Chinese painting, and brush drawing with Chinese friends has become an important part of his routine.
"I wanted to use a lot of emptiness as well as what I had. I just wanted to see if I could get a nice feel and some balance to it," Sinclair explained after finishing a painting that features wispy clouds, verdant mountain ranges and leisurely anglers.
In creating his work, Sinclair says the inspiration actually comes from his daily life in Chengdu. The serene and unhurried lifestyle of the city people has left a lasting impression on him over the past two decades.
Like many Chengdu residents, he also enjoys drinking tea, savoring the fragrance as well as the tea culture and meaning behind the leaves.
Over the years, Sinclair has often spoken to his friends from home about the fulfilling life he has in Sichuan, where he has witnessed the city's transformation and modernization, as well as its growing connectivity with the rest of China through convenient highways, high-speed rail, and other transportation.
"It's a booming country. It's growing so fast. I love it here. To go anywhere, it's quite easy now. Whereas 20 years ago, to get anywhere was quite difficult. And so people come here and a lot of times they will just want to stay like how I did it. I was only going to stay for a few years. And I am still here after 20 years," he said.
21-year journey turns Canadian enthusiast into master of Chinese bonsai
A promotional video for China Media Group (CMG)'s 2025 Spring Festival Gala has gained widespread attention in Guatemala, Honduras, and Pakistan, offering locals a unique opportunity to experience Chinese culture and generating excitement for the event's upcoming live virtual broadcast.
The Spring Festival Gala, also known as "Chunwan" in Chinese, has been an annual tradition since 1983, airing live on Chinese New Year's Eve.
In Guatemala, the promo video for the 2025 Spring Festival Gala began airing on Sunday at major shopping centers across the capital, Guatemala City. This marks the second consecutive year that the promo has been showcased in the country.
Displayed on large screens both indoors and outdoors, the video captured the attention of shoppers and passersby in busy commercial districts, sparking interest in Chinese culture.
"I think it's great that technology is being used to help us learn more about China through social media," said David Aguilar, a resident. "For those of us interested in Chinese culture, no matter how far away we are, we always seek to stay connected to this rich cultural heritage, especially the traditions that have been passed down through history."
Fabian Lopez, another resident, expressed his excitement about the program: "Through the promos, I've learned how the celebration takes place. The culture is fascinating, and it's wonderful that we can connect via the internet to watch the entire celebration. I'm really looking forward to it and will be sure not to miss any of the broadcast. This year marks the Year of the Snake, if I'm not mistaken, and as for me, I was born in the Year of the Monkey according to the Chinese zodiac."
The video has captured the attention of many who have never watched the program before, with many now eagerly looking forward to the live virtual broadcast of the Gala.
"Honestly, I've never watched the Spring Festival Gala before, but after seeing the promos, it looks absolutely beautiful. It's a great way to learn about Chinese culture through the arts, dance, and even elements of comedy and magic. I think it's wonderful that they share their history through such a spectacular show," shared Alejandro Calderon, another local resident.
David Gallo, another resident, remarked on the impact of cultural exchange: "It's truly impressive to arrive in Guatemala and connect with Chinese culture through the promotional videos. It's a gratifying experience that offers us a fresh perspective on the world from Latin America."
Meanwhile, in neighboring Honduras, the promotional video has been playing continuously in major commercial districts and transportation hubs in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula since Saturday. This marks the second consecutive year it has been displayed in the country.
"My best wishes to China. I hope you have a wonderful year, continue to unite forces, and keep your beautiful culture alive. A big hug," said Yani Paola Gonzalez, a Honduran citizen.
Fellow Honduran Deyanira Romero offered her new year's wishes to the Chinese people: "I wish the people of China a happy new year, filled with love, prosperity, and peace."
In Pakistan, the promotional video has also been featured at several events celebrating the upcoming Spring Festival.
On Saturday, the Pakistan Overseas Chinese Association, along with other local organizations, hosted the China-Pakistan Children's Spring Festival Gala in Islamabad, where the video was shown. The event also celebrated the successful UNESCO heritage listing of the Spring Festival, with hopes for a new chapter in China-Pakistan relations.
"This year, China's Spring Festival has been inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, turning it into a global celebration. We hope that events like this will help more Pakistani people, especially children, learn about Chinese culture and the Spring Festival, fostering a deeper appreciation for Chinese traditions," said Ma Bin, president of the Pakistan Chinese Education Association and organizer of the children's gala.
In the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, the CMG Spring Festival Gala promotional video was also displayed at the entrance to the country's only light rail, the Orange Line Metro, attracting passengers to pause and watch.
CMG's Spring Festival Gala promo captivates audiences in Guatemala, Honduras, Pakistan