#chineseidentity

[tinyeyescomics]

Out of curiosity, I did my DNA test last year. Before I did it, I joked with friends that the result was probably going to something like “100% Chinese”, since my family has always been living in China, and there’s no record saying that any of my ancestors are from elsewhere. Surprisingly, the result says that I’m a “mix”. Unsurprisingly, all my genetic components are ethnic groups that were present in Chinese history. (although I have no idea where that tiny trace of Europe came from!) In a way, my genetic composition is a mirror of all the connections that have been made across different groups throughout history: trades, wars, marriages…When we talk about lineage, we emphasize on the verticality, but it’s the horizontality that connects and enriches us. In the end, purity only exists in our fantasies and illusions, the reality is far more intertwined and colorful. #identity #lineage #dnatest #chineseidentity #purity #history #sliceoflife #webcomic #tinyeyescomics https://www.instagram.com/p/B1tp286COEW/?igshid=au33u6rjhi4x

[law77]

English Version – Blog Post #9

The Taste on the Corner: A Familiar Takeaway Bag

I snapped a photo on my way back from picking up dinner. The brown paper bag printed with “DUMPLING HOUSE 香饽饽” made me pause for a moment. It wasn’t just a takeaway—it was a piece of home. The bold Chinese characters, red stamp logo, and even the way the bag was folded reminded me of countless meals growing up. For me, this small object represents more than food; it carries a sense of cultural belonging. Even overseas, something as simple as dinner can reflect identity.

Cultural Space in the Landscape: Hamilton Gardens

Not long ago, I visited Hamilton Gardens and came across a Chinese-style garden. The green tiled roof, red wooden doors, stone lions, and poetic calligraphy made me feel like I had stepped into a private garden in Southern China. This garden is officially named the “Chinese Scholar’s Garden,” and is part of the international garden collections in Hamilton. While physically in New Zealand, standing in front of the gate and reading the poetic couplets gave me a real sense of connection to my roots. This wasn’t just decoration or exotic design—it was a quiet but powerful cultural continuation across continents.

Traditional Wellness in the Modern City

In central Auckland, I came across a Chinese medicine clinic called “Xin He Tang.” Its visual identity—from typography to décor—reminded me of clinics I’d seen growing up. Nearby, an advertisement at Birkenhead Library promoted a Yang-style Tai Chi class held every Friday morning. These elements might seem mundane, but they show how Chinese traditions are quietly integrating into everyday life. Whether it’s healthcare or wellness, they are no longer foreign—they’ve become part of local living.