[中文版本]

Dragon boat racing has ancient roots of a tradition in southern China for over 2,000 years. The sport evolved from out of a ritual in order to appease river gods for ensuring a good harvest into a key part for the Duanwu Festival (also known as the Dragon Boat Festival), which is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.

Most famous of the legends that are linked in fact to dragon boat racing is the story of Qu Yuan who was a patriotic poet plus minister during the Warring States period. Qu Yuan drowned himself within the Miluo River following exile because of opposing corruption. Locals raced out in boats to save him or retrieve his body. Drums were beaten plus rice dumplings (zongzi) went into the river to keep fish and evil spirits away. This act of remembrance is where the dragon boat race started.

Dragon boat racing is symbolic of unity and also of teamwork. It also represents respect for tradition beyond the festival. It remains an energetic expression of Chinese cultural heritage as it is celebrated globally today.

By

杜乐尧 翻译 (Translation) 2025-08-04

  [中文版本]

My grandmother grows many cherry tomatoes in her garden. The tomatoes are small and delicate, bright red and glistening like tiny jewels: absolutely adorable! Every summer, as the tomatoes begin to ripen, my grandmother goes out to the garden to water and care for them. She always tends to each plant with patience and care. Grandma says she loves working in the garden because witnessing the tomatoes grow gives her a deep sense of fulfillment.

I love picking tomatoes with my grandma. Every time we go, she points out the ones that are perfectly ripe, making my mouth water. Picking a tomato and feeling its smooth, round surface always fills me with joy. Then, Grandma washes the fresh tomatoes, cuts them into small pieces, and shares them with us. They taste incredibly sweet; every bite is as if tasting my grandmother’s love.

Besides tomatoes, there are many other plants in her garden. She always says that every plant in the garden is like a friend that needs to be cared for with attention and love. Whenever I see her working diligently in the garden, I think about how her love lives in these cherry tomatoes and the flowers she tends. Every year during tomato harvest season, my grandma always sees satisfied smiles on our faces. To me, these little tomatoes are more than just delicious food; they are symbols of my grandma’s warmth and care.

My grandmother’s garden has taught me a lot. By helping take care of the tomatoes, I’ve learned patience and come to understand the meaning of care and love. Every time I step into her garden and see those ripe cherry tomatoes, I think of her. Each tomato she has grown with love is a reflection of her affection for the family.

By

朱瑞皓 翻译 (Translation) 2025-08-04

  [中文版本]

On the shelf near the window in my living room sits a Phalaenopsis orchid. It faces the azure sky and vast stretches of green trees. The orchid's flowers are a vibrant magenta, with centers displaying orange and pink hues. Its stem is green, fading gradually from a deep green to a lighter one. The leaves are attached to the stem. The leaves are oval-shaped and share a similar green shade to the stem. The flower rests carefully in a white porcelain pot.

What sets this flower apart from others are its distinctive characteristics. For example, the Phalaenopsis flower exhibits bilateral symmetry, meaning if you fold it along its central axis, the two halves mirror each other. Another feature is its sturdy, grey-green aerial roots, which allow it to firmly grip surfaces or hang freely, while absorbing moisture from the air. Its unique form makes it easily distinguishable from other flowers.

Another special aspect of the Phalaenopsis lies in its texture when touched. Its petals feel very soft, but the flower spike has visible nodes. The base of the spike is surprisingly soft, tapering upwards to a point, with nodes bearing scars from where old flowers have fallen off. The petals feel almost rubbery, while the leaves have a plastic-like feel. Because this is a real plant, it feels truly special to experience these textures!

For these orchids to thrive, they need proper care. Firstly, they require light, which is why Mom placed them on the shelf facing the window. Secondly, they need a good orchid potting mix that allows air to circulate around their roots. Finally, Phalaenopsis orchids dislike frequent watering because they have aerial roots.

In summary, the Phalaenopsis is not only a gorgeous flower but also possesses many unique traits. Its form and appearance are distinctive, and it requires appropriate care to grow healthily!

I love this Phalaenopsis orchid dearly, not only because it’s stunning when in bloom, but also because its blooms last up to six months. Every time I see it, I marvel at its beauty! Under my mom’s care, it reblooms year after year. Seeing new flower spikes emerge, Mom tells me it gives her a real sense of accomplishment.

By

秦夏依 翻译 (Translation) 2025-08-04

 [中文版本]

The Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage is a classic Chinese idiom that refers to a historical event in the Late Han Dynasty that would eventually lead to the development of the Three Kingdoms and their six decades of continual conflicts. The anecdote deals with themes not restricted to Chinese culture—despite their prevalence—but reflect human nature as a whole: the importance of courtesy and a persistent show of sincerity when requesting a favor. 

At the time, in the territory of the declining Eastern Han Dynasty, three prominent warlords began to gain leverage—Cao Wei, led by Cao Cao; Shu Han, led by Liu Bei; and Eastern Wu, led by Sun Quan. Liu had just suffered a great defeat in the Central Plains and fled to Jingzhou (A city in present-day Hubei Province) to stay with the local nobility Liu Biao. As a descendant of the royalty of the Han, Liu sought to revive the dynasty; he recruited talent everywhere, and Zhuge Liang, known as "Wolong," (“lying-dragon”) was recommended to him as an extremely knowledgeable and talented strategist that could be the silver bullet to Liu Bei’s problems and ambitions.

Liu, accompanied by his best generals, Zhang Fei and Guan Yu, visited Zhuge’s thatched cottage in Longzhong. Zhuge was absent, and Liu left a respectful note. Zhang mocked Liu: "Why beg a hermit? Summon him!" But Liu Bei insisted on humility.

On the second visit, Liu and the two generals return in harsh winter. The three arrived after traversing through the deep snow and cruel winds. Zhuge Liang's brother received them, revealing that Zhuge was wandering. Guan was upset, raising doubts about Zhuge's worth, but Liu Bei wrote another heartfelt letter.

On the third visit, Liu returned after the Spring Festival. Although it was daytime, Zhuge was napping. Zhang and Guan were exasperated, but Liu waited patiently and silently in the snow until Zhuge awakened. Moved by Liu's perseverance and sincerity, Zhuge agreed to serve him. After brief discussions with Liu, Zhuge outlined the Longzhong Plan—a strategy to reunite the fragmented China.

The story underscores Liu's humility—a lord bowing to a scholar—and embodies Confucian ideals of valuing knowledge over status. The repeated efforts despite setbacks suggest that true talent deserves unwavering pursuit. The idiom is often used to praise bosses and companies that earnestly recruit talent, to encourage patience in education, and to reflect China's soft-power diplomacy by building trust through persistent, respectful engagement.

By

沈子越 翻译 (Translation) 2025-08-04

  [中文版本]

Tomatoes grow big and round, with many shapes and colors. Some are wide, some are long; some are very round, some large, some small, and some just right. Their colors range from red to yellow to orange. Their skin feels smooth and soft to touch.

The first time I learned to cook, I made scrambled eggs with tomatoes. It wasn’t just tasty—it was especially delicious! Whenever I’m hungry, I cook this dish myself, and it always tastes good. But tomatoes are not only for scrambled eggs—you can make tomato soup, pour tomato juice over rice, eat them with meat, or add them to salads. Tomatoes have many flavors—some sweet, some sour—but all are delicious and full of nutrition. When they’re too sour, I like to add a little sugar.

Many people think tomatoes are vegetables, but actually, they are fruits because they have seeds inside. I chose to write about tomatoes because I remember eating them a lot as a child, both cooked and raw. When I visited China, I saw many people planting tomatoes in their yards. In my father’s hometown of Yantai, tomatoes grow in many backyards too.

By

李思哲 翻译 (Translation) 2025-08-04

  [中文版本]

“Meow!” Have you heard that sound before? If you said it's a cat, then congratulations: you’re right! I think cats are the most adorable animals in the world.

If you didn’t know, a cat is an animal. They have two pointy ears, sharp claws, and fluffy bodies. Cats have tails and keen eyes. They come in all kinds of colors and have different personalities. Cats have four legs, and their claws are as sharp as their eyes.

My friend Huang Junhan recently got an adorable little kitten. It’s a calico cat named Mia. The first time I met Mia, I intimated her as she ran away to hide. Since my friend’s cat is so cute and beautiful, I always play with her and caress her fur whenever I visit. As I played with Mia more and more, she became less afraid of me, and before long, we became good friends. Now, whenever I go to my friend’s house, Mia no longer runs away or hides from me.

In my heart, cats are my favorite animals. Unlike dogs, they aren’t noisy—they’re very quiet, and they often comfort me when I’m feeling down. I really want to have a cat, but my mom doesn’t agree. So for now, I can only look at my friend’s cat and pictures on the computer. Still, I’m not sad, because I believe that when I grow up, I’ll definitely get a cat for myself.

So, even though I don’t have a cat right now, I’m sure I’ll use my own money to buy an adorable kitty one day. In my heart, there will always be a place for cats.

By

程心笛 翻译 (Translation) 2025-08-04

[中文版本]

June Grocery Store Openings in Rockville

Two new grocery stores have opened in the Rockville area this month.

On June 12, a Trader Joe’s launched in Rockville Town Center, taking over the former Dawson’s Market location. This marks the chain’s third store in the Rockville area.

More recently, on June 25, a brand-new Wegmans opened at 1590 Rockville Pike, adding another major grocery option for local shoppers.

Heat Wave?

Officials encourages Montgomery County residents to utilize county facilities, including libraries, swimming pools, and recreation centers.

Additional safety tips include staying indoors as much as possible, staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day, wearing sun protection when outdoors, and never leaving people or pets unattended in parked cars.

For more information, please see the official notice: Montgomery County Heat Safety Notice.

Independence Day Activities

• Mid-County Sparkles takes place on Saturday, July 5th, at Albert Einstein High School in Kensington. The celebration begins at 7 p.m, with fireworks starting around 9:15 p.m The event is free and open to the public, featuring food vendors, though you’re welcome to bring your own food. Please note that pets and alcohol are not allowed. Disabled parking is available.
• An Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department–sponsored fireworks show will be held in Poolesville on July 4th, beginning at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 per car. Similar to Mid-County Sparkles, food vendors will be available, but pets and alcohol are prohibited.
• The City of Rockville will hold its Independence Day Celebration on July 4th at Mattie J. T. Stepanek Park in King Farm. The event will feature live music, fireworks, and food vendors. Pets are discouraged, and the park enforces various regulations, so be sure to check the rules before attending. Additionally, some areas of the park will be closed to accommodate the celebration.

By

刘润宇 翻译 (Translation) 2025-08-04

  [中文版本]

My favorite little corner in the world is the kitchen at home.

Our kitchen is rectangular, not too big, not too small, with a well-organized layout and neatly arranged kitchenware. On the right side near the door sits a huge gray refrigerator. Next to it is a row of white cabinets, and the countertop is made of beige marble. In the corner near the stove, there are many different seasonings, such as light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, cooking wine, aged vinegar, cornstarch, white sugar, and brown sugar. Near the window is the sink, and hanging above it is a beautiful spider plant that makes the kitchen feel full of life. Beside the sink is the dishwasher. On both sides of the window are more cabinets storing various bowls, plates, and cooking utensils. On the left side is a wooden dining table and chairs.

Every day in the kitchen, my family gathers around the table or stove, preparing meals together. Every time we cook and eat as a family, I feel warmth and coziness. These simple daily moments bring us closer and strengthen our bonds.

What I love most is watching my grandma chop vegetables and cook—she’s the best chef in the world! Whenever she’s cooking, the delicious smell fills the whole house, and my stomach starts growling, my mouth practically watering from the aroma.

As for me, my favorite activity is baking. In my kitchen, simple ingredients like flour, butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and eggs are transformed with my creativity and baking skills into sweet cakes, soft cookies, or fluffy bread. Seeing my family enjoy what I’ve made, eating happily and showering me with praise, makes me feel incredibly proud and satisfied.

By

杨善谊 翻译 (Translation) 2025-08-04

  [中文版本]

I have an adorable little teddy bear named "Chocolate." I bought it at a toy store. I still remember it was a bitterly cold day when my mom took my younger sister and me to choose Christmas gifts. My sister picked out a little boat, miniature cars, and some building blocks, but the moment I walked into the store, I fell in love with this little bear. Covered in soft fur and dressed in a pretty yellow dress, it immediately caught my eye. Finally, Mom agreed to buy me the bear, so I was exhilarated.

I absolutely adore "Chocolate." It has brown fur, round black eyes, and pink ears. "Chocolate" loves to look pretty, so it "changes outfits" every day. Its favorite is a cute little red sweater—so lovely even my sister admires it.

"Chocolate" is my best friend. It sleeps with me and plays with me every single day. Whenever I have a nightmare, I can quietly hold "Chocolate" close. Though I have many stuffed toys now, "Chocolate" will always be my favorite because it’s both my companion and my "pet"!

By

程心笛 翻译 (Translation) 2025-08-04

  [中文版本]

Last summer, my dad and I kept two turtles. They were box turtles. I named the first one Fire and the other one Bullet. Dad found them while he was jogging in the wilderness. When he came back from his run, I was surprised to see him holding a turtle in each hand—one yellow, one orange.

We put the two turtles in a plastic container. Soon after, I noticed they had started to poop. My dad put on plastic gloves to clean up their waste. The next day, we took the container outside our door and rinsed it clean with water. My dad searched online to see what to feed box turtles. The internet said they could eat fruit, vegetables, and eggs. However, when we offered them food, they wouldn't eat. Also, they kept trying to escape and return to their home in the wilderness. Later, we even bought a special cage for them to live in. But they still refused to eat or drink.

I discovered that the two box turtles enjoyed soaking in the little pool I bought for them. Their shells had beautiful patterns, like an artist's creation. The way they crawled was fascinating and adorable. Even though they were turtles, they could move relatively fast. Every afternoon, Dad would let the turtles out of the cage to take a “walk" in our backyard. They even played “hide-and-seek" with my dad—they would hide somewhere, and when it was time to put them back in the cage, he had to find them first.

After a week, Dad and I became worried because the turtles still weren't eating and hadn't pooped, which meant they hadn't been consuming anything. After discussion, Dad decided to release them back into their natural habitat so they could live on their own.

I hope that one day, I can encounter them on a trail in the wilderness—that would be so interesting!

By

刘大卫 翻译 (Translation) 2025-08-04