[中文版本]

Looking back on the just-concluded Third “Zai Dao” Cultural Essay Competition, it was truly an unforgettable experience! More than a hundred people gathered together, with over fifty contestants advancing to the finals. Seeing students, teachers, and judges of so many different ages all working together for the inheritance and continuation of Chinese culture was deeply moving.

As one of the finalists, I was profoundly touched by this year’s theme. It led me to think seriously about how to introduce and convey the charm of Chinese culture to my friends, and it also prompted me to reflect anew on my own coming-of-age as a Chinese American, seeking balance between two cultures and building a sense of self.

Looking around the venue, every contestant was writing their own story. In that moment, I felt an indescribable surge of pride and emotion. Through their writing, each person was interpreting in their unique way what it means to be Chinese, and I could feel the depth and uniqueness of our culture.

In addition to competing, I also served as a volunteer for the “Chinese Culture Knowledge Quiz” segment. I was delighted by how much the children knew about Chinese culture. In answering their questions, I felt both their understanding of the breadth and depth of Chinese civilization and their pure, heartfelt eagerness to learn more.

The award ceremony brought the event to its climax. Distinguished guests filled the room, including many representatives from well-known Chinese organizations, and every face was radiant with joy. The guests’ wonderful speeches, the sense of cultural inheritance moving from hope into reality, and the continuous waves of applause all created an unforgettable atmosphere. Seeing everyone so fulfilled made it feel that all the effort everyone had put in had been repaid in the best possible way.

In the end, this was not merely a competition, but a grand celebration of Chinese culture spanning many states across America. It is the vast, profound, and enduring Chinese civilization that binds us closely together. I feel deeply honored to have been part of it, and I look forward even more to continuing this cultural bond next year.

By

杜乐尧 翻译 (Translation) 2026-04-13

[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]

Do you like spring? My favorite season is spring.

Because I can listen to the birds sing in the morning. When it rains, Grandpa Thunder’s thunderous rumble.

I see the rainbow of flowers and the verdant green of grass and trees.

I can smell the sweet red flowers and green grass, as well as the fragrance of the soil.

I touch the spring wind, and I feel as if a bear cub caresses me.

This is the flavor of spring.

By

王浩瑞 翻译 (Translation) 2026-04-13

  [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]

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

  [中文版本]

Dear Mom,

 Thank you for always loving me, even though I’m not really patient with you, or I don’t really like the things you tell me to do. Yet I love you. No matter how much I grow, I’ll forever love you. My love for you is as far from here to the moon; from the present to eternity, I’ll always love you very, very much. I can’t express just how much I love you, and I’ll never stop loving you…

 Happy Mother’s Day! I love you!

 Arina Du （6 years old）

By

杜安瑶 翻译 (Translation) 2026-04-13

 [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]

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]

I have a little world of my own, and it makes me very comfortable. That little world is my bedroom. Although my home has many rooms, only my little world is truly my own cozy nest.

In my room, I like my nightstand and my drawer the most. The nightstand is actually part of a desk. On the desk are my computer, pens, and notebooks. On the nightstand, I keep several books that I love. In the end, those books have formed a little wall, which makes it feel even cozier when I climb into bed to rest. Inside the wall made of books, there is a desk lamp that helps me see more clearly when I read. Beside the wall, there is also a box of tissues, which helps me wipe my nose when I am sick.

I also like my drawer, which has a lock. I like this drawer because I use it to hold my treasures, such as gemstones, my diary, and money. Sometimes, I also keep things that my friends have given me there for safekeeping. Even some of my finished homework is inside, because my teacher gave me a perfect score of one hundred! Finally, that drawer can only be opened with a key, and only I know where the key is hidden, haha! So don’t even think about secretly opening it and rummaging through my things!

This is my little world. I have lived in it since I was little, and I have always felt very comfortable there.

By

刘大卫 翻译 (Translation) 2026-04-13