The Chinese Fine Arts Society (CFAS) was founded in 1984 as a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to the education and promotion of the Chinese cultural arts.

The Chinese Fine Arts Society has been promoting the appreciation of Chinese culture, fostering cultural communication, and striving for excellence in Chinese music, dance, and visual arts since the 1980s. Enjoy this video capturing some highlights of CFAS events from 2022-2023 at The Chicago Cultural Center, Field Museum, Maggie Daley Park, Millennium Park, and Navy Pier.

Artists and organizations featured in this video include: 

• Cheng Da Drum Team
• Chicago Chinese Cultural Center Lion Dance Team
• Chicago Chinese Yo-Yo Troupe
• Chicago Talents Group
• Enso Karate
• Flying Fairies Dance Troupe
• Hao Dance
• Kerry Leung
• Korean Performing Arts Center Drum Teams
• Miss Chinese Chicago / Miss Asian Chicago 
• Tuvergen Band
• TzuTsen Wu
• Xilin Dance
• Yang Wei
• Yin He Dance
• Yijun Hu

A Special thank you to Choose Chicago, the Chicago Park District, and The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) for their support of these events, and a huge thank you to CFAS artists, partners, sponsors, staff, volunteers, and community – you make our events special!

Happy Dragon Boat Festival!! 端午節快樂!!

The Dragon Boat Festival is an annual holiday occurring on the 5th day of the 5th month in lunar calendars. This year, Dragon Boat festival lands on June 22.

People celebrate by enjoying rice dumplings, participating in Dragon Boat races, drinking Realgar wine, and carrying sachets. The story of Dragon Boat Festival starts from a Chinese gentleman/scholar 文人 named Qu, Yuan 屈原. 

Based on an ancient heroic story, Qu Yuan was a patriotic poet and respected minister at the court of Emperor Chu 周. He was beloved by the Chu for his care and dedication to their well-being. He always sought the best for his people and made efforts to advise Emperor Chu on protecting the empire from other rival empires.

Unfortunately, his suggestions were rejected, and the Chu dynasty eventually fell on the Qin 秦 dynasty. In order to demonstrate his loyalty to the Chu people, Qu Yuan tragically chose to end his own life by jumping into the Miluo River 汨羅江. When the Chu people learned of this tragic incident, they wrapped up rice dumplings and threw them into the river to prevent Qu Yuan’s body from being eaten by fish while attempting to rescue him by patrolling in boats.

The customs of eating rice dumplings and participating in Dragon Boat races have become traditions associated with this holiday. The holiday is celebrated to advocate for the humanistic qualities valued in Chinese culture, such as royalty, kindness, and caring, which were exemplified by Qu Yuan.