Not an encyclopedia. A collection of notes from the front line of cultural translation.
"I am not standing in a museum explaining Chinese culture. I am in a kitchen in Florence, running a restaurant, serving foreign guests, and observing — every day — what they misunderstand about China."
My name is 刘佳勇 (Liu Jiayong). I have lived in Europe for over 25 years — first in Germany, then Spain, and now Italy. I run a Chinese restaurant called Giaogiao in Florence. I am also a business coach, an author, and a curious observer of the space between cultures.
Every day, guests sit at my table and ask questions. Why do Chinese people share food? What is Qi? Why do you offer tea before water? These questions are not naive. They are the beginning of real understanding.
xiaokz is built on a simple belief: the best way to understand a culture is not through textbooks, but through the small things people touch, taste, and live every day.
A pair of chopsticks. A round table. A cup of tea. These are not objects. They are keys.
This is the same approach I use in my other project, xiaoyingbi.com (Little Coins, Big World), where I explain European civilization through coins. xiaokz does the reverse: it explains Chinese civilization through chopsticks.
Together, they form a cross-cultural bridge: one helps Chinese people understand Europe, the other helps Europeans understand China.
Every article on xiaokz follows the same structure — designed for European readers who want to understand, not just know:
This format is not academic. It is practical, personal, and built from 25 years of real conversations at real tables.
xiaokz is one of four sites that form my personal and professional IP matrix:
Each site has a clear role. Each supports the others. Together, they tell a complete story of what it means to build a life and a brand between two cultures.
I read every message. Whether you are curious about Chinese culture, want to collaborate, or just want to say hello — I would love to hear from you.
Contact Me