China is a large country with an even larger history. You could spend a lifetime studying just one province and still have more to learn. This Saturday and Sunday (May 18 and 19) the Missouri Botanical Garden's Chinese Culture Days offers a convenient serving of the arts and customs of this sprawling land. The weekend starts with a grand parade and opening ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday, followed by traditional martial artists and lion dancers. The New Shanghai Circus dazzles with traditional dances and acrobatics throughout the weekend, while culinary demonstrations take place in the Kemper Center for Home Gardening Kitchen. If that makes you hungry -- and it will -- the Chinese food court can take care of you. Chinese Culture Days is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at the Missouri Botanical Garden (4344 Shaw Boulevard; 314-577-5100 or www.mobot.org). Admission is $5 to $12.
Sat., May 18; Sun., May 19, 2013