The Context

Today, we’ll talk about the legendary Epang Palace Ruins and how modern archaeology has revealed that this iconic symbol of imperial excess was likely never completed or burned, thus reshaping our understanding of the rise and fall of the Qin dynasty.

Today, we’ll talk about a Chinese stone tablet that informs readers about early US-China connections, revealing the mutual respect and admiration that bridged oceans long before the days of official diplomacy.

Today, we’ll talk about Mulan, a legendary heroine who has inspired the world for over 1,500 years by disguising herself as a man to take her elderly father’s place in the army, rising to become a celebrated general, and ultimately choosing family over fame.

Today, we’ll talk about a rare bronze ritual vessel from the Shang dynasty decorated with the striking image of a tiger devouring a human, and how this powerful motif reveals ancient Chinese beliefs about nature, sacrifice, shamanism, and the mysterious connection between humans, animals, and the spirit world.

Today, we’ll talk about the Italian Jesuit painter Giuseppe Castiglione, who crossed cultural boundaries to serve three Qing emperors and created a groundbreaking fusion of European realism and Chinese court painting, most famously represented by his masterpiece One Hundred Horses.

Today, we’ll talk about Liu Haisu, whose life and work over nearly a century helped to pioneer modern art education in China and forge a bold new path that blended Chinese tradition with Western artistic innovation.

Today, we’ll talk about a mysterious 3,000-year-old bronze vessel from China that once traveled as part of a noblewoman’s dowry, revealing how marriage, wealth, and political alliances shaped the lives of families and even states in ancient Chinese society.

Today, we’ll talk about the Hall of Mental Cultivation, a modest courtyard in Beijing’s Forbidden City that served for nearly two centuries as the living quarters and political nerve center of Qing emperors, where the rise, transformation, and eventual decline of China’s last imperial dynasty quietly unfolded.

Today, we’ll talk about a newly opened museum that rose from the very earth containing evidence of a complex interplay between military conquest, ethnic integration, and flourishing culture during some of China’s most dynamic historical periods.

Niuheliang: The Ancient Discovery That Pushed China’s Civilization Back 1,000 Years Today, we’ll talk about Niuheliang, an ancient remote landscape north of the Great Wall that’s rediscovery transformed our understanding of China’s earliest civilization by challenging the long-held belief that it had emerged only from the great river valleys. For a long time, the story of Chinese civilization seemed settled. According to conventional wisdom, its origins lay firmly in the great river valleys of central China, especially along the Yellow River and the Yangtze River. It was there, scholars believed, that agriculture first flourished, settlements grew into cities, writing emerged, and early states took shape. Regions beyond these river basins, particularly the lands north of the Great Wall, were usually treated as marginal zones, places influenced by the center rather than sources of innovation themselves. That narrative began to change slowly and unevenly during the twentieth century, and one of the most powerful challenges to it emerged from an unexpected place: a remote, wind-swept landscape in western Liaoning Province in northeast China, known today as Niuheliang. The first attempts to understand the ancient past of this region were marked by ambition and frustration. In the early 1930s, 26-year-old Liang Siyong, a young Chinese archaeologist trained in the United States, returned home determined to apply modern archaeological methods to China’s prehistoric past. At the time, archaeology in China was still in its infancy. Scholars were beginning to move away from relying solely on ancient texts and were turning instead to the material evidence buried underground. This shift reflected a broader intellectual belief that history had to be reconstructed from tangible remains rather than inherited narratives. Liang Siyong set his sights on northeastern China, an area that had attracted the attention of foreign researchers who reported traces of Neolithic cultures scattered across hills and riverbanks. These early clues suggested that the region might hold answers to questions about China’s earliest societies. Yet conditions on the ground were unforgiving. Disease outbreaks blocked travel routes, extreme cold froze the soil solid, and bandit activity made long journeys dangerous. Even when excavation was possible, it was often cut short by weather or logistics. Political events soon brought all such efforts to an abrupt end. In 1931, the Japanese invasion of northeastern China plunged the region into war and occupation. Archaeological research ceased almost overnight. For years afterward, the ancient cultures of the northeast remained largely inaccessible, their secrets buried once more beneath earth, snow, and silence. In the decades that followed, only scattered individuals continued to pay attention to this neglected region. A few local educators and amateur researchers conducted small surveys in their spare time, recording pottery fragments and stone tools, and occasionally publishing brief reports. Some even speculated that major discoveries might one day emerge from places like Niuheliang. But their voices were easily drowned out by the turmoil of war and the predominance of established academic assumptions. The idea that a highly developed prehistoric culture might have flourished north of the Great Wall remained, at best, a fringe possibility. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, archaeology entered a new phase. Systematic excavations expanded, and major sites from the central plains reinforced the belief that Chinese civilization had a single core. Although prehistoric cultures in the north were increasingly recognized and given names, they were still often described as regional or peripheral, developing under the influence of more advanced societies farther south. Jade objects found in private collections and museums hinted at a so

Today, we’ll talk about a magnificent bronze artifact from ancient China whose elegant design and innovative casting techniques reveal how craftsmen responded creatively to climate change, resource shortages, and shifting artistic tastes more than 2,500 years ago.

Today, we’ll talk about Mao Yisheng, China’s pioneering bridge engineer, who devoted his life to building bridges that carried a nation toward modernity, and how his most famous bridge over the Qiantang River became a powerful symbol of science, sacrifice, and national survival.

Today, we’ll talk about artifacts from a Warring States-era royal tomb that reframe the story of a kingdom in decline to one of a magnificent and resilient culture, despite its struggles on the cusp of China’s imperial unity.

Today, we’ll talk about how China’s ancient cave murals were cut from desert walls, scattered across the world, and painstakingly reunited through scholarship, art, and digital restoration.

Today, we’ll talk about the little-known murals of Pilu Temple, painted by folk artists in northern China during the Ming dynasty. These murals bring together gods, ghosts, sages, and common folk to create some of the most imaginative visions of the Chinese spiritual world.

Today, we’ll talk about how the hidden murals of Beijing’s Fahai Temple, created by Ming Dynasty court painters nearly 600 years ago, combine extraordinary craftsmanship, lavish use of gold, and a long history of protection to form one of the most overlooked masterpieces in world art.

Today, we’ll talk about a Yuan dynasty handscroll depicting two contrasting horses that uses artful realism and moral allegory to rebuke corruption and celebrate integrity, while also revealing how Chinese paintings are able to express political ethics across the centuries.

Today, we’ll talk about how the monumental Daoist murals of Yongle Palace, which were created amid war, transformed Chinese religious art, and later survived an unprecedented relocation to become one of China’s greatest cultural treasures.

Today, we’ll talk about an important Ming Dynasty port that became a cradle of globalization. Yuegang, in Fujian Province, started as a smuggling hub but was later developed into the only legally sanctioned port for private overseas trade during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Today, we’ll talk about how Dunhuang’s murals, which are layered with faith, art, and cross-cultural exchange, preserve a thousand-year visual history of China and the Silk Road.

Today, we’ll talk about the walls that once carried China’s greatest paintings, and the long journey of an art form shaped by faith, power, and time.

Today, we’ll talk about a digital project that recounts the creation of the most comprehensive book collection in Chinese history and the efforts to protect it from the ravages of war.

Today, we’ll continue to explore modern scientific advances and ongoing research that deepen understanding of Tang-era structures, emphasizing the importance of sustained study and cultural heritage preservation.

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about the historic quest to rediscover and preserve China’s Tang Dynasty wooden architecture, highlighting key discoveries, early investigations, and the challenges posed by time and restoration.

In this second half of our feature on Liao-era architecture, we’ll uncover how the lesser-known Gaoyuan Temple and other Liao structures embody cultural continuity, meticulous craftsmanship, and the enduring legacy of China’s architectural heritage.

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about how two very distinct Liao-era temples reveal the ingenuity, grandeur, and spiritual vision of ancient Chinese wooden architecture.

Today, we’ll talk about one of the world’s most perfectly preserved settlements, which offers valuable insights into ancient urban planning, construction techniques and the vibrant religious and cultural exchanges along the Silk Road.

Today, we’ll talk about the evolution of archery rites in ancient China that became understood through a bronze artifact in the shape of an arrow-pierced turtle, highlighting how archery transformed from a martial art essential for kings into a politically significant ritual.

Today, we’ll talk about how a tradition of learning and openness in an ancient county in Fuzhou helped to shape the ideas of key figures in the development of education in modern China.

Today, we’ll talk about the life of Xiao Qian, a Chinese writer, war correspondent, translator and cultural ambassador whose words bridged China and the world across wars, revolutions, and a century of change.

Today, we’ll talk about one of the most intriguing archaeological discoveries in recent Chinese history – the long-lost imperial tombs of the Southern Song dynasty, hidden for centuries beneath quiet tea fields in Zhejiang Province.

Today, we’ll talk about the Zhaozhou Bridge, a 1,400-year-old stone arch masterpiece that revolutionized global bridge engineering and withstood floods, earthquakes, and wars to remain a timeless symbol of human ingenuity.

Today, we’ll talk about Empress Dowager Feng, a formidable woman whose intelligence, political acumen, and unwavering determination allowed her to guide her empire through turbulent times, leaving a lasting legacy in Chinese history.

Today, we’ll talk about King Gesar, the world’s longest epic that has been passed down orally among Tibetans for over a thousand years, and these days, the story has been recognized for its invaluable historic qualities and mysterious cultural inheritors. 

Today, we’ll talk about a new museum in Fujian Province that shines a spotlight on major discoveries linking the roots of Austronesian people to the Chinese mainland.

Today, we’ll talk about the Dujiangyan irrigation system, a 2,200-year-old Chinese marvel of engineering that tamed a violent river using nature’s own forces, transforming a flood-ravaged plain into a prosperous “Land of Abundance”.

Today, we’ll talk about the Eagle-shaped Pottery Ding, a prehistoric vessel that reveals the advanced artistry, spiritual beliefs, and enduring cultural legacy of ancient Chinese civilization.

Today, we’ll talk about a pair of owl-shaped wine vessels unearthed in the tomb of Fu Hao, China’s first female general, as well as the cultural significance of owls throughout Chinese history.

Today, we’ll talk about recent archaeological findings in Tibet, or Xizang - the so-called “rooftop of the world”. The new discoveries are helping to unravel the mystery of prehistoric Chinese ancestors’ migration patterns and how they were able to adapt to extreme environments.

Today, we’ll talk about Zhu Xi whose words once guided China’s emperors. Today, Zhu Xi’s Neo-Confucian ideas on knowledge and virtue are inspiring new perspectives worldwide on the moral order of life itself.

Today, we’ll talk about Pingyao Ancient City in Shanxi Province – a 2,800-year-old city that continues to thrive today maintaining a vibrant culture that weaves together ancient architecture, photography, and a unique story about the city’s pioneering role in China’s banking history.

Today, we’ll continue to talk about how the Forbidden City transformed into the Palace Museum. Specifically, we’ll introduce Ma Heng, the longest-serving director of the Palace Museum, whose leadership during key historical events preserved the Forbidden City as China’s largest museum.

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about the transformation of the Forbidden City into the Palace Museum, focusing on China’s last emperor Puyi’s expulsion in 1924, the Qing imperial family’s financial struggles, and the founding of the museum in 1925.

Today, we’ll talk about a millennium-old tomb complex in northwest China that has received global recognition for its outstanding testament to a vanished dynasty even though its historical records and tangible architectural legacy has largely been lost to time.

Today, we’ll talk about Aniko, a young genius from Nepal whose journey across the Himalayas in the 13th century significantly influenced Chinese art, architecture, and the cultural friendship between China and Nepal.

Today, we’ll continue to explore the daily life, social structure, and the mysterious decline of Yan’s capital and uncover how a once-thriving city was abandoned within centuries, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with both ritual practice and historical upheaval.

Today, we’re going to talk about the Xiling Seal Art Society. From clandestine meetings to smuggling priceless artifacts, China’s most exclusive and enigmatic academic society has carried on the spirit of seal art through wars and revolutions for over a century.

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about the archaeological discoveries at the Liulihe site, which have unveiled the origins of the Western Zhou Yan capital, revealing its royal tombs, dual city walls, and the influential role of the Duke of Shao in establishing this early urban center.

Today, we’ll continue to talk about the Four-Ram Square Zun from the Shang Dynasty, which stands as a masterpiece of ancient Chinese bronze art, showcasing unparalleled craftsmanship and embodying profound cultural and historical significance.

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about the Four-Ram Square Zun, a masterpiece of Shang Dynasty bronze art, which has endured centuries of turmoil and restoration, symbolizing the nation’s ancient cultural heritage and its rebirth in the twentieth century.

Today, we’ll talk about the Potala Palace, a 1,300-year-old architectural and cultural marvel that has served as the spiritual and political heart of Tibetan Buddhism, housing sacred relics, murals, and scriptures that embody the region’s rich heritage and enduring legacy.

Developments in bilingual education, ancient text research and modern technology are enabling young people in Xizang Autonomous Region to preserve and promote their language and culture in and beyond the Tibetan Plateau.

On today’s podcast, we’re going to talk about how modern technology and designs, in conjunction with social media, are injecting new energy into the art of traditional Tibetan carpet weaving in order to sustain and promote its cultural legacy.

On today’s podcast, we’ll talk about the ancient art of Tibetan Opera, which had been dwindling but is now reaching new stages of development thanks to greater support from the government as well as audiences. 

On today’s podcast, we’re going to talk about ways in which Lhasa’s historical architecture – from its historic temples to some industrial relics – is being carefully repurposed into modern cultural and artistic spaces that blend heritage with innovation.

Today, we’ll talk about Guan Yu, the legendary general whose unwavering loyalty, courage, and righteousness transformed him from a historical figure into an enduring cultural and spiritual icon deeply revered across China and the world.

Today, we continue our series on Sino-US climate cooperation with the second half of our story covering the importance of subnational cooperation between China and various states in the US as a way to mitigate the relative lack of progress at the national level. 

Continuing our series on combating climate change, today we’ll present the first half of our story on how climate cooperation between China and the US at the subnational level may prove even more important than originally thought amid the persistent turbulence of the national bilateral relationship.

Today, we’ll talk about how a discovery at a humble flea-market led to the remarkable homecoming of a stolen Buddha’s eye and the high-tech quest to reunite Yungang Grottoes’ lost relics with their ancient statues.

As we continue our series on climate change, today we talk about how that after more than a decade of Sino-US collaboration, a trend called “nearly zero-energy tech” is transforming China’s building sector into a green-energy model for climate progress. 

As we continue our series on China-US climate cooperation, today we discuss how China is concentrating its efforts to reduce methane emissions, a powerful greenhouse gas, and opening up to international cooperation, especially with the US.

Today, we’ll talk about how five monumental Buddha statues modeled after Northern Wei emperors were created to protect Buddhism during times of persecution and ensure the dynasty’s legacy endured well into the future.

Today, we continue our series on China-US climate cooperation and look at how the world’s two largest emitters are including carbon capture and storage in their overall strategy to combat climate change. But will their decade-long cooperation unlock solutions or spark new controversies?

Today, we’ll continue our series on Sino-US climate cooperation and introduce how that partnership has entered a new chapter as China embraces one of America’s greatest contributions to ecological and biodiversity protection – the establishment of national parks.

Today, we’ll talk about the Pagoda of Fogong Temple, a towering masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture, where whispers of history, craftsmanship, and spirituality intertwine, standing resilient against centuries of wind, rain, earthquakes, and wars.

Today, we continue our series on climate cooperation and hear more from climate economist Zou Ji. In this installment, he shares a hopeful outlook on how China and the US can use their unique characteristics to prevent a climate catastrophe while pursuing sustainable development.

Today, we’ll talk about an ancient artifact that served as Marquis Yi of Zeng’s “refrigerator.” Yes, you heard me right. It was a bronze cooling device from the Warring States period, and demonstrates early Chinese cooling technology using ice and clever design to chill food and drinks.

As we continue our series on climate cooperation, we hear from climate economist Zou Ji. Today we’ll share with you his insights on how China and the US must reach consensus on the opportunities presented by low-carbon development and what healthy competition can accomplish in tackling the climate crisis.

Today we’ll talk about Zhang Zhongjing, a pioneering physician of the Eastern Han Dynasty who overcame such challenges as war, famine, and personal adversity to become the “Medical Sage” of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Today, we continue our series on China-US climate cooperation with the second half of NewsChina’s interview with Former US Climate Envoy Todd Stern. This time, he explains how cross-cultural friendship helped push the Paris Agreement forward, and he brings us up to date on the Sunnylands Statement that was announced in 2023.

Today, we’ll tell the story of Zheng Banqiao, a legendary artist and poet known for his humor and unique life philosophy. He used his wit and creativity to inspire generations, demonstrating that a heart full of passion for life can transcend challenges and leave a lasting legacy.

Today, we continue our series on China-US climate cooperation spotlighting Former US Climate Envoy Todd Stern who discusses secret meetings that helped push the Paris Agreement over the finish line, and the necessity of US-China collaboration to overcome challenges in our global transition to a zero-carbon future.

Today, we’ll talk about a newly opened exhibition that rekindled interest in the earliest geographical work to have survived to the present day in China, serving as a treasure trove of the legendary mountains, seas, natural resources, and mystical creatures of ancient China.

Today, we continue our series on China-US Climate Cooperation and discuss how the US’s second withdrawal from the Paris Agreement will affect the momentum of intergovernmental cooperation between China and the US, but we’ll also learn how the two countries still have potential to continue their partnership on climate issues.

Today, we’ll talk about Weifang’s kites which symbolize cultural heritage and craftsmanship, attracting global enthusiasts to its annual International Kite Festival, where traditional techniques and modern innovations continue to soar.

On today’s podcast, we hear from China’s Special Envoy for Climate Change, Liu Zhenmin, who expresses his optimism about the future of international cooperation on climate governance, particularly between China and the US.

Today, we’ll talk about the discovery of Qingzhou’s buried Buddhist sculptures at Longxing Temple. Famous for their serenely smiling expressions, these statues unveil a thousand-year legacy of artistic mastery, religious devotion, and cultural preservation.

Today, in part two of our interview with Li Gao, China’s Vice Minister of Ecology and Environment, we’ll talk about the risks and benefits of Sino-US cooperation and the possible role China will play to combat climate change. 

Today, we’ll talk about the Yongle Palace which stands as a testament to ancient artistic mastery and religious devotion, while its mid-20th-century relocation highlights China’s remarkable efforts in cultural heritage preservation.

Today, as we continue with our Climate Cooperation series, we’ll hear from China’s Vice Minister of Ecology and Environment who says China will fulfill its international responsibilities on climate issues not only because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it aligns with China’s pursuit of high-quality development. 

Today, we’ll talk about the Hanging Temple, a remarkable architectural marvel built into a cliff in Shanxi Province more than 1,500 years ago that embodies a unique blend of religious, cultural, and engineering significance, earning global recognition for its daring design and historical legacy.

Today, we continue our series on China-US Climate Cooperation with the second of a two-part episode on the history of climate deals between China and the US. And we’ll lead off with some positive breakthroughs that occurred over the past dozen years. 

Today, we’ll talk about a 2,000-year-old gilt-bronze incense burner known as the Boshan Censer from the Western Han Dynasty, which is currently bridging ancient history with contemporary storytelling due to its connection to the recent blockbuster film Nezha 2.

Today, we continue our series on China-US Climate Cooperation with the first of a two-part episode on the history of climate deals between China and the US. And although these deals have previously weathered political storms, the question is, can they withstand the challenges of the future?

Today, we’ll talk about the recent discovery in Fujian, China of the oldest confirmed Jurassic bird fossil that pushes the timeline of avian evolution further back by 20 million years, providing new insights into the transition from dinosaurs to birds.

As we continue our Friday series on China-US Climate Cooperation, today, we will introduce pioneers in the field of climate science going back to the dawn of the Industrial Revolution and counting up the generations right up till today. 

Today, we’ll talk about Mazu, the costal protector and Chinese goddess of the sea who has become a global icon of Chinese heritage, linking millions worldwide through faith, commemoration, and maritime culture. 

As we continue our series on China-US climate cooperation, we issue something of a warning, pointing out that we should see ourselves not as the victims of some future climate catastrophe, but rather we should admit that unbridled exploitation of the planet’s resources has made us the harbingers of change.

Just over 1,000 years ago, Sichuan in southwest China issued the world’s first officially backed paper money. Today, we’ll talk about what local conditions spurred this financial revolution, and how traders were able to cash in on the innovation.

Today, we continue our series on China-US climate cooperation and we do so with a bang, pointing out that when it comes to the next extinction-level event on our fragile planet, we, that is, humans, are the meteor – unless we can collectively muster the political will to change course.

Today, we’ll talk about Fujian tulou, an iconic Hakka architectural marvel, which is globally recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, embodying a blend of historical resilience and cultural preservation.

Today, we’re launching our new series of podcasts on China-US Climate Cooperation. Our 20-episode series will feature climatology experts and policy makers from both countries and cover everything from carbon dioxide capture facilities to the establishment of national parks. 

Today, we’ll talk about the Qing Dynasty’s royal ice games which played an important role in military training and cultural celebration, generating lasting influence on China’s winter sports heritage.

Today, we’ll continue our discussion of Lin Zexu, whose legacy is defined by his advocacy for modernization and his pivotal role as an early champion of national sovereignty and reform in 19th-century China. 

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about Lin Zexu, a visionary reformer and steadfast opponent of the opium trade, who played a pivotal role in defending China’s sovereignty and shaping its policies through his unwavering commitment to public health and national defense.

Today, we’ll continue to talk about Sun Yat-sen University, which has been at the forefront of higher education in China, playing a crucial role in the country’s academic development while nurturing leaders who would go on to shape the country’s history.

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about Sun Yat-sen University, which stands as a testament to the seamless integration of traditional Chinese values and modern educational reforms, shaping the intellectual landscape of China through its commitment to academic excellence and cultural innovation.

Today, we’ll talk about Lin Yutang, a celebrated writer and lexicographer, who masterfully bridged Eastern and Western cultures through his literary works and his pioneering efforts in compiling a Chinese-English dictionary, leaving an enduring legacy as both a literary figure and a cultural ambassador.

Today, we’ll talk about Lu You, a renowned poet of the Southern Song Dynasty, who devoted his life to the restoration of China’s northern territories, channeling his unfulfilled ambitions into over 9,000 poems that express his deep patriotism and sorrow.

Today, we’ll talk about the pioneering geographer Xu Xiake whose story chronicles his extraordinary 17th-century expeditions across China, where his detailed maps and observations greatly contributed to the country’s geographical knowledge while revealing many of its hidden natural wonders.

Today, we’ll talk about the Fuxi and Nuwa paintings, popular in the burial customs of the ancient kingdom of Gaochang, which reflect the deep cultural and symbolic significance of these two mythological figures in Chinese history, representing creation, harmony, and the balance of Yin and Yang.

Today, we’ll talk about the Spring Festival, which has been inscribed onto UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its rich cultural traditions, social significance, and contribution to family values.

Today, we’ll talk about the Admonitions of the Instructress to the Court Ladies, a story that traces its journey from an imperial harem teaching tool to a priceless cultural treasure, surviving looting, political turmoil, and time, ultimately finding its place in the British Museum where it continues to captivate global audiences.

Today, we’ll talk about Zen Master Yinyuan, a prominent 17th-century Chinese monk, who has profoundly influenced Japan’s Edo-era culture, religion, and society by introducing Obaku Zen Buddhism, fostering enduring cultural exchange between China and Japan.

Today, we’ll talk about a Ming Dynasty treasure that has been re-imagined as a series of creative cultural products, including a popular refrigerator magnet. Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design, a phoenix coronet has captivated consumers and brought the rich history of the crown closer to the public.

Today, we’ll talk about the growing popularity of Chinese museums which have attracted more visitors through innovative use of technology and providing experiences, causing some to question whether they are losing their educational purpose.  

Today, we’ll introduce a somewhat overlooked oasis in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Kuqa, which was located in the ancient state of Qiuci, was an important stop along the Silk Road, and now residents there are revitalizing its outstanding legacy.

Today, we’ll celebrate the 170th anniversary of the birth of Yan Fu, a man who overcame great difficulties early in life and forged on to have a profound impact on modern Chinese thought at the turn of the last century, ultimately becoming known as the Architect of China’s Modern Enlightenment. 

Today, we’ll talk about time-honored brand Pien Tze Huang, which is expanding the global presence of TCM by exporting its flagship product to international markets, while also promoting Chinese medical culture on a global scale.

Today, we’ll talk about Wang Tao, a pioneering Chinese journalist and reformist, who founded the Universal Circulating Herald in 1874, marking the first major Chinese-led newspaper advocating modernization and political reform. His exposure to Western ideas profoundly shaped his journalism, leaving a lasting impact on China’s media landscape and reform movements.

Today, we’ll talk about the Weihsien Concentration Camp, where over 2,000 Allied civilian prisoners were interned by Japanese forces during World War II. The site now stands as a vital memorial to the anti-fascist war.

Today, we’ll continue to talk about Wu Yifang’s unwavering commitment to restoring Ginling College as she successfully united alumni to support her vision. And her representation of China at the United Nations highlighted her role as a voice for peace and a bridge between cultures.

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about stories of Wu Yifang who emerged as a pioneering figure in women’s education. Her dedication to advancing women’s roles in society left an indelible mark on both education and global diplomacy.

Today, we’re going to talk about a 3000-year-old bronze wine vessel in the shape of a phoenix that has quite literally risen from the ashes of history to become not only the image ambassador for its native province but also a tasty summertime treat. 

Today, we’ll introduce a mysterious artifact that may offer insights into ancient cross-cultural exchanges, potentially linking Sanxingdui with far-flung civilizations like Egypt or Mesopotamia. Its unique design and possible connections to sun worship raise intriguing questions about its origins and influence.

Today, we’ll continue to talk about Wu Zetian. Despite achieving the pinnacle of power, her later years were marked by isolation and introspection, as she grappled with the sacrifices made for her reign. 

In this first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about Wu Zetian’s ascent from a lowly concubine to the only female emperor in Chinese history. Her remarkable ambition and strategic acumen culminated in her establishment of a new dynasty.

Today, we’ll introduce a set of lacquer screens from the turbulent Northern Wei Dynasty of more than 1,500 years ago. Due to their exquisite craftsmanship and similarity to early Chinese silk paintings, they were some of the first cultural relics prohibited from going abroad for exhibition.

Today, we’ll delve further into how innovations adopted in recent years by museums in Shanxi Province are enhancing the visitor experience, blending history with interactive exploration.

In this first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll be talking about the innovative Taiyuan Northern Qi Dynasty Mural Museum, which has embraced modern technologies including VR and 3D displays to bring its ancient murals to life. 

Today, we’ll delve further into the developments regarding the repatriation of looted cultural relics to their respective countries of origin. The ethical considerations surrounding collection practices are gaining prominence, with experts cautioning that essential historical knowledge is at risk of being lost.

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about how almost 30 years after a statue containing the 1,000-year-old mummified remains of a Buddhist master was stolen and sold overseas, the people of a small village in Southeast China are still fighting for its return.

Today, we’ll talk about Lee Wai-tong, a pioneering figure in Chinese football who achieved global recognition through his exceptional playing and coaching career. His remarkable journey transformed the perception of Chinese football, leaving a lasting legacy both domestically and internationally.

Today, we’ll continue to talk about the endeavors of underwater archaeologists as they work to salvage the remnants of the Beiyang Fleet warships that were lost in the world’s first large-scale naval battle between steam-powered armored fleets, known as the Battle of the Yellow Sea.

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll delve into the courageous resistance displayed by the Beiyang Fleet warships against the Japanese Combined Fleet in the Battle of the Yellow Sea during the First Sino-Japanese War in 1894.

Today, we’ll delve further into Tan Kah Kee’s philanthropic legacy, which resonates most profoundly through his generous donations to education. By establishing schools, funding scholarships, and supporting infrastructure development, he sought to lift Chinese communities out of poverty and backwardness.

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about Tan Kah Kee, an overseas Chinese businessman in Singapore who was driven by a deep sense of duty and patriotism, devoting enormous resources to social causes and education in China at a time when the country was ravaged by war and poverty.

Today, we’ll introduce a statesman from the Northern Song Dynasty and a stone stele from his personal study that records his political achievements. Infused with marvelous literary and artistic value, the stele and the study have become a “spiritual home” pursued by literati of future generations.

Today, we’ll embark on a journey to explore the rich tapestry of legends and myths surrounding the mythical Chinese goddess Chang’e who has served as inspiration for the names of China’s recent lunar and Martian probes.

Today, we’ll talk about a unique document that stands as a testament to the scholarly achievements of the past. It’s the mainland’s only surviving top-scorer exam paper, a significant artifact offering a glimpse into the academic excellence and historical legacy of China’s imperial examination system. 

Today, we’ll delve into the intricate training processes of ancient book restorers and appraisal experts. These essential guardians are tasked with preserving the vast repositories of ancient books that have survived over the course of China’s history.

Today, we’ll talk about how the 32nd generation descendant of Confucius inherited and advanced traditional Confucianism by unifying the interpretation of Confucian classics during the early Tang Dynasty, becoming a prominent Confucian master of his time.

Today, we’ll talk about the life of a Chinese aerospace engineer, an expert in the field of structural mechanics, who has made groundbreaking contributions to the design of China’s intercontinental ballistic missiles and Long March carrier rockets.

Today, we’ll recount the life story of a stunningly talented polymath from early 20th-century China. An established artist, teacher and sophisticate in the first half of his life, he completely altered the course of his life at the height of his fame, and has come to be remembered as one of China’s most preeminent, modern Buddhist masters.

Today, we’ll share some stories about a place called Kuliang. It’s a summer resort in Fuzhou of Southeast China’s Fujian Province that stands as testament to a bygone era when two worlds met and connected through a shared humanity that transcended boundaries. 

Today, we’ll continue to talk about the life of Mei Lanfang whose global influence extends far beyond the realm of Peking Opera, leaving an indelible mark on the world stage and cementing his legacy as a cultural ambassador of unparalleled stature.

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we will delve into the enduring legacy of Peking Opera master Mei Lanfang. As a cultural icon who resonates across generations, he embodies a spirit of resilience and artistic expression in the face of adversity.

In this second installment of our two-part feature, we’ll talk about Xu Beihong's contribution to horse painting. Through meticulous attention to detail and mastery of form, he elevated horse painting to new heights, becoming renowned as a trailblazer in capturing the majestic beauty and spirit of these noble creatures.

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about Xu Beihong, a famed Chinese painter and art educator known for blending traditional Chinese ink techniques with Western realism.

Today, we will continue to talk about how Qi Baishi rose to stardom amid such adversities as poverty and political turmoil. His distinctive style, blending traditional techniques with innovative approaches, captured the essence of nature with vibrant brushstrokes and intricate detail.

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about how Qi Baishi, a renowned Chinese painter of the 20th century, emerged from humble origins in central China’s Hunan Province to become a master of traditional Chinese painting.

In this second installment of our two-part feature, we’ll continue to talk about the 20th Century artist Zhang Daqian. With a fearless spirit, he embraced innovation, blending ancient techniques with modern sensibilities to redefine the very essence of Chinese art. 

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about Zhang Daqian, one of the most acclaimed modern Chinese painters. From the tranquil mountains of his youth to the bustling streets of Shanghai, Zhang carved his destiny with each stroke of his brush.

Today, we’ll introduce China’s legendary “father of carpentry”. He lived about 2,500 years ago, but his legacy continues as the workshops named after him have helped foster thousands of skilled technical workers in developing countries around the world.

In this second installment of our two-part feature, we’ll talk about Yinxu Ruins and the Shang Dynasty, offering a profound meditation on the timeless interplay between past and present, and the enduring spirit of a civilization that continues to inspire and captivate the world.

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about the new Yinxu Ruins Museum that displays more cultural relics and embodies the reflections of a new generation of scholars over the past 20 years.

In this second installment of our two-part feature on the renowned statesman Zhou Chu who lived 1,800 years ago, we’ll talk more about his noble qualities and the conspiracy that culminated in his harrowing and untimely demise.

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about the tales of Zhou Chu, the foundational inspiration behind the acclaimed film The Pig, the Snake, and the Pigeon, which has emerged as a surprise success in mainland Chinese cinemas.

Today, we’ll tell the story of Chiang Yee, a best-selling author in the UK and US, who remains virtually unknown in his native China. But a new book seeks to elevate the artist and scholar to his rightful place as one of modern China’s earliest “East meets West” cultural ambassadors.

Today, we will talk about an inspirational scriptwriter who, alongside Lin Yutang, is renowned as one of the two best Chinese writers proficient in English writing during the first half of the 20th century. He was also the first Chinese stage director to make his mark on Broadway.

Today, we’ll talk about modern China’s first female architect Lin Huiyin who will finally receive a posthumous degree from the University of Pennsylvania, in recognition of her contribution and dedication to architectural protection and development both in and beyond her country’s borders.

In part 2 of our deep dive into the history of Quanzhou, we’ll talk about the infamous official Pu Shougeng and explore the controversial role he played in shaping the history of Quanzhou as a maritime trade center.

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about how an innovatively designed bridge laid the groundwork for a small port on the southeast coast of China to emerge as the center of the country’s maritime trade during the Song and Yuan dynasties.

Today, we’ll talk about the life of China’s first female general in recorded Chinese history as well as her relationship with her husband King Wu Ding in the Shang Dynasty during the second millennium BCE.

Today, we’ll talk about a renowned Buddhist-style temple located in downtown Beijing as well as the Nepalese architect who played a significant role in cultural exchanges between China and Nepal during the Yuan Dynasty.

Today, we’re going to delve deeper into the story of Saint John’s University and its unwavering commitment to knowledge and enlightenment, which continues to reverberate among universities both in the East and the West to this day.

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’re going to talk about a the Christian University in Shanghai that granted China’s inaugural bachelor’s degrees and nurtured numerous exceptional people who played pivotal roles in shaping modern China.

Today, we’re going to introduce a man known as “the best painter of the Song Dynasty”. Living in a period of cultural refinement, this 11th-century painter outshined his contemporaries with his seminal style in both figure and horse painting.

Today, we’ll look at the life and times of one of the most revered and prodigious figures in Chinese culture. He was so prolific in so many different fields that he is often considered as a proto-Renaissance man, though he was born four centuries before Leonardo da Vinci.

Today, we will continue to talk about how the renowned painting Along the River During the Qingming Festival stands as a testament to artistic excellence, exemplifying unparalleled and unsurpassed value in the world of art.

Today, we’ll talk about a timeless Chinese painting that vividly portrays the dynamic scenes of urban life during the Song Dynasty, making it a cherished symbol of traditional Chinese culture and history.

Today, we’ll introduce arguably the greatest-ever Chinese poet, who lived more than 1,000 years ago and is survived by over 1,400 poems, which in itself is nothing short of a miracle since he spent most of his life wandering across the country.

Today, we’ll delve into the life of a prominent hydraulic engineer during the Yuan Dynasty, who over 700 years ago played a pivotal role in Beijing’s water management and made an enduring global impact in the field of astronomical observations and calendar systems.

Today, we’ll talk about a UNESCO World Heritage Site developed from the 9th through the 13th centuries in Chongqing. Famed for its unique rock carvings, the site has caught the public’s attention again recently due to its unfortunate connection with climate change.

Today, we’ll talk about how Chinese archaeologists, along with their Central Asian counterparts, are exploring the Silk Road to unlock some of the greatest mysteries of ancient migrations and kingdoms.

Today, we delve into the poignant visit to China by WWII veterans and relatives of the renowned Flying Tigers. This gathering serves as a heartfelt commemoration of their historical achievements, prompting reflection on the future trajectory of China-US relations.

Today, we will explore the commencement of the first group of Chinese students who embarked on their studies in the United States about 150 years ago. Remarkably, many among them emerged as pivotal figures in the pursuit of national liberation and the nation’s journey toward modernity.

Today, we’ll talk about the Pu’er tea forests of Jingmai Mountain in Yunnan Province that have now become the latest UNESCO heritage site in China. Local people are excited but also somewhat anxious about whether the new designation will disrupt the lifestyle they have enjoyed for a thousand years. 

In our last podcast, we talked about China’s 1400-year-old inland waterway called the Grand Canal. Today, we’re going to further explore how changes in the Grand Canal’s course over the centuries also changed the course of history.

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’re going to discuss how an inland waterway was the key to toppling one strong dynasty while underpinning the prosperity of the next in ancient China.

Today, we will talk about the profound cultural significance that tigers hold in China, where for centuries the mighty beasts have been revered as powerful symbols of strength and protection.

In the post-Covid era with the worst of the pandemic behind us, we all witnessed the vulnerability of the elderly among us, and in today’s podcast we’ll explore how authorities in ancient China addressed the challenges of elderly care and consider its relevance to contemporary society.

Today, we’ll explain how mass migrations have impacted the nation throughout its history. Unlike today, ancient Chinese people didn’t move away from home in large numbers looking for work or education. If they moved at all, more often than not, they were forced to leave. 

Today, we’ll discuss the historical efforts of Chinese authorities to boost fertility rates, which has been a key indicator of the nation's strength and vitality throughout Chinese history.

Today, we’ll talk about how extreme floods have exposed a lack of historic preservation in Shanxi Province, home to millions of ancient sites and relics, many of which are abandoned and unprotected.

Today, we’re going to delve deeper into the famous painting A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains with a special focus on the continuous mysteries related to the young painter himself.

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll discuss a time-honored masterpiece painted by a remarkably talented individual at the mere age of 18. We’ll also delve into the mysteries and speculations surrounding the artwork itself.

Today, we’ll talk about how authorities are combating the recent surge in tomb robbery and cultural relics trafficking with more trained professionals and revisions to the existing laws.

Today, we’ll talk about the rampant tomb robbery trend that has become increasingly professional, inconspicuous, and run by gangs. Experts say it is crucial to break the illegal chain of excavation and sales to better protect ancient tombs and cultural relics.

Today, we’ll talk about a record-breaking song derived from a nearly 400-year-old collection of short stories that weave together the supernatural and the mundane, delving into a world where ghosts and fox spirits intersect with human desires and disrupting societal norms.

Today, we will delve into a painting masterpiece created nearly a millennium ago that holds the distinction of being the inaugural piece to undergo expert appraisal following the reestablishment of the Chinese Ancient Art Appraisal Group.

Today, we’ll look into the life and times of King Zhou – the most infamous tyrant in Chinese history who was cinematically brought back to life in a much-anticipated summertime blockbuster this year.

Today, we’ll introduce you to the world’s oldest hydrographic station that measured water level changes in the Yangtze River for more than 1,000 years. It’s located in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, and as a precious cultural relic, the site was turned into the world’s first underwater museum.

Today, we’ll tell you about an animated summertime blockbuster that brings to life some of the most iconic figures in Chinese literary history and has revived interest in a Tang Dynasty poet whose name alone can evoke legends.

Today, we’re going to further explore the thousand-year-old painting called Night Revels of Han Xizai. We will also reveal what happened to the disillusioned scholar official after the “spy report” was presented to the emperor, as well as the fortune of the fragile kingdom and the truth about the painting itself.

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’re going to tell the story behind a painting during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period from more than 1,000 years ago. Originally intended as a “spy report”, the painting offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the scandalous intrigues of court life.

Today, we’ll tell the life story of an encyclopedic figure at the turn of the 20th century, who was best known for his advocacy for modernization and social reform, as well as his contributions to Chinese literature, philosophy, and political thought.

Today, we’ll talk about Robert Morrison, a 19th-century Protestant missionary who is credited as the initial translator of the Bible into Chinese and compiled the first Chinese-English dictionary – and that was just the beginning.

Today, we’ll talk about a 16th century medical expert who dedicated thirty years of his life to correcting, standardizing, and expanding the practice of herbal medicine in China by writing a medical masterpiece that is still celebrated to this day.

Today, we’ll introduce a popular museum in southwest China’s Sichuan Province that is set to open a new exhibition hall in July to display newly excavated artifacts that offer insights into a civilization that’s more than 3,000-year-old and still shrouded in mystery.

Today, we will continue talking about Chinese shipwrecks but today’s story is a relatively modern one about a steamship packed with refugees fleeing the mainland for Taiwan on the eve of Chinese New Year in 1949 when it collided with a cargo ship, leaving almost no survivors.

Today, we’ll talk about the discovery and exploration of two 500-year-old shipwrecks in the South China Sea as well as some of the history of China’s underwater archaeology and its recent technological advancements.

Today, we’ll introduce a Chinese explorer from more than 2,000 years ago who was the first person to provide the Han empire with a reliable account of the uncharted lands of Central Asia thus paving the way for the development of the Silk Road.

Today, we’ll introduce a brand new museum that was an instant hit when it opened in central China’s Henan Province that boasts over 400 cultural relics and offers a glimpse into the life of one of the most complicated and dubious characters in Chinese history.

Today, we are going to talk about a legendary Chinese-American scientist who devoted her life to the study of nuclear and particle physics and made significant contributions to the Manhattan Project.

Today, we’ll talk about the mysterious beginnings of the famed Mogao Grottoes of Dunhuang, their unique place in Chinese history, and how an international cast of dubious characters spirited away crates and crates of priceless relics at garage-sale prices in the waning years of the Qing.

Today, we are going to tell the fascinating story of Robert van Gulik, a Dutch diplomat and sinologist whose writings during the mid-20th century offered the war-torn world a deeper more fact-based view of both modern and ancient China.

Today, we’ll introduce you to the 2,000-year-old tomb of Zhao Mo, second ruler of the Southern Yue State, that has been turned into a wildly popular museum in Guangzhou giving visitors insights into the ancient Maritime Silk Road and the state’s twisted relationship with the Han empire. 

Today, we are going to tell the story of Yang Jiang, a renowned lady who is remembered by Chinese readers for her translations and witty memoirs that gave a voice to the tragedies and triumphs of modern China.

Today, we are going to talk about a museum to be opened on May 18, which is International Museum Day, and we’re going to shine a spotlight on part of its collection – especially a bone flute from the Neolithic Age that first piped out a tune more than 8,000 years ago.