A Thousand Whys

A Thousand Whys is tailor-made for curious minds about China and the Chinese culture.

This podcast offers fascinating facts about what this ancient civilization has to offer, covering a wide range of topics including history, philosophy, literature and arts, lifestyle, science, and the natural world.

Subscribe to learn "what are the Chinese ways and why", for free.

Last refreshed: August 19th, 2025 at 2:45 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

China’s evolving serpent legacy: Ferocious treasures, from rituals to households

Why has the snake, often feared, been revered in Chinese culture and become one of the 12 zodiac animals? How is it portrayed in artifacts, and what does it symbolize in China compared to other cultures? In this episode, we explore the serpent's evolving meanings in Chinese civilization. Special Thanks: Liu Yanfeng

Jan 24, 2025•16 min

A ceramic vessel of culture, wine, and poetic spirit

Like the finest wines, the best inspiration for poetry is brewed and vivified, if served in the right vessel. In this episode, we present a phoenix-headed tricolor ceramic wine vessel from the Tang Dynasty, some 1200 years ago. In what ways did it influence the development of Chinese poetry at the height of its glory? Special thanks: The Gansu Provincial Museum Liu Zhihua Liu Yanfeng

Jan 21, 2025•14 min

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