Stretching 7.8 kilometers from north to south through the heart of Beijing, the Central Axis is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. But this recognition didn't happen overnight. It took 12 years. Leading the effort was Lyu Zhou, director of the National Heritage Center at Tsinghua University, who was in charge of the compilation of the application documents. What makes the Central Axis so special? Why does it matter in today's world? Join us to discover the story behind this cultural treasure and ...
Dec 26, 2024•19 min
Harald Brüning, a seasoned journalist with four decades of experience in Macao, has witnessed firsthand the city's historical transformation. As Macao celebrates the 25th anniversary of its return to China, Brüning shares his personal journey and insights into the past, present, and future of this vibrant city.
Dec 19, 2024•18 min
In 1942, during the Second World War, a Japanese ship called the Lisbon Maru was sunk in the East China Sea. Hundreds of British prisoners of war onboard perished, while over 380 others were rescued by nearby Chinese fishermen. For decades, the tragedy remained largely forgotten until the release of the documentary movie “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru” in September 2024. The driving force behind the documentary was Fang Li, a Chinese geophysicist and filmmaker, who spent eight years uncovering ...
Dec 12, 2024•21 min
Wang Meichun, a Gen Z entrepreneur from Taiwan, is currently running a camp site in Xiangshan County, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province. Since 2000, three generations of her family have made their home and built careers in the Chinese mainland. With her parents' support, Wang seeks to create a space in the coastal village where visitors can relax and connect. She also hopes to build a camp site that serves as a bridge, fostering meaningful connections between people across the Strait.
Dec 05, 2024•9 min
As the world faces challenges to preserve biodiversity, individuals like Guo Geng, a zookeeper from Beijing, emerge as beacons of hope. For about three decades, Guo has dedicated himself to advocating for wildlife and raising public awareness about animal protection through writing books and giving engaging lectures.
Nov 28, 2024•17 min
As climate negotiators convene in Baku, Azerbaijan for COP29, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, to discuss the most urgent climate change issues, we turn our attention to a group of researchers who are working to safeguard the Earth’s precious black soil land. We meet Hou Hongxing and his fellow researchers who have spent years in the field in Northeast China, monitoring the evolving conditions of the region’s black soil and exploring ways to retain its fertility.
Nov 21, 2024•22 min
In this episode of the Makin' It in China series, we explore the journey of Evandro Menezes de Carvalho, a Brazilian scholar and professor of international law with a deep passion for China studies. Since his first visit to China in 2013, Evandro has immersed himself in research and teaching, building bridges between China and Brazil. In recognition of his commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue, he was awarded the prestigious Chinese Government Friendship Award in 2023. Join us as he sh...
Nov 15, 2024•18 min
Known as the world's capital of small commodities, Yiwu in eastern China attracts hundreds of thousands of sellers and buyers from home and abroad every day. In this episode of our Makin' it in China series, Harold Mori, a young Peruvian man, shares his story of how he started his trading business from scratch right here in Yiwu.
Nov 07, 2024•26 min
This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil. In this edition of the Makin’ It in China series, we welcome Vitor Moura, a young Brazilian entrepreneur who has spent nearly a decade in China. As the founder of Lantau and the marketing director at Bracham, Vitor is committed to enhancing cross-border trade between these two nations. Join our conversation with Vitor as he shares his journey and insights.
Oct 31, 2024•21 min
For Egyptian Hany Sobhy Makary Guirguis Hanna, coming to China was totally accidental. But staying here for ten years has definitely been a deliberate choice for him. So, what’s it like when an Egyptian ventures to the Middle Kingdom? And what happens when he tries to follow in the footsteps of his ancestors and grow his trade business in China? Join Footprints for the business adventures of Hany Sobhy, in our latest episode of Makin’ it in China series.
Oct 22, 2024•22 min
In this episode of our Makin' It in China series, we are joined by Neeraj Punhani, an Indian entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in the textile industry. Punhani has established his own company in Shaoxing, located in Zhejiang Province, east China. Join us as we explore his journey of working and living in China.
Oct 20, 2024•14 min
In this episode of the Makin' It in China series, we delve into the journey of Ehsan Doostmohammadi, an Iranian researcher at Southwest University in Chongqing, southwest China. With a profound passion for traditional Chinese medicine and culture, Ehsan is dedicated to translating classic Chinese texts into Persian, opening the door for Iranian readers to engage with Chinese heritage. Join us as we explore Ehsan's experiences and insights as a Sinologist.
Oct 17, 2024•17 min
Joshua Dominick, affectionately known as "Lao Tan" in Chinese, has spent more than two decades in Beijing. Originally from the U.S., Josh speaks fluent Chinese and has become a familiar face in the local community. A decade ago, he founded Krankin' Thru China, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to engage in outdoor sports across the country. In this episode of the Makin' It in China series, we explore Josh's inspiring journey and uncover the meaningful impact h...
Oct 01, 2024•18 min
Taicang, a small city in Jiangsu Province, eastern China, is known for its deep connections with German enterprises. Home to over 500 German-invested companies, the city has grown to become a prime destination for German entrepreneurs. Among them, Erwin Gerber stands out with his thriving bakery. In this episode of the Makin' It in China series, we'll explore how Erwin has crafted his path to success in Taicang, blending German tradition with Chinese opportunity.
Sep 26, 2024•21 min
Meet Linda Painan, a female entrepreneur from Singapore, who has spent the last 28 years in Shanghai. As the chairperson of The Expatriate Center, a mother of three and a philanthropist, Linda's journey is a story of dedication and resilience. In this episode of our Makin' It in China series, we'll explore how Linda has fostered a sense of community for expatriates in Shanghai and uncover the personal and professional experiences that have kept her in this metropolis.
Sep 19, 2024•22 min
For French entrepreneur Benoit Auger, his romance with a Chinese lady started a life-long engagement with her country. In 2006, he moved to live in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou and began his business adventure in the clothes and fashion industry. How did Auger meet his sweetheart? Why did he choose to live and “make it in China”? Join this edition of Footprints to find out.
Sep 12, 2024•17 min
Dr. Song Jianping and Dr. Li Mingqiang are among the many Chinese doctors who have gone on foreign aid missions fighting malaria worldwide over the past several decades. Using treatment solutions centered on the TCM drug artemisinin, the two have helped contain the deadly disease in countries like Cambodia, Comoros, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
Aug 29, 2024•13 min
For more than 40 years, Mei Jingtian, a voluntary ranger now in his 80s, has devoted himself to the preservation of the Great Wall in the northern mountainous suburbs of Beijing. His example has encouraged a new generation of career rangers, including his niece Liu Hongyan, to continue protecting this architectural wonder of the world.
Aug 20, 2024•19 min
In this episode of our Makin' It in China series, we tell the story of French basketball trainer Patrick Regulier with the Zhejiang Lions youth team. Regulier has been in China for 16 years and has turned his career from a player to a trainer. He has become a crucial part in the young players’ pursuit for a professional route ahead.
Aug 09, 2024•27 min
Never did he ever imagine that one day he would participate in the Olympic Games. "Yushuai, you did it." The moment Luan Yushuai opened the email from the Paris 2024 organizing committee confirming his qualification for the Mass Participation Marathon, his joy was beyond words. For the past seven years, Luan has been passionate about running while working as a deliveryman in Beijing. In this episode of Footprints, we delve into the marathon journey of Luan Yushuai and explore how running has tra...
Aug 05, 2024•12 min
Frederic Moal is a French BMX racing coach in China. In charge of the Guizhou provincial team, he manages six young riders competing in various national competitions with his unique coaching methods. Affectionately known as Laofa, or the French papa, Moal has built a deep bond with his riders, who have almost become his family members. Hear Moal’s story and find out more about the team in this episode of our Makin' It in China series.
Aug 02, 2024•27 min
In this episode of our Makin' It in China series, we speak to Yaya Sanogo, a French professional footballer now playing at Chinese club Qingdao Red Lions. Sanogo became a household name when he joined the English Premier League side Arsenal when he was just 19 years old. Having played in Europe only, Sanogo decided to explore a new chapter by signing with a Chinese team in March, 2024. The decision has led to his new perspective about this country.
Jul 26, 2024•27 min
Ma Dan is an experienced art and dance teacher from Wuhan in central China's Hubei Province. Between 2016 and 2022, she volunteered to teach music and dance in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. By forming the first Tibetan-styled cheerleading team and assisting students to succeed in college auditions for performing arts, her passion for teaching and mentoring has broadened the horizons of her students in remarkable ways. In this episode, let's explore how she has guided her students ...
Jul 18, 2024•22 min
Climate change, environmental pollution, acidification, and overfishing are greatly endangering coral reefs around the world. Without proper interventions, scientists say the Earth’s coral reefs could disappear before the next century. What can we do to conserve the world’s beautiful underwater "tropical rainforest"? In this podcast, we bring you a Chinese version of the Old Man and the Sea. We shall find out whether the “old man” wins his battle to restore coral reefs around a small Chinese isl...
Jul 10, 2024•27 min
Farrukh Pirumshoev is a young Tajik entrepreneur based in the northwest Chinese city of Xi’an, engaging in the international trade of cars between China and Central Asia. Trading about 30 cars each week, his company is thriving along with the growing Chinese economy and the increasing economic exchanges between China and Central Asian countries. In this episode of Makin’ It in China, we’ll find out how he has made it in the risky business world.
Jul 04, 2024•10 min
In this episode of our Makin' It in China series, we delve into the inspiring story of Saulebek Kabylbekov, a Kazakh eye doctor who has illuminated the lives of thousands in northeast China. Since 1998, he has dedicated himself to treating over 250,000 patients at Daqing Ophthalmology Hospital in Heilongjiang Province. Meanwhile, his compassionate care extends beyond the hospital walls, reaching countless individuals in surrounding communities through free clinics. In recognition of his decade-l...
Jul 03, 2024•11 min
Indian businessman Dev Raturi oversees a booming chain of restaurants in China. Having explored in the risky business world for more than a decade, Raturi attributes his success to China’s good business environment and the friendship and assistance he has received from the Chinese people. In this episode of Makin’ It in China, Raturi shares how he has turned from a waiter to a successful restaurant owner.
Jun 27, 2024•12 min
Vikash Kumar Singh is an Indian expatriate who currently teaches Hindi, Indian culture, history and literature at Beijing Foreign Studies University. With 17 years of residence in China, Vikash speaks fluent Chinese and is dedicated to fostering Sino-Indian cultural exchanges through teaching and literary translation. In this episode of the Makin' It in China series, we delve into Vikash's remarkable journey and insights.
Jun 20, 2024•18 min
In a mountainous region in east China’s Anhui Province, Fang Guoqiang stands out among people who have been working on the frontline to preserve the environment and achieve sustainable development. For more than two decades, he has promoted the idea and practice of green farming among his fellow villagers in the headwater region of the Xin’an River, a major waterway in east China. This green farming has in turn contributed to the local ecological conservation while increasing the income of farm...
Jun 05, 2024•24 min
People to people exchanges are often great contributors to a better understanding between different countries and cultures. In this podcast, we’re going to hear the stories of people who have become bridge builders between different cultures and peoples. We’re going to meet three Europeans: Robert van Gulik, Dutch diplomat, writer and sinologist who wanted to bring the wisdom, the knowledge and the beauty of Chinese culture to the West; Tineke van Gils, one of the best-known Dutch ceramic artist...
May 23, 2024•25 min
