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.
May 16, 2025•14 min
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.
May 13, 2025•14 min
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.
May 09, 2025•15 min
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.
May 06, 2025•16 min
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?
May 02, 2025•13 min
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.
Apr 29, 2025•17 min
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.
Apr 25, 2025•13 min
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.
Apr 22, 2025•15 min
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.
Apr 18, 2025•10 min
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.
Apr 15, 2025•14 min
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.
Apr 11, 2025•11 min
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.
Apr 08, 2025•19 min
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.
Apr 04, 2025•10 min
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.
Apr 01, 2025•12 min
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.
Mar 25, 2025•14 min
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.
Mar 18, 2025•14 min
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.
Mar 11, 2025•13 min
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.
Mar 04, 2025•20 min
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.
Feb 25, 2025•17 min
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.
Feb 18, 2025•15 min
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.
Feb 11, 2025•16 min
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.
Feb 04, 2025•16 min
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.
Jan 28, 2025•19 min
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.
Jan 21, 2025•17 min
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.
Jan 14, 2025•17 min
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.
Jan 07, 2025•15 min
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.
Dec 31, 2024•20 min
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.
Dec 27, 2024•12 min
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.
Dec 24, 2024•16 min
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.
Dec 17, 2024•11 min