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The Context

NewsChina explores the perspectives driving today’s China and its people with a deep dive into the histories that shaped them.
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Episodes

Climate Special 7: Staying the Course (I)

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, 202514 min

The Hanging Temple: A Testament to Architectural Ingenuity and Cultural Harmony

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, 202514 min

Climate Speical 6: Positive Breakthroughs

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, 202515 min

Climate Special 5: Climate of Trust

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, 202513 min

Climate Special 4: Climate Science Pioneers

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, 202513 min

Mazu: The Young Woman and the Sea

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, 202515 min

Climate Special 3: Tipping Points

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, 202510 min

Jiaozi: The World’s First Official Paper Money

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, 202514 min

Climate Special 2: We Are the Meteor

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, 202511 min

Fujian Tulou: Ancient Architecture in Modern Spotlight

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, 202519 min

The Legacy of Lin Zexu: Defender and Reformer

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, 202514 min

Lin Zexu: Champion Against Opium

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, 202514 min

Sun Yat-sen University: Bridging Tradition and Modernity

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, 202520 min

Lin Yutang: A Literary Legend Who Bridged East and West

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, 202517 min

Lu You: The Poet Who Fought with Pen and Sword for His Country

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, 202515 min

Xu Xiake: The Trailblazing Explorer Who Redefined China’s Landscapes

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, 202516 min

From Myth to Art: The Timeless Influence of Fuxi and Nuwa on Chinese Culture

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, 202516 min

From Palace to Museum: The Journey of Nüshi Zhen Tu

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, 202517 min

From Fujian to Kyoto: The Legacy of Monk Yinyuan and the Obaku School

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, 202517 min

Phoenix Crown: From Royal Relic to Modern Trend

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, 202515 min

Museums: Connecting People

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, 202420 min

Kuqa: The Revitalized Oasis on the Silk Road

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, 202412 min

Yan Fu: Architect of China’s Modern Enlightenment

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, 202416 min

Pien Tze Huang: Formula for Success

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, 202411 min
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