ANCIENT HISTORY

The City at the Heart of Three Kingdoms Power Struggles

Cao Cao, Guan Yu, Liu Bei, and other Three Kingdoms heroes fought over Jingzhou for decades

ANCIENT HISTORY

China’s Long History of Dragon Sightings

Reported sightings of the mythical creature have captivated people in China for centuries

ANCIENT HISTORY

Carved in Stone: Why Did Ancient Chinese Etch Messages into Rock?

Exploring the ancient Chinese obsession with carving messages and poems on rocks and walls

MODERN HISTORY

Two-Way Communication: How China Adopted Japanese Terms to Discuss Modernity

In the early 20th century, debate raged in China over whether to accept a deluge of Japanese loanwords

ANCIENT HISTORY

Cold Fashion: How Ancient Chinese Kept Warm in Winter

From paper and straw to fur coats...this is what ancient Chinese wore to keep themselves warm in winter

HISTORY

Crowning Glory: China’s Floral Headdress Tradition

From the women of Xunpu to ancient emperors, the floral hairpin has been a cherished tradition among both men and women for centuries, serving as decorative ornaments and symbols of authority

ANCIENT HISTORY

Ancient Snitches: How China’s Emperors Encouraged Informants

From Wu Zetian to Emperor Yongzheng, China’s imperial rulers were obsessed with people conspiring against the throne and came up with various systems to encourage informers

ANCIENT HISTORY

How Did Ancient Chinese Advertise?

Slogans, music, celebrities, and rhymes all helped ancient Chinese advertise their wares for sale

MODERN HISTORY

Acrobats, Tai Chi, Kids: What Makes a Chinese Opening Ceremony?

From celebrations of workers at the 1959 National Games to vast displays of technological prowess during this year’s Asian Games, China’s opening ceremonies have evolved dramatically over time

ANCIENT HISTORY

A Trip in Time: How Did People Travel in Ancient China?

​Historian Duan Zhiqian explores road dangers and the emergent travel industry in China’s Ming and Qing eras