To understand contemporary China, one must look back into its past. As one of the world’s oldest civilizations, China’s more than 5,000 years of history are not confined to textbooks and museums; they continue to offer living wisdom today. Its long history was shaped not only by emperors and legendary figures, but also by the countless ordinary people who have lived on this land.
From the complex political struggles during the Three Kingdoms period and the mysterious bronze artifacts unearthed at Sanxingdui, to the lasting influence of Confucianism, which continues to influence Chinese social values and ways of life, China’s history reveals the breadth of human experience, as the ancients learned about the natural world, overcame disaster, dealt with conflict, sought better lives, or simply live out their days while creating arts and poetry and forming philosophical ideas.
Whether it’s the tumultuous Warring States period, lost tales along the ancient Silk Road, crime and punishment in the Ming and Qing dynasties, or the sweeping transformation of modern China, our collection of stories from Chinese history is yours to explore.
What was once a banned pastime in the 1980s has transformed into a nationwide cultural movement—filled with joy, competition, and camaraderie
Ne Zha transcended his origins as a Buddhist deity to emerge as a rebellious, anti-patriarchal hero in popular culture
From ancient scholars to modern youth, timeless scents like sandalwood and jasmine continue to captivate young Chinese, offering solace in an increas…
From carving on wood to “flying cards” in red envelopes, how people expressed their New Year’s greeting, or “bainian” in ancient China
How the snake evolved from a revered symbol of worship to a figure of fear and evil in ancient Chinese culture
China’s adherence to the 12-year zodiac cycle is known around the world. What might be more surprising is that the West’s astrological signs have als…
Ancient scholars and ministers used all forms of scathing rhetoric to refute, persuade, and influence—sometimes to disastrous ends
How the pursuit of eternal life shaped politics, culture, and fate in ancient China
Unequal or nonexistent laws left women in ancient China who faced abuse with very few options
Facing an increasingly competitive job market, the battle to enter China’s civil service seems more ruthless than ever—though it’s really the continu…
Long believed to be a myth, Chinese jade burial suits symbolized ancient nobles’ pursuit of eternal life
Colorado’s burgeoning 19th century Chinese communities were destroyed by racist legislation and riots. Now, the state is finally coming to terms with…
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