MODERN HISTORY

MODERN HISTORY

The Glamour and the Gloom of Cabin Life for China’s Female Flight Attendants

Once a privilege for the few, air travel has changed dramatically—along with the female cabin crew who are now speaking out against unfair working conditions and unnecessary, even dangerous, dress codes

MODERN HISTORY

The Rocky History of China’s Marriage Law Reforms

On the 75th anniversary of China’s first marriage law, a look back at how far the legal framework has come, from advancing women’s rights to addressing the demographic crisis

MODERN HISTORY

170 Years of China and the World Expo | Photo Story

​With the 2025 World Expo underway, take a look back at China’s long-standing presence and key milestones at the global fair

MODERN HISTORY

History of Ballroom Dancing in China

What was once a banned pastime in the 1980s has transformed into a nationwide cultural movement—filled with joy, competition, and camaraderie

MODERN HISTORY

Bullets of Revolution: A Brief History of Political Assassinations in China

A look back on China’s attempts to end imperial rule through political assassinations

MODERN HISTORY

Lonely Hearts Transformed: The Evolution of Chinese Marriage Advertisements

A history of Chinese marriage ads, from newspaper columns to matchmaking TV shows and mobile dating apps

MODERN HISTORY

Letters of Revolution: The Failed Movement to Eradicate Chinese Characters

The campaign to replace traditional characters with a phonetic system reflected Chinese society’s desire for change during the 20th century

MODERN HISTORY

How Labor Day Shaped Modern China

Discover the origin of Labor Day celebrations in China and how it became one of the country’s most important holidays

MODERN HISTORY

One Card to Rule Them All: The History of China’s ID System

How Chinese ID cards evolved from simple handwritten cards in 1984, to sophisticated digital documents essential for everything from riding the train to playing video games

MODERN HISTORY

A Brief History of China’s Hotel Industry

How China’s hotels transformed from exclusive spaces for the privileged to accommodation for the masses