The Context

Today, we’ll talk about the life of Xiao Qian, a Chinese writer, war correspondent, translator and cultural ambassador whose words bridged China and the world across wars, revolutions, and a century of change.

Today, we’ll talk about one of the most intriguing archaeological discoveries in recent Chinese history – the long-lost imperial tombs of the Southern Song dynasty, hidden for centuries beneath quiet tea fields in...

Today, we’ll talk about the Zhaozhou Bridge, a 1,400-year-old stone arch masterpiece that revolutionized global bridge engineering and withstood floods, earthquakes, and wars to remain a timeless symbol of human...

Today, we’ll talk about Empress Dowager Feng, a formidable woman whose intelligence, political acumen, and unwavering determination allowed her to guide her empire through turbulent times, leaving a lasting legacy in...

Today, we’ll talk about King Gesar, the world’s longest epic that has been passed down orally among Tibetans for over a thousand years, and these days, the story has been recognized for its invaluable historic qualities...

Today, we’ll talk about a new museum in Fujian Province that shines a spotlight on major discoveries linking the roots of Austronesian people to the Chinese mainland.

Today, we’ll talk about the Dujiangyan irrigation system, a 2,200-year-old Chinese marvel of engineering that tamed a violent river using nature’s own forces, transforming a flood-ravaged plain into a prosperous “Land...

Today, we’ll talk about the Eagle-shaped Pottery Ding, a prehistoric vessel that reveals the advanced artistry, spiritual beliefs, and enduring cultural legacy of ancient Chinese civilization.

Today, we’ll talk about a pair of owl-shaped wine vessels unearthed in the tomb of Fu Hao, China’s first female general, as well as the cultural significance of owls throughout Chinese history.

Today, we’ll talk about recent archaeological findings in Tibet, or Xizang - the so-called “rooftop of the world”. The new discoveries are helping to unravel the mystery of prehistoric Chinese ancestors’ migration...

Today, we’ll talk about Zhu Xi whose words once guided China’s emperors. Today, Zhu Xi’s Neo-Confucian ideas on knowledge and virtue are inspiring new perspectives worldwide on the moral order of life itself.

Today, we’ll talk about Pingyao Ancient City in Shanxi Province – a 2,800-year-old city that continues to thrive today maintaining a vibrant culture that weaves together ancient architecture, photography, and a unique...

Today, we’ll continue to talk about how the Forbidden City transformed into the Palace Museum. Specifically, we’ll introduce Ma Heng, the longest-serving director of the Palace Museum, whose leadership during key...

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about the transformation of the Forbidden City into the Palace Museum, focusing on China’s last emperor Puyi’s expulsion in 1924, the Qing imperial...

Today, we’ll talk about a millennium-old tomb complex in northwest China that has received global recognition for its outstanding testament to a vanished dynasty even though its historical records and tangible...

Today, we’ll talk about Aniko, a young genius from Nepal whose journey across the Himalayas in the 13th century significantly influenced Chinese art, architecture, and the cultural friendship between China and Nepal.

Today, we’ll continue to explore the daily life, social structure, and the mysterious decline of Yan’s capital and uncover how a once-thriving city was abandoned within centuries, leaving behind a legacy intertwined...

Today, we’re going to talk about the Xiling Seal Art Society. From clandestine meetings to smuggling priceless artifacts, China’s most exclusive and enigmatic academic society has carried on the spirit of seal art...

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about the archaeological discoveries at the Liulihe site, which have unveiled the origins of the Western Zhou Yan capital, revealing its royal...

Today, we’ll continue to talk about the Four-Ram Square Zun from the Shang Dynasty, which stands as a masterpiece of ancient Chinese bronze art, showcasing unparalleled craftsmanship and embodying profound cultural and...

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about the Four-Ram Square Zun, a masterpiece of Shang Dynasty bronze art, which has endured centuries of turmoil and restoration, symbolizing the...

Today, we’ll talk about the Potala Palace, a 1,300-year-old architectural and cultural marvel that has served as the spiritual and political heart of Tibetan Buddhism, housing sacred relics, murals, and scriptures that...

On today’s podcast, we’re going to talk about how modern technology and designs, in conjunction with social media, are injecting new energy into the art of traditional Tibetan carpet weaving in order to sustain and...

On today’s podcast, we’ll talk about the ancient art of Tibetan Opera, which had been dwindling but is now reaching new stages of development thanks to greater support from the government as well as audiences.

On today’s podcast, we’re going to talk about ways in which Lhasa’s historical architecture – from its historic temples to some industrial relics – is being carefully repurposed into modern cultural and artistic spaces...