The Context

Today, we’ll talk about how an important transport artery from Yunnan Province to Xizang Autonomous Region, following old trade routes, relieved social and economic isolation in one of the most scenic but impoverished parts of Southwest China.

Today, we’ll talk about Zhang Boju, the legendary art collector who sacrificed his fortune, endured kidnapping, and ultimately preserved some of China’s greatest artistic treasures for future generations.

Today, we’ll talk about the Taibao Ding, a remarkable bronze vessel from the early Zhou dynasty whose story reveals the origins of the ancient state of Yan, the struggles of a frontier kingdom that survived for more than eight centuries, and the early historical roots of the city that would eventually become modern Beijing.

Today, we’ll talk about a 5,000-year-old grave in eastern China and learn about the man with three identities buried inside it: he was an astronomer who measured the solstices with stunning accuracy, a shaman who placed the universe over his own heart, and a warrior who carried a giant stone axe. 

Today, we’ll talk about how a sacred tree in ancient China was deliberately destroyed by its own worshippers, thus marking the end of divine kingship and the rise of secular rule, and contrast that with the ancient history of American theocracies whose world trees fell instead to foreign conquest.

Today, we’ll talk about the Sun and Immortal Bird, a delicate gold ornament that unlocked the secrets of a lost Bronze Age civilization and, in doing so, became a symbol of China’s cultural heritage.

Today, we’ll talk about a 2,000-year-old pottery brick in Shenzhen that preserves an ancient multiplication table and offers a glimpse into how mathematical knowledge spread throughout China.

Today, we’ll talk about Yellow Crane Tower, Wuhan’s iconic landmark with a story stretching back 1,800 years. It’s been a military watchtower, the subject of Chinese poetry, it’s even been rebuilt several times, and is now a modern symbol of the city’s history and culture.

Today, we’ll talk about Shenyang Imperial Palace, a nearly 400-year-old royal complex that witnessed the rise of the Qing Dynasty, revealing through its distinctive architecture, Manchu traditions, and imperial history how a frontier power grew into one of China’s last great dynasties.

Today, we’ll talk about a lively 2,000-year-old pottery performer from the Han Dynasty whose infectious smile, comic pose and love of performance offer a fascinating glimpse into how ancient Chinese people entertained, laughed and enjoyed life.