The Context

NewsChina explores the perspectives driving today’s China and its people with a deep dive into the histories that shaped them.

Wu Yifang: A Trailblazer in Women’s Education and Peace Advocacy

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about stories of Wu Yifang who emerged as a pioneering figure in women’s education. Her dedication to advancing women’s roles in society left an indelible mark on both education and global diplomacy.

11-19
13:47

Jinhou Bird Zun: A phoenix rises from the ashes to tell the story of an ancient state

Today, we’re going to talk about a 3000-year-old bronze wine vessel in the shape of a phoenix that has quite literally risen from the ashes of history to become not only the image ambassador for its native province but also a tasty summertime treat.

11-12
12:23

Sanxingdui’s Bronze Wheel: A Puzzle Connecting Ancient Worlds

Today, we’ll introduce a mysterious artifact that may offer insights into ancient cross-cultural exchanges, potentially linking Sanxingdui with far-flung civilizations like Egypt or Mesopotamia. Its unique design and possible connections to sun worship raise intriguing questions about its origins and influence.

11-05
16:57

Wu Zetian’s Lasting Imprint: Empress, Innovator, and Controversy

Today, we’ll continue to talk about Wu Zetian. Despite achieving the pinnacle of power, her later years were marked by isolation and introspection, as she grappled with the sacrifices made for her reign.

10-29
15:03

Wu Zetian: The Rise of China’s Only Empress

In this first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about Wu Zetian’s ascent from a lowly concubine to the only female emperor in Chinese history. Her remarkable ambition and strategic acumen culminated in her establishment of a new dynasty.

10-22
19:02

Northern Wei Lacquer Screens

Today, we’ll introduce a set of lacquer screens from the turbulent Northern Wei Dynasty of more than 1,500 years ago. Due to their exquisite craftsmanship and similarity to early Chinese silk paintings, they were some of the first cultural relics prohibited from going abroad for exhibition.

10-15
12:19

A New Relationship with New Audiences

Today, we’ll delve further into how innovations adopted in recent years by museums in Shanxi Province are enhancing the visitor experience, blending history with interactive exploration.

10-11
13:15

Tech Meets Heritage: Mural Museum and Its Modern Makeover

In this first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll be talking about the innovative Taiyuan Northern Qi Dynasty Mural Museum, which has embraced modern technologies including VR and 3D displays to bring its ancient murals to life.

10-08
14:40

Cultural Relics: Collect Calls

Today, we’ll delve further into the developments regarding the repatriation of looted cultural relics to their respective countries of origin. The ethical considerations surrounding collection practices are gaining prominence, with experts cautioning that essential historical knowledge is at risk of being lost.

10-04
18:23

Cultural Relics: Unanswered Prayers

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about how almost 30 years after a statue containing the 1,000-year-old mummified remains of a Buddhist master was stolen and sold overseas, the people of a small village in Southeast China are still fighting for its return.

10-01
17:54

The Man Who Changed the Game: King of Asian Football

Today, we’ll talk about Lee Wai-tong, a pioneering figure in Chinese football who achieved global recognition through his exceptional playing and coaching career. His remarkable journey transformed the perception of Chinese football, leaving a lasting legacy both domestically and internationally.

09-24
14:23

Searching for Sunken Ships of the Beiyang Fleet

Today, we’ll continue to talk about the endeavors of underwater archaeologists as they work to salvage the remnants of the Beiyang Fleet warships that were lost in the world’s first large-scale naval battle between steam-powered armored fleets, known as the Battle of the Yellow Sea.

09-20
16:56

The Sinking of Beiyang Fleet Warships

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll delve into the courageous resistance displayed by the Beiyang Fleet warships against the Japanese Combined Fleet in the Battle of the Yellow Sea during the First Sino-Japanese War in 1894.

09-17
16:15

Tan Kah Kee’s Enduring Educational Legacy

Today, we’ll delve further into Tan Kah Kee’s philanthropic legacy, which resonates most profoundly through his generous donations to education. By establishing schools, funding scholarships, and supporting infrastructure development, he sought to lift Chinese communities out of poverty and backwardness.

09-10
16:06

Tan Kah Kee: Bridging Hope Amid China’s Turmoil

In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about Tan Kah Kee, an overseas Chinese businessman in Singapore who was driven by a deep sense of duty and patriotism, devoting enormous resources to social causes and education in China at a time when the country was ravaged by war and poverty.

09-03
14:03

Han Qi and the Hall of Daytime Elegance

Today, we’ll introduce a statesman from the Northern Song Dynasty and a stone stele from his personal study that records his political achievements. Infused with marvelous literary and artistic value, the stele and the study have become a “spiritual home” pursued by literati of future generations.

08-27
14:07

From Myth to Mission: The Inspiration Behind China’s Space Exploration

Today, we’ll embark on a journey to explore the rich tapestry of legends and myths surrounding the mythical Chinese goddess Chang’e who has served as inspiration for the names of China’s recent lunar and Martian probes.

08-20
16:36

Preserving Excellence: Top Scorer Exam Paper at Qingzhou Museum

Today, we’ll talk about a unique document that stands as a testament to the scholarly achievements of the past. It’s the mainland’s only surviving top-scorer exam paper, a significant artifact offering a glimpse into the academic excellence and historical legacy of China’s imperial examination system.

08-16
14:50

Preserving the Past: The Art and Science of Ancient Book Restoration

Today, we’ll delve into the intricate training processes of ancient book restorers and appraisal experts. These essential guardians are tasked with preserving the vast repositories of ancient books that have survived over the course of China’s history.

08-13
15:54

Kong Yingda: Great Scholar of a Prosperous Age

Today, we’ll talk about how the 32nd generation descendant of Confucius inherited and advanced traditional Confucianism by unifying the interpretation of Confucian classics during the early Tang Dynasty, becoming a prominent Confucian master of his time.

08-06
19:01

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