ANCIENT HISTORY

Paths to Power: A Guide to China’s Civil Servant Selection Systems

Facing an increasingly competitive job market, the battle to enter China’s civil service seems more ruthless than ever—though it’s really the continuation of a millennia-old struggle

ANCIENT HISTORY

Clothed in Jade and Gold: The Ancient Dream of Immortality

Long believed to be a myth, Chinese jade burial suits symbolized ancient nobles’ pursuit of eternal life

HISTORY

The Rocky History of Chinese Immigration in the American West

Colorado’s burgeoning 19th century Chinese communities were destroyed by racist legislation and riots. Now, the state is finally coming to terms with its past.

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

HISTORICAL FIGURES

Qin Liangyu: Ancient China’s Unstoppable Female General

Forget Mulan—ancient China’s most successful female military commander went undefeated in battle and earned honors for over 50 years

HISTORICAL FIGURES

Wen Yiduo: The Poet, The Martyr

Wen Ting, the great-granddaughter of Republican Era-poet Wen Yiduo, talks about her great-grandfather’s cultural and emotional legacy

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

HISTORICAL FIGURES

Reclaiming the Genius of China’s First Female Architect

As well as costing her an architecture degree, Lin Huiyin’s gender would lead many to focus on her looks and alleged love affairs over her groundbreaking work

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