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

China’s Long History of Dragon Sightings

Reported sightings of the mythical creature have captivated people in China for centuries

ANCIENT HISTORY

Ancient Snitches: How China’s Emperors Encouraged Informants

From Wu Zetian to Emperor Yongzheng, China’s imperial rulers were obsessed with people conspiring against the throne and came up with various systems to encourage informers

ANCIENT HISTORY

Death by Flaming Shoes and Hundred Cuts: Disturbing Methods in Ancient Chinese Torture

From ankle crushing to slow slicing, ancient Chinese punishments and torture were brutal

ANCIENT HISTORY

Behind the Screen: A Brief History of Chinese “Pingfeng”

How the humble “pingfeng” screen came to adorn everything from cave dwellings to the emperor’s throne

ANCIENT HISTORY

How Ancient Chinese Got Their Hair Cut

Hair was almost sacred to some ancient Chinese, and hairdressers eventually cashed in

TRADITIONAL CULTURE

Discover the Many Legends of Dragon Boat Festival

Dozens of historical figures are commemorated on Duanwu Festival, so how exactly did the festival begin?

ANCIENT HISTORY

How a Daoist Movement Emerged Out of Han Dynasty Chaos

As the Han empire crumbled and the Yellow Turban Rebellion sought to overthrow imperial rule, the “Way of the Five Pecks of Rice” quietly planted the roots of a durable Daoist movement

ANCIENT HISTORY

How Did Ancient Chinese Mourn the Deceased?

On Qingming Festival, here’s a look at some ancient Chinese mourning rituals, from costume and diet, to mourning periods and wedding bans

ANCIENT HISTORY

How Ancient Chinese Seniors Spent Their Retirement

Retirement from working wasn’t always bliss for ancient Chinese officials