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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
China’s Long History of Dragon Sightings
Reported sightings of the mythical creature have captivated people in China for centuries
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
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
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
How Ancient Chinese Got Their Hair Cut
Hair was almost sacred to some ancient Chinese, and hairdressers eventually cashed in
Discover the Many Legends of Dragon Boat Festival
Dozens of historical figures are commemorated on Duanwu Festival, so how exactly did the festival begin?
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
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
How Ancient Chinese Seniors Spent Their Retirement
Retirement from working wasn’t always bliss for ancient Chinese officials
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