The China History Podcast: Recent Episodes
Laszlo Montgomery
Since 2010, Laszlo Montgomery's China History Podcast presents popular curated topics from China's antiquity to modern times.
Nothing to see here. Just a quick announcement on the latest from the CHP. Thanks for your patience. Lots of new stuff coming soon.
The CHP Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheChinaHistoryPodcast
CHP Premium: https://teacupmedia.supercast.com/
I drove downtown not too long ago to meet with Jesse Appell to talk about his first book, "This was funnier in China" https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/This-Was-Funnier-in-China/Jesse-Appell/9781668087565
Jesse's been performing stand-up comedy and Xiangsheng 相声 for years now. When he isn't engaging in this profession, he's managing and promoting his global tea company, Jesse's Teahouse https://jessesteahouse.com/en-us.
This book tells the story of Jesse's experiences engaging with the PRC and building a nice, comfortable, and exciting life for himself. You'll learn about what it was like living there, about his apprenticeship under Xiangsheng Master Ding Guangquan 丁广泉, his performances, the comedy club he created in Beijing, a whole bunch of interesting characters, and a whole lot more. You may want to slow the audio down to half or quarter speed to take in everything Jesse has to say.
This is all raw and unedited from the Livestream he ran on his various platforms. We clipped on a couple of Bluetooth mics and hit Play on my iPhone to record. The video of this recording can be found at Jesse's TikTok, YouTube, and IG. Thanks, everyone!
Video of the interview: https://www.youtube.com/live/QqSNje4fRzg?si=YzMhQx_ohFt6exR4
I had the idea for this episode sometime during mid-summer 2025. Then I became distracted by the big project I'm working on now, then the holidays, sick cats, and the random hassles of life. This one's only 34 minutes long. My deepest apologies for all the mispronunciations of Maori names. This is the story of Choie Sew Hoy 徐肇开 and the times he lived in during the 19th-century Chinese immigrant scene in New Zealand. There was a lot more going on in the history of Chinese New Zealanders. This story is mostly limited to the events surrounding the Otago Gold Rush of the early 1860s.
Here are a few YouTube videos about this topic:
Journey To Lan Yuan Ep 7 Choie Sew Hoy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMYHSRTVo4M
Journey To Lan Yuan Ep 8 The S.S. Ventnor. https://youtu.be/Q2EXkSdIGAM?si=cEN3uft5CpyU9Rzd
The Mystery of the S.S. Ventnor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg8DB42BkAk
Choie Sew Hoy's descendants meet in Dunedin. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhDM4pwxHdM
Please consider supporting my efforts:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheChinaHistoryPodcast/
CHP Premium: https://teacupmedia.supercast.com/
Other ways to support: https://teacup.media/support
This one is more entertaining than anything. Mr. Andrew Shaw mentioned this looting of the eastern Qing Tombs event when I interviewed him earlier in the year. If you recall, he wrote that book called "Spoil." This time, I'm focusing on the events that went down in July 1928 at the Qing Eastern Tombs 清东陵 northeast of Beijing. This all took place in the final moments of the Warlord Era, right after the Central Plains War. This act perpetrated by warlord Sun Dianying 孙殿英 epitomized the venality of these parasites. To get early access to all the new episodes coming in February 2027, consider Patreon or CHP Premium. Details at the Website: https://teacup.media/support
This morning, in between recording sessions, I checked out what was headlining on Drudge. And right there was the leading story, "Let Them Eat Steak." You can imagine what the piece was about. This made me think, what a perfect time to post this Chinese Saying podcast episode. I released this one on Patreon and CHP Premium a while back. It's more or less the Chinese version of this Drudge headline.
I know, I know, a lot of you, because you don't speak Chinese, despite how you feel about me, never give this Chinese Sayings Podcast a chance. The thing about these "chengyu" Chinese idioms or proverbs, whether you remember them or not, is that they all have interesting and amusing stories that are all rooted in ancient or classical Chinese history. It's true that if you are a Mandarin speaker, you might appreciate these idioms more. But give it a chance and see if you like it.
This one here, 何不食肉糜 Hébù Shí Ròumí, is regretfully a Chinese Saying that never goes out of style. This one is kind of China's version of Marie Antoinette's famous words never spoken, "Let them eat cake." This is a good one from the late 2nd to early 3rd century. And you can still use it in 2025. And being a betting man, it will most likely work well in 2026 too! Enjoy!
In early 2025, I was approached by Jenny Chan at pacificatrocities.org about interviewing one of their experts in an upcoming CHP episode. I had a nice interview with Quin Cho, born in my hometown of Chicago. Those who lament that the young generation of today doesn't bother to learn history, here is some relief. When I saw him, I was surprised to see how young Quin was and how much enthusiasm and interest he has for this topic. It's refreshing to hear all this old history we're all familiar with recounted by those born in this century. We focused on the rise and fall of Japan's Kwantung Army 关东军. They've been blamed for the Mukden Incident and a whole cavalcade of atrocities committed against the Chinese people during the 1930s and 40's. In this interview, you'll get a very clear explanation of how everything unfolded.
You could have heard this episode months ago (and without commercials). Please consider supporting me at my Patreon or CHP Premium.
PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheChinaHistoryPodcast
CHP PREMIUM: https://teacupmedia.supercast.com/
Pacific Atrocities Website: https://www.pacificatrocities.org/books.html
Quin Cho Bio: https://www.pacificatrocities.org/quin-cho.html
Here's something a little different from the usual CHP fare. It concerns a natural substance that's not too well-known outside of Asia, mainly because it's so dang expensive! Chénxiāng 沉香 or Agarwood as it's also known, grows inside the heartwood of certain Aquilaria trees. Chenxiang has a few interesting things about it and is often mentioned in Chinese literature. This episode includes a bunch of poems and a couple of chengyu's that all contain references to chénxiāng. While I was on the subject, I'm also mentioning five other trees that, while nowhere nearly as expensoive as chenxiang, were rare and precious enough to be driven to the brink of extinction. These four are Xiǎoyè Zǐtán 小叶紫檀, Hǎinán Huánghuālí 海南黄花梨, Lǎowō Dàhóng Suānzhī 老挝大红酸枝, Jīchìmù 鸡翅木, and Jīnsī Nánmù 金丝楠木.
You could have heard this episode three months earlier if you subscribed to the Official CHP Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/TheChinaHistoryPodcast
CHP Premium: https://teacupmedia.supercast.com/
The Teacup Media Website: https://teacup.media/
Thanks to all of you for listening. Reach out to me anytime at laszlo@teacup.media.
Hi Everyone, just coming up for air. This is actually one of the several new episodes that have been available on Patreon and CHP Premium since July, three months ago. This is a brief overview of the life and times of Wang Jingwei, the 中国头号大汉奸. Strong words. Why is he so despised? What drove him to make the decisions he did that forever branded him as a traitor to the Chinese people? He's another figure from those early ROC years that everyone has heard of but perhaps not so sure of the role he played in the history of that era. Enjoy. If the FOMO is making you lose sleep at night, consider subscribing below. Thanks!!!
Laszlo's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheChinaHistoryPodcast
CHP Premium: https://teacupmedia.supercast.com/
Early access to shows. Ad Free. Easy and convenient access to Laszlo.
Here’s a preview of a new podcast, The Chinatown Sting, from our friends at Pushkin Industries.
In the late 1980s, a group of women connected through the mahjong parlors in Manhattan’s Chinatown were caught in a massive undercover drug bust. But this bust was just the beginning of an even bigger case. Host Lidia Jean Kott and co-reporter Shuyu Wang interview sources who’ve never spoken on record before, including witnesses, defendants, and federal prosecutors, to reconstruct a case that still has repercussions today and impacted the history of American Chinatowns themselves, which developed to protect immigrants from a hostile society. Listen to The Chinatown Sting wherever you get podcasts and binge the entire season, ad-free, with a Pushkin+ subscription—sign up on The Chinatown Sting Apple Podcasts show page or at pushkin.fm/plus.
Here's another quickie for you, only a half hour long. It seems not only are the portions at fast-food chains shrinking, so are the CHP episodes. Thanks to a team of amateur historians, WWII enthusiasts, and survivors, this interesting tale can now be told. It concerns a forgotten man named Mr. Lam Ping Yu 林炳堯, who left behind a WWII diary from 1944 that was rediscovered by chance in 2015. I hope you'll enjoy this story. For more info, you can visit the website: https://www.dday.hk/. Thanks to Mr. John Mak, Mr. Angus Hui, and Mr. Jackson Chan for telling me about this story in 2024. Photo Credit: Thanks to Mr. Frank Tsou.
This is a rather long episode, running at just about one hour. The Guangxi Massacre is one of those dark chapters from the Cultural Revolution. Down in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, it was particularly dark. I was listening to Stanford Professor of Anthropology Andrew G. Walder on the New Books Network discussing his 2023 book covering this topic. That gave me the initial inspiration. Dr. Walder's book and a few others are very disturbing to read. I didn't dwell on some of the more gory and grotesque parts of this story. Hoowever, the books are all rather free with their descriptions of some of the atrocities committed. There's one excerpt I did include in the Patreon and CHP Premium audio. But I won't be including it in the regular CHP feed. This episode is particularly interesting because it involves a province other than the usual suspects along the coast. And it stars Wei Guoqing 韦国清, someone I'm guessing doesn't ring a bell. Let me know what you think. This was a painful episode to research and present. Suggested Reading: Zheng Yi, “Scarlet Memorial: Tales Of Cannibalism In Modern China https://a.co/d/89TkvH6
Andrew G. Walder, “Civil War in Guangxi: The Cultural Revolution on China's Southern Periphery” https://a.co/d/8XWipif
Yang Su, “Collective Killings in Rural China during the Cultural Revolution” https://a.co/d/5BF7C2R
New Books in East Asian Studies Podcast featuring Andrew G. Walder: https://pca.st/gh0p9udt
Search for The Secret Archives About the Cultural Revolution in Guangxi《廣西文革機密檔案資料》
In this episode, we look at the life of Anson Burlingame, a well-known name in California. During Lincoln's term as president, he was appointed Chief Minister to China, arriving in Beijing in the summer of 1862. Already well-known in the US as a fiery abolitionist and a man who believed everyone should be treated fairly and with all due respect, he sympathized with the Chinese government. When he arrived in post-Opium Wars, post-Treaty of Tianjin/Convention of Beijing China, he used his respected position among the diplomatic community of the treaty powers to fight for a fair deal for China. In a controversial move, he was appointed by the Qing government to lead a mission to the US and the great capitals of Europe to advocate on China's behalf. While in the US, Burlingame championed the signing of a treaty, the first of its kind, that recognized China as an equal sovereign nation. It opened the door to legal Chinese immigration and travel to the US. That ended up becoming the treaty's undoing.
Here's a nice little standalone episode on the life and work of Thomas Wade and Herbert Giles. And you can't mention Herbert Giles without mentioning his son, Lionel Giles. And of course, Robert Morrison must be mentioned as well as all the earliest Western scholars of Sinology going back to Michele Ruggieri. And it wouldn't be fair to only talk about Wade and the two Giles's without giving a nod to their contemporaries elsewhere on the continent and in Asia. So this is a slightly meandering survey of some of the great old sinologists from the 19th century (and early 20th).
This is only a 2-parter, so this exciting episode will bring the curtain down on Lin Biao and his famous "Incident." We resume the story following the 1970 Lushan Plenum. Lin, or Lin's ambitious manipulators, pushed Chairman Mao just a bit too much at this meeting, and he decided to take immediate action. This whole 913 Incident, as you will hear, was a huge embarrassment to the Chinese Communist Party. Therefore, it's not surprising that they circled the wagons and went beyond the call of duty to cover up what could still be covered up. Mao had to be careful. With a history filled with men like Wang Mang, Zhu Wen, Zhao Kuangyin, and Yuan Shikai, he knew he had to watch these generals. So here's all the various fun bits of speculation surrounding the days of September 12-13, 1971. No Beatles references in this episode, though I was tempted to mention that Stella McCartney was born on the exact day of the plane crash that ended Lin Biao's life. Thanks everyone, for listening. This episode was posted to Patreon and CHP Premium back in February. Consider joining. You'd have my everlasting appreciation.
This is Part 1 of a 2-Part series looking at the life of Lin Biao and the actual Lin Biao Incident itself. This bit of history is documented to death. I downloaded a dozen scholarly papers, read a few books, went through my entire library, and gathered as much information as possible. But practically every source ends with "cannot be proved." The Lin Biao Incident is China's version of the Kennedy assassination. So much we know. So much we have no idea. In this Part 1 episode, I cover Lin Biao's early life and how he rose up on Mao's coattails, going back to the Jiangxi Soviet era. I'll take this episode up to the Lushan Plenum of 1970. That was the beginning of the end of Lin Biao. Be looking for Part 2 in a bit. Thanks, everyone.
Just in time for Liberation Day, I'm presenting this timely episode. Back in 1890, with the aim of protecting American companies from foreign competition, tariffs were jacked up significantly. With all the advances in transport, logistics, and new technologies, world trade was shifting into a higher gear. For a few centuries, the Ming and Qing emperors did their damnedest to regulate the invasion of European traders clamoring to do business with Chinese merchants. The foreigners wanted free, open, and unfettered trade with China. By the 1890’s and a few humiliating unequal treaties later, the dream finally came true. That’s when the real problems started. Thanks to Dan Stein for this topic idea we discussed over lunch recently. If you'd like to support the China History Podcast and listen ad-free and get new episodes weeks or months early:
CHP Premium: https://teacupmedianetwork.supercast.com/, CHP Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheChinaHistoryPodcast
This is the second of a two-part mini-series introducing the world of European plant hunting in China. In this episode, we look at some of the more noteworthy names and their accomplishments. After the exploits of Robert Fortune, many other plant hunters followed in his footsteps to China. We'll look at Henry Fletcher Hance, Père David, Augustine Henry, Ernest Wilson, and George Forrest, among others. Thanks to all for for listening.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I was afraid I'd barely be able to scrape together enough material for a short episode. Instead, this one is gonna take almost two hours to tell. I hope no one minds that I opted not to drown anyone with Latin names and to go easy on the scientific aspects behind plants. The focus will be on the European and later, American plant hunters who came to China between the 16th and 20th centuries. This episode will look at some of the exploits of the early Jesuit missionaries up through Robert Fortune's four trips to China. Next time in Part 2, all the famous post-Fortune plant hunters will be featured. Be looking for that soon.
If you'd like to support the China History Podcast and listen ad-free and get new episodes weeks or months early:
CHP Premium: https://teacupmedianetwork.supercast.com/
CHP Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheChinaHistoryPodcast
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Calling all fans of podcast great, Lindsay Graham! Here's a sampling of the very popular podcast, History Daily.
On History Daily, they do history, daily. Every weekday, host Lindsay Graham (American Scandal, American History Tellers) takes you back in time to explore a momentous event that happened ‘on this day’ in history.
Whether it’s to remember the tragedy of December 7th, 1941, the day “that will live in infamy,” or to celebrate that 20th day in July 1969, when humankind reached the moon, History Daily is there to tell you the true stories of the people and events that shaped our world—one day at a time.
So if you’re stuck in traffic, bored at work—wherever you are, listen to History Daily to remind yourself that something incredible happened to make that day historic.
A co-production from award-winning podcasters Airship and Noiser.
LINKS to HISTORY DAILY
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/31PSVhUGECv1bdBfPSv3Nf?si=6ed7018e08084034
APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/history-daily/id1591095413
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Former BBC reporter and master jade carver Andrew Shaw is back. What an informative interview this one turned out to be! I hope you all enjoy this discussion of the history and legends behind jade. I learned quite a bit during this brief talk. I hope you do too.
Links to Andrew Shaw's books about jade:
"A Jade Treasury" https://a.co/d/f2ynsRF
"Jade Life" https://a.co/d/0yvYPbZ
CCTV Documentary https://youtu.be/GWxFucq1o60?si=rsMeqqjMgy9Fbrg-
Once his past attendance at meetings of the Pasadena Communist Party in 1938 come to light, Qian gets caught up in the Red Scare of the 1950s. In this Part 2 episode, we see how the US government accused Qian of being a communist. Despite everything he had done for America and all the R&D that he might further contribute in the decades to come, Qian was deported back to his homeland. And from 1955 until his death in 2009, he went on to do all kinds of great things for the PRC's missile and space programs. Iris Chang, "Thread of the Silkworm" https://www.amazon.com/Thread-Silkworm-Iris-Chang/dp/0465006787 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Once again, by popular demand, here's another oft-requested topic. With the recent release of the Oppenheimer film, I thought this story was quite timely. Qian Xuesen is called "The Father of China's Missile and Space Program." What's not as well known is the key role he played in the late 1930s and 40s in the United States rocket and jet propulsion programs. He was there, along with Frank Malina, Weld Arnold, Apollo M.O. Smith, Jack Parsons, and Edward S. Forman, when the Jet Propulsion Laboratory was created. Under the leadership of Theodore von Karman, this team led the effort that launched America's missile and rocket programs. But come 1950 Qian's world will be upended. That's all for Part 2. Iris Chang: Thread of the Silkworm: https://www.amazon.com/Thread-Silkworm-Iris-Chang/dp/0465006787 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Once again we thank The Grand Historian for giving up another good one. This one's an eight-character chengyu. The story goes back to 206 BC and the famous story of Liu Bang and Xiang Yu's meeting at The Banquet at Hongmen. Here, the two contenders for the emperorship of China, meet face to face. Only one of them could sit on that throne and beginning right here, the Chu-Han Contention begins. The chengyu for this time, 项庄舞剑, 意在沛公 Xiàng Zhuāng Wǔ Jiàn, Yì Zài Pèi Gōng comes from this slice of history mentioned in the Record of the Grand Historian from the chapter on Xiang Yu. People who have a lot to lose, especially in the world of politics and government should pay attention to this one. It's a good one to use when describing someone who may appear all nice and pleasant but who has a hidden motive to do you harm. Enjoy! White Vengeance video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H3yXEh7KCQ
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you're someone born in the 1940s-50s and 60s, Keye Luke was a familiar name, especially if you watched American TV. As a founding member of the Screen Actors Guild, I thought his story might be timely. Set's take a break from the wars, rebellions, and days of yore and enjoy a more light-hearted episode featuring a beloved Chinese American who left his mark on the industry he was part of for more than sixty years. For many of us, this episode will be a nice pleasant trip down memory lane. I hope you enjoy Go check out Timothy Tau’s excellent film on the life and career of Keye Luke: https://youtu.be/SqUH0-CcvOI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With a cast of characters like the Dukes of Jin and Chu and everyone's favorite exile Chong Er, you're guaranteed a treat. This is the story behind the chengyu: 退避三舍 Tuì Bì Sān Shè. The story of Chong Er, his escape from persecution by his father Duke Xian of Jin, and his triumphant return to Jin in 636 BC is one of the countless unforgettable stories from ancient Chinese history. Before Chong Er became Duke Wen of Jin, he experienced a nineteen-year odyssey that took him throughout the states of the Zhou Dynasty. This story concerns a visit to Chu. Sometimes you gotta know when to make a strategic retreat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Here's the final episode in the Yunnan history series. In this episode, we pick up in 1875 in the wake of the Margary Affair and take the story through the end of the Qing and into the Warlord and Republican era. Warlords Cai E, Tang Jiyao, Long Yun, and Lu Han, all make appearances. Part 5 runs almost 49 minutes which is 15-20 minutes longer than I like these CHP episodes to be. The series concludes a bit prematurely, a hundred years later in 1975. Sorry to end on such a downer as the Cultural Revolution and the Shadian Incident of 1975. I really don't have enough material to make a Part 6. So let's just leave it at that. I hope it was informative and helpful. For the pure enjoyment of Pu-Erh Tea Laszlo recommends The Bana Tea Company: https://www.banateacompany.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This time we're featuring another oldie but goodie, Qīng Chū Yú Lán 青出于蓝. Though Xunzi was the inspiration for the chengyu, the tale behind this Chinese Saying comes from the Northern and Southern Dynasties period. The longer version of the saying goes 青出于蓝, 而胜于蓝 but we'll just focus on the front four and that's all you need for most situations where you want to remark about a student or apprentice, surpassing their teacher or master. Don't forget, all the terms for all the episodes can be found at my website at https://teacup.media. Thanks, everyone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Starting last year I became a big fan of many of the new shows that have been emerging from Singapore, India, China, the Philippines, and elsewhere in Asia. My buddy at 1UP Media, Yeo Guang Jin is running a multi-part series that looks at the humble rise of Alibaba and how Jack Ma built this into one of the great success stories in global corporate history. I'm sharing Part 3 of the series here on the CHP feed which tells the story of how Jack Ma took on mighty eBay and emerged from the competition with Taobao and TMall. Empires features compelling deep dives into some of the most renowned companies in all of Asia: Ten Cent, Sony, and Samsung to name a few. I heartily recommend this show to any and all lovers of International business. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Here's Part 4 of my latest effort. This episode examines all the events leading up to, during, and immediately after The Panthay Rebellion, 1856-1872. Since the time of the Mongols, the Hui Chinese had served the dynasties faithfully as civil servants and bureaucrats. But come the mid-Qing, after a massive wave of Han Chinese migration to the southwest of China, including to Yunnan, sparks flew at once between the Hui Chinese who controlled business interests that the new migrants demanding a piece of the action. This was an unfortunate period in Yunnan's history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A few days ago, Laszlo sat down with good friend Hao Huang and son, Micah, at Scripps College where Hao is the Bessie and Cecil Frankel Chair in Music. In 2021 they co-produced the Blood on Gold Mountain Podcast. In a pilot episode of a new show dropping Wednesday, July 19 called Iron Horse Road, Hao and Micah explain what the show is about and the trip they took to California's High Sierras that inspired it. They visited locations where more than a century and a half ago railroad workers from Southern Guangdong built these wonders of engineering. This led to a general discussion about these workers and the challenges they faced living far from home and in a land where every day presented a new set of challenges, often life-threatening. The Iron Horse Road Podcast will come out on the Blood on Gold Mountain feed. To subscribe, search for Blood on Gold Mountain or visit their website at https://blood-on-gold-mountain.captivate.fm/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome back to another season of Chinese Sayings. For the Season 8 opener, we open with a well-known and useful chengyu: Yī Zì Qiān Jīn 一字千金. The story behind this classic from The Record of the Grand Historian features the infamous Lü Buwei, Lady Zhao, and the father of the future first emperor of China, King Zhuangxiang. The Qin State and Dynasty yielded up some fantastic chengyu's over the years. And this is sure one of them. Stay cool everyone, especially all ya'lls in Arizona. Thanks as always to Emma in China's capital. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this latest installment of the Yunnan History series, we take the narrative up to the Qing Dynasty in the 1800s. The province had been relatively peaceful since the late 13th-century Mongol conquest. Then, not so much come the accession of the Yongzheng Emperor. This episode takes a very quick look at Yunnan literary figure Yang Shen followed by a retelling of the story of Wu Sangui and the Revolt of the Three Feudatories. Then, the scourge of the local tribal chieftains of Yunnan, Ortai (È’ěrtài 鄂尔泰) is introduced. And in preparation for Part 4 which will focus on the Panthay Rebellion, I'll also explain some background info on the Hui People of Yunnan, beginning with Sayyid Ajall Shams al-Din Omar al-Bukhari. My thanks to you all for taking the time to listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We pick up after the fall of the Tang Dynasty and Nanzhao Kingdom. The main focus in this Part 2 episode will be the rise and fall of the Dali Kingdom and the Mongol Conquest of Dali in 1253. We'll also take a quick look at the complicated period between the fall of Nanzhao and the founding of the Dali Kingdom. We'll close with the fall of the Yuan Dynasty and the aftermath that occurred in Yunnan in the 14th century. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The response was so positive last time longtime Beijing ex-pat Dr. Jeremiah Jenne appeared on the CHP, we decided to invite him on the program again. Seeing how JJ has called this magnificent city home for the past twenty-odd years, who better is there to introduce the long history of this 6300 sq. mile area located inside the borders of Hebei province? Even before the city officially became Beijing or even Khanbaliq, it was already a historical place. My deep thanks to Jeremiah 君 for taking the time to come on the show. Have a fab weekend everyone! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Over the past year, I've had the great pleasure of working with a talented group of game developers at Paradox Tinto, one of the studios where they design and develop history-based grand strategy games. These Grand Strategy Games are enjoyed all over the world. One member of the team at Paradox Tinto who I had the pleasure to work with, was Barcelona-based Álvaro Sanz. Together we worked on a selection of history-based lectures that accompany the Europa Universalis IV Mandate of Heaven DLC (DLC: Downloadable Content). The time period covered in the game coincides with the Ming and early Qing Dynasties. This series of lectures accompanied the time period of the Mandate of Heaven DLC. And as of June 20th, everything's now available to all players of Europa Universalis IV. This experience of collaborating with the team at Paradox to develop all this new content was also a great learning experience for me. Grand Strategy Games are passionately embraced by enthusiasts the world over. During this past year I have discovered how these computer-based games are a fantastic and unique way to learn about history. Paradox Interactive: https://www.paradoxinteractive.com/ Europa Universalis IV: https://www.paradoxinteractive.com/our-games/all-games?Brand=Europa%20Universalis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this first episode of a multi-part series, we'll look at Yunnan's ancient beginnings during the Zhou Dynasty and take things up to the end of the Nanzhao Kingdom in the 10th century. The Dian Kingdom, the Cuanman, the beginnings of Nanzhao, and the rocky relationship between Tang Dynasty China, Tibet and Nanzhao. All of that will be looked at in this episode. Then next time in Part 2 we'll begin the Dali Kingdom. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Laszlo had the honor and pleasure to welcome Mr. William Lindesay onto the CHP to discuss The Great Wall, a topic he is most eminently qualified to speak about. Sit back and enjoy this very informative and entertaining episode introducing the history and lore behind The Great Wall. A special thanks to William for his time and for sharing his Great Wall experiences over the past 35 years. We're planning to have William and his two sons Tommy and Jimmy back on the show soon to talk about more Great Wall history. Enjoy! William Lindesay’s Amazon Pagehttps://www.amazon.com/William-Lindesay/e/B00XFI60OY/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1The Lindesay Brothers YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@thelindesaybrothers7331Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More Taiwan history for you in Part 5. This time we only get as far as the first decade of the Japanese colonial period. Quite a bit of exciting and little-known stuff went down in Taiwan between the Treaty of Shimonoseki and the moment the Japanese tamped down major resistance, seized control, and got to photograph themselves under a "Mission Accomplished" banner. The first years were characterized by acts of defiance against the Japanese takeover. We'll also examine "Asia's first republic" and those five months from 1895. We also harken back to an old History of Tea episode to look at Li Chunsheng and John Dodd's contribution to launching Taiwan's tea industry. All of this and more for you in Part 5. I hope you enjoy it and I look forward to your emails and comments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The history of Taiwan continues during the difficult decades of the Qing Dynasty. With Shi Lang's defeat of the Dongning Kingdom in 1683, Taiwan finally became part of China. But times were anything but peaceful on the island. The outcome of the Opium Wars had opened up treaty ports on Taiwan. Foreign trade ramped up quickly bringing with it all the positive and negative influences it had on the host country. The Manchu Qing authorities tried like crazy to establish control over the island. But with the indigenous people and the inaccessible mountainous parts of the island, they were never able to assert their authority beyond the west coast cities. A number of bloody incidents go down when foreign ships find themselves shipwrecked off the Taiwan coast. Finally, a hero arises who is able to begin to institute reforms. Liu Mingchuan first fought the French in the Sino-French War and then became the first governor of Taiwan...but not for long. We'll close with the Treaty of Shimonoseki which leads to a sharp turn of events on the Ilha Formosa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this Part 3 episode, we look at Shi Lang and his victory over Zheng Jing, Liu Guoxian, and the Dongning Kingdom. When it was all over in 1683, for the first time in history, Taiwan fell under China rule. Now the Manchus needed to figure out what to do with this prize. Corrupt officials and heavy-handed governing methods contributed to the endless uprisings and rebellions witnessed on the island throughout the 18th century. The Qianlong Emperor will have his hands full trying to keep things peaceful in Taiwan. We close with the ultra-violence meted out during the Lin Shuangwen Rebellion of 1787-1788. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The new Anna May Wong quarters are here, issued by The US Mint as part of a set honoring five women achievers and trailblazers: writer and civil right activist Maya Angelou, Astronaut Sally Ride, Native American activist, and former Cherokee Nation Chief Wilma Mankiller, suffragist, educator, and politician Nina Otero-Warren. And for the fifth coin, the US Mint selected none other than movie star, entertainer, activist, and fashion icon Anna May Wong, one of the women featured in this CHP-159 episode that looks at Chinese American Stars and Entertainers of Old Hollywood. CHP-159 remains one of my personal all-time favorite CHP episodes. I put that one out back in 2015, complete with much less than optimal audio. I cleaned it up a little and added an intro. And today, in recognition of the release of this new coin, I'm bringing back this episode for anyone who missed it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this Part 2 episode, we will look at Dutch and Spanish Formosa and the history of these two would-be colonizers of Taiwan. The Dutch were the first to try and make a serious go at colonizing Taiwan. Zheng Zhilong and his famous son Zheng Chenggong will also be covered in this episode. Zheng Chenggong, better known in the West as Koxinga, is probably the most well-known person in Taiwan's history. He was responsible for removing the Dutch from Taiwan and opening the floodgates to the migration of thousands upon thousands of settlers from the Mainland. He also established the Dongning Kingdom on the island. Taiwan is still not yet part of China. But after Shi Lang is introduced in the next episode, that all changes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Several years ago William Han set out from Xinjiang, following in the footsteps of Gan Ying who was tasked, in 97 AD, to seek out and establish relations with Da Qin (Rome). All the sights and experiences are detailed in William's new book, "From the Wall to the Water". It was quite an eye-opening journey from the end of the Great Wall to the Persian Gulf. Laszlo also discusses William's The Master of Demon Gorge Podcast (MODG) and the joys of China history podcasting. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B7GVCH9T/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0 https://open.spotify.com/show/7MOqCZgmT3JONI5JLxWnGW https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-master-of-demon-gorge-a-chinese-history-podcast/id1569122446 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
No topic gets requested more than the history of Taiwan. In this first of a multi-part series, Laszlo looks at the geologic formation of the island and Taiwan's prehistoric past. How the indigenous Austronesian people of Taiwan migrated throughout the South Pacific, the South China Sea, and beyond is also introduced. Several encounters between native people living in Taiwan and visitors from Fujian took place during the Three Kingdoms era and in subsequent dynasties. This will also be looked at. Part 1 will take the story up to the Ming Dynasty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don't let their names fool you. Ida Kahn was born Kang Aide and Mary Stone, Shi Meiyu. Born into a Methodist Episcopal community in the Treaty Port city of Jiujiang in Jiangxi Province, these two women became pioneers in introducing Western medicine to the women of Jiangxi province. And as role models for other women across China in the early 20th century, they inspired generations of women to become doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For any and all cat lovers worldwide, here's a special episode for you. Fellow cat lover (ailurophile) Lee Moore of the Chinese Literature Podcast joins Laszlo for this CHP Special Episode where they chat about cats in Chinese history and offer up a few interesting anecdotes and stories. They both recite a selection of cat poems from the Song and Ming dynasties and go all out to discuss their favorite animal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this final sixth episode of the History of Guangzhou series, the events of the Nanjing Decade and the city's role as a bastion of anti-Chiang Kai-shek factions will be discussed. Then we'll wind things down with a rush to the finish, reviewing the Japanese occupation, the fall of Guangzhou to the Communists, and finally take a quick look at the Special Economic Zones that helped to transform Guangzhou and the entire Pear River Delta Region. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Most of us have never tried old-fashioned snuff as they did back in the 17th to 19th centuries. But we've all heard of it. I invited Mr. Andrew Singer onto the CHP to satiate the curiosity of anyone wishing to know more about it and these gorgeous little bottles. Snuff bottles were extremely popular with the nobles and aristocrats of the Qing Dynasty. And a number of emperors too engaged in this pastime. Though snuff itself is not so popular today, the snuff bottles that came out of this period became an obsession of passionate collectors the world over. Join Andrew Singer and me in a discussion about the snuff and snuff bottle culture during the Qing Dynasty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More Guangzhou history. This time we look at the events between the Second Opium War to the Northern Expedition. Featuring prominently in this episode will be Sun Yat-sen and the warlords. Before we get to them, however, we're stuck reliving all the historical short-sightedness of the foreign powers during the Daoguang and Xianfeng eras. I'm sure they all felt invincible back then against a rotted-out China government. Guangzhou became the headquarters for the Anti-Qing and later Anti-Warlord movements. As it was before in Guangzhou history, because of the local unrest, a lot of commerce shifted to other ports in China. We should be able to finish this series off next time in Part 6. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Few topics have been requested more than the Forbidden City, located in the center of the great city of Beijing. To help introduce this iconic palace complex, Laszlo invited longtime Beijing resident, Jeremiah Jenne of "Barbarians at the Gate Podcast" fame onto the CHP to discuss the history of the Forbidden City from its construction in the Ming Dynasty up to the present day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The history continues with the many exciting and historically consequential events of the mid-19th century. In this Part 4 episode, the history of Guangzhou takes a dramatic turn as the Europeans start showing up in greater numbers clamoring for more trade and more access to the China market. The Qianlong Emperor calls for the Canton System which leads to a number of "stepping stones" that ultimately results in the Treaty of Nanjing. And now with four additional treaty ports opened to trade, Guangzhou's importance starts to wane. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The history continues of China's great and historic "Window to the World", the city of Guangzhou. This time we pick up in the Yuan dynasty, where everything culturally, politically, and commercially picks up the pace going back to the Tang. Quanzhou in Fujian province outpaces Guangzhou as far as China's most important trade port. But that will change once we get the Ming and Qing dynasties. In this episode, the Europeans will finally, after more than 2,000 years, get their chance to get to know China face to face and up close. Needless to say, it didn't go too well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We're picking up in the Tang Dynasty. Guangzhou continues its leading role as the gateway to Southern China coming from the South China Sea and beyond. Heaven is high and the emperor is far away. Despite its importance to the dynasty even in the 7th century, Guangzhou was still a place of banishment and not yet completely integrated with everything happening in the north. Arab and Persian traders and diplomats were regular visitors to Guangzhou and enjoyed a mini-golden age of cultural and commercial interaction. The Maritime Silk Road was in full bloom and Guangzhou was at the center of it. But all was not business as usual. Two violent disturbances will hit Guangzhou that shatters the peace. And Guangzhou's misfortune will become Quanzhou's opportunity. In this episode, we'll also look at the Southern Han Dynasty from the Five Dynasties Ten Kingdoms period that followed the fall of the Tang. Liu Yan based his dynasty in Guangzhou and left behind ruins and relics that are still around today. We'll finish off in the Southern Song Dynasty when Guangzhou's economic importance to the country reached an all-time high. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Laszlo invited Kyle Anderson onto the CHP to discuss the life of the oft-called "Belgian Schindler" Qian Xiuling 钱秀玲. Kyle is the translator of the Xu Feng book "忘记我" (Forget Me) which details Madame Qian's incredible life, growing up in Yixing, Jiangsu, and later moving to Belgium for her university studies. She married, had a family, a career, and lived a quiet life until the German occupation of Belgium in 1940. Her story and the bravery and humanity she exhibited during the Nazi occupation earned her the moniker "Belgium's Schindler". Her's was a life worth knowing about, despite her modesty and wishes to be forgotten. The descendants of the hundred or so lives she saved back in the 1940s today number in the many thousands. The translated version of the book will be coming out soon. For now, please enjoy this conversation between Laszlo and Kyle Anderson as they introduce the life of someone you may not have heard of before. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this Part 1 episode of a multi-part series Laszlo introduces the most ancient history of the great city of Guangzhou. Long known as Canton in many places, this city has a history that is both fascinating and unique in China. In this installment of the series, we'll explore the early stories and legends from the Shang and Zhou dynasties. Then we'll look at the period when the Guangzhou region first appears on the China map during the Qin. The story picks up the pace during Zhao Tuo's Nanyue Kingdom, a story told before in previous CHP episodes. Finally, we'll look at the Han and Three Kingdoms when there's no doubt about it, this part of southernmost China was here to stay and Guangzhou begins its integration with the rest of the Chinese nation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thanks to Leigh for the inspiration to cover this sidebar to all the history happening during the end of the Qing and early Republic. This episode examines the lives of these late-Qing intellectuals who went to Paris, Tokyo, and other places to study alternative political systems that might be a good fit for China. Though anarchism works great only in theory, it was still an ideal these intellectuals aspired to. They sought to create a harmonious society where the people weren't persecuted or exploited by an oppressive government. The CCP ended up cherry-picking a few of these ideas that these anarchists wrote about in their journals and publications. These anarchists were the OG's of socialism and communism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With the Season 5 finale of my other show The Chinese Sayings Podcast going up yesterday, I wanted to include the season 5 opener of this show to the CHP feed just in case you haven't had a chance to check out this show. If you like the it, there are 50 episodes across 5 seasons for you to listen to! Search for The Chinese Sayings Podcast on your favorite podcast player and subscribe today! We're back with another season of wonderful and useful chengyu's for your Chinese sayings repertoire. Everyone knows this one. Well, maybe not everyone but it's pretty well-known. We ended last season in the Later Han Dynasty and that's where we'll start Season 5. Though this story was written during the Ming dynasty it concerns the 3rd Century character Sima Hui 司马徽. He was the original Hǎo Hǎo Xiānshēng 好好先生 who lived not to upset anyone or take a contrarian stance against anything that was ever said to him (by anyone). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For this 301st CHP episode, we cover some more great Overseas Chinese history. Rather than biting off more than I could chew by taking on the bigger story of Chinese emigration to the Caribbean, the focus will be on the island nation of Jamaica. The Chinese Jamaican story is another Hakka story. Contained in this episode is just one sliver of the history of this great and musical nation. I hope this episode piques your interest. If you want to learn more about Jamaica you're in luck. Lots of great resources out there. I hope I can visit there one day and see it for myself. I flipped a coin to decide what pronunciation of "Caribbean" I would use for the episode. Happy Memorial Day Weekend to all fellow Yanks.
Roifield Brown’s “How Jamaica Conquered the World”: https://open.spotify.com/show/53GxTOmpv0VLsIY426KYa8?si=f6eacb5b996a40d8&nd=1
Byron Lee and the Dragonaires: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1akUOJhf77cbKJveLHgxpy?si=7vj-VPKAQMyBj0GYXMtPKg&nd=1
VP Records: https://www.vprecords.com/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
For this Milestone Episode in CHP history, we finish off our overview of the history of Chinese alchemy. Top billing this time will be the biggest name in the industry, Ge Hong. Other notable alchemists and alchemical works will be introduced up to the Ming, followed by a Lightning Round of emperors who died by alchemical poisoning. Thanks to all of you who have supported me these past three hundred episodes and to all of you who discovered me only recently....永远感谢.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This is the first of a two-part series that will explore the history of Chinese alchemy. We'll look at the most important names of alchemists and the works they produced. Hard to believe people ingested toxic heavy metals as long as they did to achieve immortality. In this Part 1 episode, we'll look at alchemy's most ancient origins and take things up to the end of the Han Dynasty. Next time in Part 2 we'll look at alchemy's most renowned practitioner in China, Ge Hong, and how alchemy evolved all the way to the end of the Tang.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
I'm happy to welcome Dr. Brandon Gauthier onto the CHP. His new book, just out, "Before Evil" looks at the early lives of six dictators: Mao, Stalin, Lenin, Mussolini, Hitler, and Kim Il-Sung. In this discussion, we'll mainly look at Mao's early life. Despite only focusing on one of the six dictators, this lively chat runs for about an hour. Since I've never presented Mao in a standalone series, this is a nice talk about a topic not covered in any previous CHP episode.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948954613/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_X4V152TM2M5EA3N0F1G3
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This episode is another listener request. In fact, Homer Lea's been requested regularly throughout the years. He's more of a footnote from history than actual history itself. Homer's story is kind of unique because of the stumbling blocks life threw his way. He didn't live long but in his short life he got to witness a lot and be a sort of "fly on the wall" to some of the great moments in Revolutionary Chinese history that we're all so familiar with. So let's go relive those years from 1908 to 1912 and the walk-on roles Homer Lea got to play as history unfolded.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laszlo welcomes Scripps College professor of music Dr. Hao Huang onto the CHP to discuss the stories of Jewish musicians from Germany and Austria who fled Europe and ended up in Shanghai. This is a companion episode to the six-part series on the Jewish Refugees in Shanghai (Episodes 208-213). Professor Huang discusses the trials and tribulations these musicians faced, stories of their survival, and the great legacy many of them left behind in China.
GREAT BIG thanks go out to:
CINEVISION GLOBAL INC for allowing us to use a sample of the original Chinese version of Rose, Rose I Love You, better known as Shanghai Rose.
The Exilarte Center at the MDW - the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna for allowing us to use an audio sample of the Wolfgang Fraenkel, Drei Orchesterlieder / Three Orchestral Songs (1941) that composer Fraenkel wrote while he was in Shanghai
Youtube channel Onkel Greifenklau for allowing us to use a sample of violinist Alfred Wittenberg the Allegro molto from Mozart's String Quartet in G Major (Wittenberg-Quartet)
Youtube channel Musicprof78 for allowing us to use a sample of Frankie Laine's version of Rose, Rose I Love you.
and Micah Huang for sound production. Check out Michah Huang and Emma Geiss at https://www.theflowerpistilsmusic.com/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, we will finish up this overview of the relations between Rome and China. The Roman Empire in the West ended in 476. In this Part 2 episode, we'll look at relations between the Byzantine Empire and China during the Tang, Song, and Yuan. As you'll soon discover the Nestorians and then later the Catholics led by John of Montecorvino dominated official and unofficial relations between the Eastern Roman Empire and the Empire of China.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This is sort of a strange topic. In Part 1 we'll look at the early history that took place between the Han Dynasty and the Western Roman Empire. Before we tuck into the chicken ribs that are Sino-Roman Relations, I'll introduce you to the far-out theory that Professor Homer Dubs came up with in the 1950s. A lot of people swear this happened. Then we'll look at the famous Gan Ying mission of 97 AD and take it from there. In Part 2 we'll look at the events that happened mostly during the Byzantine Empire.
Don't forget, to hear these episodes nice and early without commercials, sign up for CHP Premium.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
If the title sounds familiar, that's because this is a new version of an old episode from 2014 that got pulled from the CHP back catalog. But here it is, newly recorded and enhanced. This episode looks at the Ma family of soldiers and warlords in the northwest provinces of Ningxia, Gansu and Qinghai. Their story began in the last years of the Dungan Revolt and concluded with the victory of the Chinese Communists in 1949. Please check the website for a cheat sheet that lists all names used in this episode. There are a lot of characters surnamed Ma in this episode.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Documentarian and podcaster James Harper of Filter Stories has joined up with history professor Jonathan Morris to produce a nice, short but sweet, six-part series that looks at the history of this aromatic psychoactive seed that, like tea, played no small part in changing the world.
If you liked the tea history series, I warmly welcome you to go check this one out from James and Jonathan that examines the impact of the coffee trade on world history.
Behind that goodness that many of us enjoy once or several times daily, there’s a centuries-long history that is both fascinating and at times, quite dark. Like with the history of tea, many people in the first links of the coffee supply chain faced all manners of little-known human suffering.
I invite you to listen. Only six episodes. Enjoy it with your morning cuppa. Did you know coffee is also produced in China? Yeah, the PRC is one of the top 20 producers in the world. Almost all the coffee in China is overwhelmingly grown in Yunnan Province, the same place where the original tea gardens existed thousands and thousands of years ago. You can learn all about this too in A History of Coffee. Links to the show can be found in the episode show notes.
CHECK "A HISTORY OF COFFEE" OUT IN YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST APP OR AT THE WEBSITE: HTTPS://FILTERSTORIES.ORG
Listen at:
https://bit.ly/2NArChO
Filter Stories Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filterstoriespodcast/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this 293rd CHP episode, we feature the Sriracha Chili Sauce King, David Tran. His life is a great immigrant success story and an inspiration to many aspiring immigrants and entrepreneurs. It's not often that a living person is featured on the CHP. David Tran's ancestors came from the Chaozhou region of China and emigrated to Vietnam in the 19th century. After a traumatic turn of events that forced him to flee his country, he ended up on the US west coast. There he went on to build his dream and ultimately become another great American immigrant success story. His culinary creation, Sriracha chili sauce, and his company, Huy Fong Foods, became a huge sensation in the US and later, all over the world.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, Laszlo introduces the story of Olive Yang, 杨金秀. She was a Kokang Chinese born and raised around the border region of Myanmar and China. Her story took place in the Shan State of Myanmar. Though she was not someone of great historical impact on the times she lived in, she was part of a lot of the drama happening around her. She mixed with many interesting parties from the 1950s to the 1980s. This included Kokang royalty, KMT remnant armies, the CIA, and drug lords.
For more content and ways to support the show, visit our website: teacup.media
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Lu Xun's been on the long list of future topics since 2010 and I still haven't gotten to him. Why wait for me? Lee and Rob Moore of the Chinese Literature Podcast just launched a multi-episode series on the life and literary works of Lu Xun. Here is the introductory episode from Lee and Rob. You can listen to all the episodes of this guaranteed hit series at the Chinese Literature Podcast. See links below
The Official CLP Website
https://www.chineseliteraturepodcast.com/
CLP on Apple
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chinese-literature-podcast/id1102235260
CLP on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/6ENZeuSqIjJwqVuYD5qiWp
CLP on Twitter
https://twitter.com/chinlitpod
CLP New YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2mr2HX2ZJl2bH5DFndD5TA
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This is the second part of a brief overview of Hainan history with special guest Professor Jeremy Murray. In this episode, Laszlo and Dr. Murray discuss Hainan history during the Qing, Republican, and PRC eras with some discussion of Hainanese culture.
For more content and ways to support Teacup Media, visit our website at teacup.media
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laszlo welcomes California State University professor Dr. Jeremy Murray onto the CHP to help introduce the history of Hainan. In this Part 1 episode, they discuss the Hainan history timeline up to the end of the Ming Dynasty.
For more content and ways to support Teacup Media, visit our website at teacup.media
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We continue with the conclusion of this series that looks at the life and times of Chiang Kai-shek's Spymaster, Dai Li, and his eight-year reign of terror. After being dealt a heavy blow in the Yan Baohang and Zhang Shuping spy cases, Dai found himself back on his heels with a legion of haters trying to tear him down.
But it's always darkest before the dawn. And after Pearl Harbor and the sudden proliferation of Americans in Chongqing and other parts of China, opportunity knocked on Dai Li's door. SACO is born after Dai Li and Milton Miles meet and begin to discuss cooperating against the Japanese in China. It won't be long after SACO is operational that Dai uses the resources of the organization to also go after his and the KMT's political enemies, the CCP most of all.
For more content and ways to support Teacup Media, visit our website at teacup.media
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The tale of Dai Li continues beginning with the passing of Sun Yat-sen in March 1926 and the rise of Chiang Kai-shek. The dreaded Blue Shirts are introduced along with Dai Li's rise up the ladder hanging on the coattails of Chiang. He demonstrates his undying loyalty to the Generalissimo during the Xian Incident and sets up the organization that made him famous, the innocuous-sounding Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, a.k.a. The Juntong. We finish off the episode with Dai uncovering a devastating Communist-led spy ring operating inside the sanctum sanctorum of his organization.
For more content and ways to support Teacup Media, visit our website at teacup.media
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this Part 1 of a 3 episode series covering the life and times of Dai Li, we look at his early beginnings, living the thug life in Shanghai and falling in with all the right people. We'll trace his quick rise up the ranks of Chiang Kai-shek's formidable spy agencies. He was often called "China's Himmler" due to his slavish devotion to his boss, Chiang Kai-shek, and for his role in setting up Chiang's secret police and spy agencies.
For more content and ways to support Teacup Media, visit our website at teacup.media
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Though the villainous empresses always seem to generate the most popular interest, this time we'll look at the life of one of the many good ones, an outstanding one if I may add. Empress Zhangsun was the bride of Tang Dynasty heavy Li Shimin. When he became the second Tang emperor following one of the most dramatic events in early Chinese history, he reigned as Emperor Taizong.
We remember Empress Zhangsun for her decency and for deporting herself in a manner that Yao and Confucius both would have approved. She became the gold standard for future empresses and was often imitated but seldom replicated. Come relive those early years of Zhenguan Era (貞觀) Tang history.
For more content and ways to support Teacup Media, visit our website at teacup.media
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In addition to the latest CHP episode on the L.A. Chinatown Massacre, I also wanted to offer you a reading of an article that appeared in an 1894 edition of The Historical Society of Southern California journal.
This article by C.P. Dorland was written only twenty-three years after the incident took place and described the events leading up to, during, and after the tragic event of October 24, 2871.
For more content and ways to support Teacup Media, visit our website at teacup.media
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
On October 24th, 1871 the Los Angeles Chinatown Massacre took place near the present-day location of Union Station, just north of the core downtown L.A. area. Though mostly unknown rather than forgotten, this incident that happened one hundred fifty years ago this month will be remembered through a number of commemorative events. The Chinese American Museum (today located adjacent to where the atrocities occurred) will sponsor one event. My friend, Scripps College professor Hao Huang will be participating in another event that will memorialize this tragic event in local L.A. history.
Well-known and respected L.A. Chinatown scholar and activist Eugene Moy will also be among the speakers at this event. The links to both are shown below. In this CHP episode, I tell the story of the massacre and how it all went down on that tragic day. If you have time, I encourage everyone to check out these events that will offer an excellent perspective on what happened and the lessons we can all learn from it.
For more content and ways to support Teacup Media, visit our website at teacup.media
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We're going to wind things down with this episode. 1863-1864, the bitter and bloody end of the Taiping Rebellion. Charles George Gordon has his walk-on but Zeng Guofan and brother Zeng Guoquan take the limelight in the ultimate showdown with the Taiping holdouts. When it was all over, the Taiping Rebellion ended up having quite a consequential impact on China's trajectory into the 20th century. We'll close things up by looking at the historical blowback from this terrible civil war.
For more content and ways to support Teacup Media, visit our website at teacup.media
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
After the Convention of Beijing was signed in 1860, the foreign pers weren't so sure about the Taiping's anymore. For the sake of preserving their hard-won gains in the Second Opium War, they hopped down off that fence and sided with the Qing forces. In this episode, we hear about Frederick Townshend Ward and the Ever Victorious Army. 1862 was the pivotal year for the allies lined up against the Taiping rebels. Victory was still a couple years away but it was well within sight at least.
For more content and ways to support Teacup Media, visit our website at teacup.media
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Hi Everyone this is Laszlo Montgomery of the China History Podcast and along with Avid.fm I’m once again pleased to present to you a set of lectures that present an Introduction to the History of Chinese Philosophy.
In Part I of a two-part series of lectures I will trace the main events in Chinese Philosophy going back to pre-Confucian times in the early Zhou Dynasty all the way up to the Han Dynasty when Confucianism was adopted by the government as a kind of “state religion”.
Other Confucian scholar-philosophers of the “Ru School” will also be discussed. These Ru Philosophers, of which Confucius was the most famous, included Mèngzǐ, Xúnzǐ, and Mòzǐ. Part II will introduce you to the wonders of the Yì Jīng Ching or Book of Changes as well as Daoism and Neo Confucianism. The works of these philosophers make up the core elements of Chinese philosophy that I’ve enjoyed studying and reading about going back to my high school and college days. Ancient though they may be….I often view current events through this Confucian and Daoist lenses. Though the times have changed over 25 centuries, certain basic ideas and ways of living your life have not.
Even today in the 21st-century Confucian thought still has relevance and applications to how we can live our lives. Many people have hesitated to explore the thought of China’s philosophers, considering it too deep and too strange to take on. Allow me to show you how easy it can be to learn from these venerable thinkers and how they believed people should act and carry on their lives, and how governments should rule and behave. China’s philosophers of this Ru or Confucianist School were always stressing how to maintain peace and harmony in their society.
We’ll look at the men and the renowned philosophical works they left behind, pointing out where they agreed and disagreed. As we trace the timeline of history we will look at all the greatest philosophers of China and show how their thought evolved, always remaining relevant to the people. And the history itself from the Bronze Age Zhou Dynasty to the more complicated and sophisticated times of the Ming Dynasty will also be introduced, giving you not only a survey of Chinese philosophy but Chinese history as well.
In the second course, we explore Taoism and the Yì Jīng, which are known throughout the world and millions of practitioners outside China have embraced these millennia-old aspects of Chinese culture.
The Yì Jīng and Taoism have grown in popularity in our modern times. People have explored the wisdom of the Tao and how to apply this to their own lives. This course will teach you a solid foundation to understand what Taoism is about and who its most important teachers were. You will also get a good understanding about the Yì Jīng and how not only people from long ago but yourself as well can gain fulfillment and happiness in your life exploring what this most ancient text has to teach.
We’ll also see how, as the centuries and dynasties passed, how people became more sophisticated and the world they lived in more complicated. And to reckon with this and adapt, philosophers adjusted their thought to make it more relevant to people’s everyday lives. This is essentially what was behind the Neo Confucianism that arose during the Song and Ming Dynasties.
Don’t be intimidated by this vast subject and its thousands of years of history. I’ve been a fan for decades and use this ancient wisdom in my own life. Contained within these courses will be lectures that will break it all down for you and explain, in an enjoyable style, what it’s all about. From this solid foundation, you will be able to go on and explore more deeply the philosophic thought of China’s greatest and most respected teachers. I’m sure you will find much of what they have to say as poignant and useful and I have throughout the years.
Remember, satisfaction is assured and there’s a 100% money-back guarantee from the good folks at avid.fm.
To find out more, go to avid dot fm slash Laszlo. That’s avid dot fm slash Laszlo. Avid is A-V-I-D and Laszlo is L-A-S-Z-L-O
Thank you so much and I hope you enjoy the courses.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
After seizing the all-important city of Nanjing in March 1853 and basking in the afterglow of this victory, the Taiping leadership launches two military expeditions, one to the north to capture the capital, Beijing, and the other to the west. In this episode, we'll see how those two ventures panned out. Then in 1856, comes the first major political crisis that happens at the very top of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom leadership. Meanwhile, the foreign powers operating in China, namely Britain and France, scheme to make the best of the Qing Dynasty's bad situation.
For more content and ways to support Teacup Media, visit our website at teacup.media
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We're back with more of the Taiping Rebellion. In this episode, we trace the Taiping Rebels as they make their way from Yong'an in Guangxi all the way to the southern capital of Nanjing. As they make their way north and east towards western Jiangsu they grow in numbers and seize great amounts of weapons, silver, and boats.
For more content and ways to support Teacup Media, visit our website at teacup.media
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Now's as good a time as any to finally feature this well-known, regularly requested topic from Qing history. This is arguably the pivotal event that got the dominos falling that led to the Warlord Era and the later founding of the PRC. For anyone unfamiliar with the Taiping Rebellion, how it got started, and the situation in China during the mid 19th century, over the next few episodes, I'll try and lay it all out for you. We'll get to about 1851 this time around. This epic history has a cast of thousands. Feel free to check out the episode page at the website to view all the terms.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laszlo picks up in 1818 with the Napoleonic Wars finished and the Dutch returning to their colonies to put everything back the way it was when they left. The struggle between the Dutch and the Chinese kongsis of West Borneo discussed previously continues with a fight to the finish in Part 2. The legacy of this century of history that occurred in Kalimantan Barat between 1750-1884, lives on in our day with the Indonesian-Chinese descendants of these adventurous immigrants from Guangdong and Fujian provinces.
For more content and ways to support Teacup Media, visit our website at teacup.media
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The history of the Overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia is rich with all kinds of lesser-known or forgotten tales, like this one. A kongsi 公司 today means a company. But when Chinese immigrants from Eastern Guangdong and Southern Fujian were heading in the direction of West Borneo to engage in gold mining, kongsis were established as associations where its members were organized and led.
The Chinese migrants in West Borneo faced a constant barrage of challenges and these Kongsis, mostly Hakka, but also from the other main Chinese linguistic groups, were a mechanism with very democratic looking appearances, that took care of the needs of the group. This is Part 1 of an overview of their history.
For more content and ways to support Teacup Media, visit our website at teacup.media
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laszlo is pleased to present an interview with longtime Hong Kong resident, writer, and cartoonist Larry Feign to discuss his new novel The Flower Boat Girl.
The story is about Zheng Yi Sao, who was one of the most feared pirates in the early 19th century, and at one point, had command of a fleet of over 1,500 ships. Her life was the subject of Episode 174 of The China History Podcast, and in this episode we take another look at her astonishing life, this time with Mr. Feign’s expertise on the subject.
Larry’s book is hot off the press and now available everywhere, for more info, visit https://piratequeenbook.com/
For more content and ways to support Teacup Media, visit our website at teacup.media
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this China History Podcast episode, Laszlo teams up with Rob Moore and Lee Moore (no relation) from The Chinese Literature Podcast to explore the life and work of the highly influential writer Lin Yutang. Though rather unknown in our day, there was a time when Lin Yutang was the most recognizable name in the West who wrote and spoke about China. This episode explores his early years and later literary and political achievements during the 1930s to 1970s. Links to the Chinese Literature Podcast at the show notes
For more content and ways to support Teacup Media, visit our website at teacup.media
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Hi Everyone I'd like to announce that along with avid.fm I’m pleased to present to you an introduction to the Silk Road - its past, present, and future. If you want to understand the history of the Silk Road and the implications of its modern-day successor, the Belt & Road Initiative, this course will equip you with everything you need to understand it.
Looking to the past, we’ll explore the rugged and inhospitable terrain that stood between China and the markets of Rome, and we’ll understand how along this path came goods, ideas, and people who shaped the world - from Buddhism to Architecture, Philosophy to Gunpowder. and we’ll meet a cast of characters like Marco Polo, Faxian, a Chinese monk who traveled by foot from China to India exploring Buddhist Kingdoms and Zhang Qian, a famed Chinese diplomat who essentially opened China to the world of commercial trade. You’ll get to know all of these stories, and understand the deeper historical implications of the people, ideas, and goods that traveled the Silk Road.
Armed with this, we’ll journey to the (near) present, and look at how in 2013 China’s President Xi Jinping adopted the Silk Road as the inspiration behind the One Belt One Road or Belt and Road Initiative. This mega-project is slated for completion in 2049…just in time for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. How has history informed China’s decision to pursue the One Belt One Road initiative? What progress has already been made towards it? We’ll find out, and learn about the present-day motives for the initiative.
Finally, we’ll gaze into the future and understand the implications of the One Belt One Road Initiative in the decades to come. What countries will it affect? How will China benefit from it - and what are the controversies surrounding it? We’ll cover this in enough detail that I hope you’ll be able to make up your own mind about this project, and hold down any conversation on the topic - be it at business, at a United Nations reception, or just at dinner with the in-laws!
I warmly welcome you to listen. The Silk Road, its past, present, and future, will be something you won’t want to miss. From the adventures of Zhang Qian to the swashbuckling diplomacy of the 21st Century, it’s a wild ride that will delight and inform you, and which you’ll find as useful in life and business as it is pleasurable to learn about.
Remember, satisfaction is assured and there’s a 100% money-back guarantee from the good folks at avid.fm.
You’ll be having a collaborative learning experience with a group of learners. You'll get to make friends with like-minded peers and also ask questions to me. For this cohort, the course enrollment period ends on July 5th, so head over to Avid.fm/Laszlo
Thank you so much and I hope you enjoy the course.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Just in time, we look at all the recent finds at the newly discovered six sacrificial pits at Sanxingdui. Archaeologists and historians are pretty sure all these exciting discoveries going back to 1986 at Sanxingdui, Jinsha, Shangwangjiaguai are from the ancient state of Shu. This topic has been requested constantly throughout the years. I'm glad I waited until now to unleash it on you. Be looking for even more incredible discoveries at the Sanxingdui site that will be announced in the coming months and years.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this CHP Special Episode Laszlo is thrilled to welcome Mr. Ian McCollum to discuss his new book, "Pistols of the Warlords: Chinese Domestic Handguns, 1911 – 1949." If you're a fan of antique and historical firearms, you already might know Ian from his Forgotten Weapons YouTube Channel. What poetry was to the Tang Dynasty, arms manufacturing, and procurement was to the Chinese Warlord Era. A special thanks to Ian for sharing his expertise on this very popular topic.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Here's a brief intro to the life of Dr. Yuan Longping who passed away on. May 22, 2021. It was covered quite extensively last week in the Chinese and international press as well as in all the China newsletters. But just in case you missed reading about him I wanted to post this short intro to his life and achievements.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We're going to finish off this survey of Henan from Neolithic times to the 20th century. In this episode, you'll get a closer look at Zhengzhou and a few other noteworthy slivers of Henan history. We'll close off with the hard times that hit Henan in 1887, 1938, 1942, 1959, and 1975. If you never appreciated Henan's place in Chinese history I hope this three-part series was able to offer you a gateway to understanding.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The saga continues. More poking around Henan in Part 2. We'll look at the Zhou Dynasty era states that made up the province in ancient times. We'll also focus on Luoyang, Kaifeng and Anyang. If the multitude of Chinese names starts to overwhelm, go to the website at Teacup.Media and download a nice cheat sheet I put together especially for you.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This is Part 1 of a four-part series focusing on the Chinese history that happened in one of China's oldest provinces. In Part 1 we get the lay of the land in Henan, discuss its mythical beginnings as well as the neolithic cultures of Peiligang, Yangshao, Longshan, and Erlitou. We also take the offramp to look at a couple of the more well-known Henan dishes. We'll get as far as the Xia and Shang dynasties and a little of the Western Zhou. All the Chinese terms from this episode (and there's a LOT of them this time) can be viewed in Pinyin, Chinese characters, and English at the website at teacup.media
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this shortest CHP episode since 2011, we conclude the series that explored the lives of eunuchs in Chinese history. This time around we wind things down with eunuchs during the time of the Last Emperor Puyi in the course of his residency in the Forbidden City, Tianjin and Manchukuo. Then we look briefly at the life of the Last Eunuch Sun Yaoting and the Ming Dynasty "good eunuch" Tian Yi. A big giant thanks to everyone who enjoyed this series.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this penultimate episode of the Eunuchs series, we finally make it to the Qing Dynasty. After everything that transpired during the Ming, the Qing is tame by those standards. From Dorgon to Daoguang things were pretty tame in the Qing. But once Empress Dowager Cixi grabs hold of the reigns of power, she allows her eunuchs, most notably An Dehai and Li Lianying, to do their worst. We'll finish off next episode with the tale of The Last Eunuch and clean up loose ends.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Three of the Four Tigers, Wang Zhi, Liu Jin, and Wei Zhongxian get a once over this time around in Part 4. Many historians agree these guys offered the most generous contribution to the fall of the Ming Dynasty. At least no emperors were captured in battle during their time in the palace. But one emperor did have to hang himself from a tree thanks in no part to one of them.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The story continues. After wrecking the Han and Tang Dynasties, the eunuchs emerge again in the Ming as a particularly destructive force. In this episode we'll also look at the Song Dynasty eunuch general and politician Tong Guan. Then we'll look at the life of the first of the so-called Four Eunuch Dictators of the Ming Dynasty, Wang Zhen. His greed and avarice almost caused the Ming Dynasty to fall.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This time we look at eunuchs in the Tang from Xuanzong to hapless Emperor Ai. We'll see how it was a long hard downhill slide once Xuanzong let Gao Lishi amass so much power. Subsequent emperors were either too weak or too young to push back against eunuchs who, once given an inch of authority, took a mile more and never let go. They grew in power and venality at the expense of the dynasty's fortunes. Finally they drove it into the ground.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This topic was coming sooner or later. Laszlo offers up another general overview of Chinese history, this time with eunuchs serving as the prism to view it all. In this episode we'll look at the story of the maybe/maybe not eunuch/official from the Qin Dynasty Zhao Gao and his antics trying to cover up the sudden and unexpected death of Qin Shihuang. Then we'll finish off with eunuchs in the Later Han including the rise and fall of the Ten Attendants.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This time Laszlo introduces an outstanding Chinese-American scientist who will be honored in the United States on February 11, 2021 with a new commemorative postage stamp. Dr. C.S. Wu came to America in 1936 and due to circumstances in her homeland, ended up staying in the US for good. She made many contributions in the field of physics and worked on the Manhattan Project. Dr. Wu was role model and tireless campaigner for encouraging young women to study the sciences and for equal rights. Her's was a great American success story.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We bring this light but informative series about the history of the Thai Chinese to a close in this 7th episode. This time we wind things down with events that happened during and after WWII with a patented CHP rush to the finish with Thailand's role in the region as a modern economic powerhouse.
Thanks, everyone for listening. In the years to come, I plan to return to Thai Chinese history and do some deeper dives into some of the people and events.
Support Laszlo and the CHP:
PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ChinaHistoryPodcast PAYPAL: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/chinahistorypodcast Visit the website: https://teacup.media
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laszlo continues on with this light but a satisfying overview of the Thai-Chinese. With Field Marshal Phibun in charge in Bangkok, the flames of Thai nationalism are being furiously fanned and the ethnic Chinese inhabitants of Siam are feeling the heat.
But with the ultimate defeat of Japan, the Chinese can finally breathe a sigh of relief....or could they?
Consider supporting the China History Podcast via Patreon or Paypal. Thanks in advance!
https://www.paypal.me/chinahistorypodcast
https://www.patreon.com/chinahistorypodcast
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We leave the 19th century and focus on the events in Siam during the early 20th century. This time we look at some of the histories that happened during the reigns of the progressive king and friend to the Thai Chinese King Chulalongkorn and his son, the not so friendly to the Thai Chinese King Vajiravudh.
Whenever flames of nationalism are fanned, certain elements of society are bound to get burnt.
Consider supporting the China History Podcast via Patreon or Paypal. Thanks in advance!
https://www.paypal.me/chinahistorypodcast
https://www.patreon.com/chinahistorypodcast
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laszlo continues on with the second half of the 18th century, a prosperous time for the Kingdom of Siam. With all this unprecedented good fortune sloshing around the kingdom thanks to free trade, the demand for labor drew waves of Chinese immigration to this western edge of the South Seas.
Consider supporting the China History Podcast via Patreon or Paypal. Thanks in advance!
https://www.paypal.me/chinahistorypodcast
https://www.patreon.com/chinahistorypodcast
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this 261st episode, we'll take the Thai Chinese history a little further up the timeline to the Thonburi Kingdom of Taksin the Great and into the Chakri Dynasty with King Rama I.
After shaking things up profoundly in China, the Age of Imperialism will now come knocking on Siam's door. As before and in the years to follow, Siam's ethnic Chinese proved to be a formidable force in keeping the ship of state afloat and prospering while colonialism raged across Southeast Asia.
Consider supporting the China History Podcast via Patreon or Paypal. Thanks in advance!
https://www.paypal.me/chinahistorypodcast
https://www.patreon.com/chinahistorypodcast
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
More 18th-century Thai history. King Phetracha to the end of the Ayudhya Kingdom. The ethnic Chinese contribution to building the foundation of the Thai economy is legendary.
Here's where it all began. During this period China, ruled by the Manchu Qing emperors was on a major roll, and Ayudhyan kings were anxious to be friends with Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong. Having the Thai-Chinese around came in handy in a very big way.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In a new series that may or may not take us to the end of 2020, Laszlo looks at the great Kingdom of Thailand and the history of the Chinese immigrants who decided to call that place home.
In this Part 1 episode of the new series, we'll focus on the goings-on in the Chinese community during the Ayudhya Kingdom (1350-1767) up to the time of King Phetracha.
Consider supporting your humble narrator at https://www.patreon.com/ChinaHistoryPodcast
One time PayPal Donation: https://PayPal.Me/ChinaHistoryPodcast
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this 258th CHP episode, just in time for the guaranteed blockbuster animated movie “Jiang Ziya: Legend of Deification” Laszlo brings you an overview of this hero and strategist from ancient Chinese history.
Jiang Ziya’s story takes place during the waning years of the Shang and the founding of the Zhou Dynasty. For non-Chinese speakers, try not to get tripped up with King Zhòu Xīn of the Shang and the Kings Wen, Wu and Duke of the House of Zhōu.
Consider supporting your humble narrator at https://www.patreon.com/ChinaHistoryPodcast
One time PayPal Donation: https://PayPal.Me/ChinaHistoryPodcast
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Not to be confused with Emily Hahn, the voice of Bonnie in Toy Story 3 who got to live happily ever after with Woody and Buzz, Emily Mickey Hahn (1905-1997) was a woman who lived a long and interesting life.
Her writings from her years in China from 1935 to 1943 and the dispatches she sent back to The New Yorker Magazine were essential reading for those hungry to learn about China during a time when the world was becoming smaller and more dangerous.
She experienced first hand the desolation and ravages of Japanese invasion and occupation. Besides her journalistic contributions to the early American understanding of China, she was an early feminist patron saint, living life to its fullest and ignoring the conventions of her day that still demanded women know their place.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
With the Xinjiang series behind us, we look at a tragic event from modern Chinese-American history that happened almost four decades ago.
The person we will focus on today, Vincent Chin, was living in Detroit, working as a draftsman, and was soon to be married. But then on June 19, 1982 his life took a violent and tragic turn.
This story from history concerns the life of Vincent Chin whose death inspired a movement.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this final 12th episode we'll look at Xinjiang from 1885 to 1949. More unrest, well intentions gone wrong, Soviet subterfuge and two East Turkestan Republics.
And after all the events that happened going back to Qianlong, Xinjiang finally goes out with a whimper in 1949 with the Communist PLA takeover. We'll look at the rogue's gallery of Xinjiang governors/warlords who ran the place from 1912 to 1949.
I hope you enjoyed this twelve-part series. If you want to learn more you're in luck. The number of books (including serious academic works), scholarly papers, web resources, and videos that are out there, should be able to satisfy you to no end.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this penultimate episode of the series Laszlo introduces some of the major happenings in Xinjiang during the waning decades of the Qing Dynasty.
After a brief glance at Yaqub Beg and his time in the limelight during the turbulent 1860's and 1870's. We'll finish off with Zuo Zongtang and the Qing re-conquest of Xinjiang.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laszlo is back with more History of Xinjiang. The focus this time in Part 10 will be on the Qing Dynasty during the emperors Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong.
The rise and fall of the Zunghar Khanate will also be explored, as well as the violent and tragic aftermath following the Zunghars defeat.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, we'll look at the 13th to 17th centuries, Yuan to Qing. After the final end of the Chagatai Khanate, it's going to be non-stop wars, alliances, and betrayals in this portion of Central Asia.
The Zunghars will emerge as a new power in Xinjiang that posed a threat to the new Qing Dynasty. That will lead to all kinds of trouble that we'll look at the next episode.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
After inserting that 10-Year Anniversary special 7-Part program in between the last episode (Part 7) and this one, we're back with more Xinjiang in Part 8.
Lots of action happening during the 9th to 13th centuries. We start off with the great Uyghur diaspora that followed after the fall of the Uyghur Khaganate in 840.
In this episode, we'll see what happened to them after they arrived in Gansu and Xinjiang. We'll also skim the surface to review the Kara-Khanid and Kara-Khitai Khanates who both had such a profound influence on shaping the future development of Central Asia and the spread of Islam.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode we finish off the 1972 visit of Richard Nixon to the PRC. The series finale looks at the exciting meeting between the two leaders, Nixon and Mao and relive "the week that changed the world."
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In Part 6 of this CHP 10-Year Anniversary Program looking back at the visit to China in 1972 of Richard Nixon, we're still in October 1971.
Kissinger is deftly trying to get Zhou Enlai to back off on few points. Because the communique could not be finalized General Al Haig was sent back in January to nail down final details for the visit of Nixon in February 1972.
And then the moment happens.
Nixon lands in Beijing and has that magic moment with Zhou Enlai at the steps of Air Force One. Next episode we'll conclude with the actual visit of Nixon and his historic meetings with Mao and Zhou.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The drama continues in this Part 5 episode.
Kissinger is briefing Nixon on his secret visit in July 1971. Not everything was nailed down in this one single visit.
It would take another trip in October to almost but not quite get all the negotiations and preparations taken care of. Nixon announced this breakthrough to the American people in prime time.
The secret was out.
The problem of how to handle Taiwan was still not settled and a lot remained to be discussed. Lots of action going on...including an attempted coup by Lin Biao.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Welcome back to the CHP 10-Year special bonus episodes that review US-China relations from 1969 to 1972. This time in Part 4 we see how the talks in Beijing went between two very smooth operators: Zhou Enlai and Henry A. Kissinger.
We'll close out the episode with Kissinger back in the States giving his boss, the president, the whole skinny on the July 9-11, 1971 visit and the discussions.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Things are really heating up as we start Part 3 of this special 10-Year Anniversary special program. In this episode, we re-live the drama of ping-pong diplomacy and breakthrough in the talks. Zhou Enlai agrees to meet with Henry Kissinger.
The dates of July 9-11, 1971 are agreed upon. And we close this episode with the secret visit to Beijing by Kissinger and the face to face meetings with Zhou Enlai.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Thanks for coming back to Part 2 of this special CHP 10-Year Special Series. The focus is in 1969-1970 with the US and PRC sending signals through their mutual Pakistani, French, and Romanian friends. China is still dealing with a border war with the Soviets.
The Vietnam War was not letting up. Finally, Zhou Enlai sends written word that a presidential envoy is welcome to visit and discuss the subject of Taiwan and other matters of mutual concern.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Back in November 2010 when I started the China History Podcast I presented a two-part series on the visit to China in 1972 of Richard Nixon. Those were the old episodes CHP-008 and 009. I retired those from the back catalog and would like to present this total makeover version instead.
Here is Part 1 of a seven-part series that will come your way over the next 2 weeks. The reason I chose this topic over so many others is this. Looking at the seemingly hopeless state of US-China relations at this time in 2020, it's important to remember we were in similar circumstances before and still found a way to hold our noses and get along with each other all these years.
The US and China are racing along a dangerous path right now and maybe there's something we can learn in looking back at those years between 1969-1972. Admittedly these are vastly different times compared to then. We can work it out.
In Part 1 this time we'll get an overview of just how bad US and PRC relations were between 1949 to 1969.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this arguably milestone 250th episode we finally get around to the Uyghurs. Their ancient history is discussed and how they rose from one of several tribes in a Turkic confederation to their own Khaganate.
The Tang Dynasty is finished off and a new religion (not Manichaeism, Nestorian Church, Buddhism, or Zoroastrianism) will start knocking on China's door.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We finally make it to the Tang Dynasty and their Protectorate to Pacify the West. Their adventures out in Xinjiang lasted off and on for about a hundred and fifty years.
In this episode, I'll try and sort out the major events and players who made up this high point in the Silk Road trade. The history in Xinjiang was dominated by Tang China, various Turkic tribes, and a very powerful and warlike Tibetan Empire.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The saga continues, and how exciting it's becoming! The Göktürks, the Sui Dynasty, Buddhism galore, and lots of historic times to all starting to happen.
In this Part 5 episode, the plot thickens and Xinjiang is getting a facelift. In a few hundred years you will hardly recognize it.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, we bid farewell to the Han Dynasty and hello to a long period of a disunited China. The states and kingdoms of the basins of Xinjiang catch a bit of a break. We take a quick look at a few of the kingdoms of the southern Tarim Basin as well as Turpan.
And what episode would be complete without some nomadic bad guys causing the Chinese so much stress? We also look at the Rouran and the Hephthalites.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
More Han Dynasty for you in this Part 3 episode with a special focus on the great diplomat and general Ban Chao. Back in those Han Dynasty days, Xinjiang was still considered very far away and not so easy to hold onto.
From the Han till the Tang, as Silk Road riches continue to grow along the trade routes, China will be in and out of the Western regions and face all kinds of competition for the great wealth contained within the Tarim and Turpan basins.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this Part 2 episode, we leave pre-history behind and look at Xinjiang's importance during the Qin and Han dynasties. Here is where the Han Chinese interaction with these lands far to the west began.
Though a good portion of today's episode doesn't actually take place in Xinjiang, the story of the Yuezhi, Xiongnu, Zhang Qian, and the rise of Han Dynasty China is central to everything that follows later.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this CHP episode, we start a new multi-part series that looks at the history of the land known today as Xinjiang. This series will cover about 4000 years of history starting in this episode with the Tarim Mummies.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this final installment introducing the life and death of Kawashima Yoshiko, we look at the last decade and a half of her strange and tragic life. In the last episode, her star was on the rise. But after 1933 it's one long slow steady decline into madness and despair.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We continue on with Part 2 of the strange life of the Manchu Princess, Kawashima Yoshiko. Now she's on her own, in China, without any "adult supervision" and in full sartorial splendor.
The early years of the 1930's are presenting a few opportunities for Yoshiko after making all kinds of new "friends" in Shanghai.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We leave the warlords behind but not the time period. This time, in this first of a three part series, we examine the strange and tragic life of Kawashima Yoshiko.
Born a princess in the Manchu Qing royal family, she went on to have quite an extraordinary life. In this Part 1 episode we'll look at her early days and rehash some old Qing Dynasty history from the 17th century
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this concluding episode, we close the book on this China Warlord Era overview that began in 1916 and lingered on and on until 1930. By the time it was over Japan was on the cusp of their invasion of Manchuria plunging China into another national crisis.
In Part Ten we'll look at Zhang Zongchang's Warlord Rebellion in Northeast Shandong and a special focus on Liu Zhennian, the Red Spears, and the Central Plains War.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
As the Northern Expedition ramps up and the Warlord Era starts to wind down, there's still plenty of action and violence to go around. In this episode, we look at the events following the Shanghai Massacre when Chiang and his "ally" Wang Jingwei take the fight to Zhang Zuolin's northern warlord alliance.
The Manchurian Warlords meets his end in this episode. We'll finish off the series next time in Part 10.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Part 8 in this series first presents a brief overview of "The Model Governor" Yan Xishan and his home province of Shanxi. After some daring moves on Chiang Kai-shek's part, he bests his opponents and takes control of the KMT and the National Revolutionary Army.
Under his command, Chiang launches the Northern Expedition. This episode will focus on the fateful years of 1926-1927.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this Part 7 episode, the decade of battling warlords is coming to an end. Anhui and Zhili, then Zhili and Fengtian...and then Zhili and Fengtian again.
The last of these series of clashes between warlords contending for supremacy in China will be the Anti-Fengtian War (covered in this very episode). After 1925 everyone had had enough with these military governors.
Was anyone going to step up and take them on and deal with the warlords once and for all?
In these final years, it won't be warlords fighting each other as much as they will be fighting for their own survival.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Things were looking on the up and up for Wu Peifu after his defeat of Zhang Zuolin in the First Zhili-Fengtian War. In this episode, we look at the years 1922-24 and the Second Zhili-Fengtian War. And you can't talk about the Second Zhiuli-Fengtian War without also mentioning the Jiangsu-Zhejiang War.
The Christian Warlord Feng Yuxiang is featured in this episode. Besides the old stalwarts, also mentioned in this episode will be Lu Yongxiang, Qi Xieyuan, Sun Chuanfang, and Zhang Zongchang.
Still have a few more major warlords to go before we come to the end of this tale.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In Part 5 Laszlo gives the backstory to the Anhui-Zhili War and introduces another warlord, the famous Zhang Zuolin…The Manchurian Warlord.
With this civil war within the Beiyang Organization, the unity that existed since the time of Yuan Shikai is smashed. We'll look at the very brief war between the forces of Duan Qirui and their Zhili opponents led by Wu Peifu as well as the aftermath up to and including the First Zhili-Fengtian War, 1922-1924.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The saga continues with the splintering of the Beiyang Army into factions or cliques who will battle each other for supremacy of the government.
Hubei military governor Wang Zhanyuan will be examined as one of the textbook examples of how these generals evolved into warlords. Zhili Clique leaders Cao Kun and Wu Peifu will also be introduced.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The saga continues as the demise of Yuan Shikai is followed by the rise of Duan Qirui and Feng Guozhang. The Beiyang Military machine begins to crack into two main factions or cliques.
In this episode, we will also hear about the exploits and imperial dreams of the Mafoo Warlord, Zhang Xun. And as the world mainly focused on the Great War in Europe, these two years of 1917-1918 were filled with so many momentous events in Republican China.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We looked at the setup for the Warlord Era last episode. This time in Part 2 we focus on the rise and fall of Yuan Shikai and all the measures he took between 1911-1916.
These all primed the pump for the Warlord Era that followed his sudden death in June 1916.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
After years of requests to cover this topic, Laszlo finally gets around to the history of China's Warlord Era that lasted from 1916 to 1928 and into the Nanjing Decade.
In this Part 1 episode, Laszlo gives some background into the historical developments that led to the rise of, who some call, the first warlord, Yuan Shikai.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, Laszlo introduces one of the great military heroes of the Ming Dynasty. Though rather well-known to Chinese who went through the public school systems of Greater China, little is known of him elsewhere.
Qi Jiguang helped to rid the China coast of pirates (Wōkòu) and through his epic Great Wall restoration engineering project he kept the Mongol menace at bay and preserved the Ming Dynasty for an additional half-century.
His two military treatises were required reading into modern times and he contributed greatly to the introduction of Chinese martial arts into the military as a training regimen.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this special CHP episode produced in partnership with the 21st Century China Center at the University of California-San Diego, I am honored and privileged to host a discussion with the three editors of the new book "China Tripping - Experiencing the Everyday in the People's Republic."
I hope you will delight in this program brought to you in two parts. It was both riveting and insightful for me to hear Paul Pickowicz, Perry Link and Jeremy Murray speak about the making of the book and listening to their own excerpts that were as brief as they were rich and meaningful.
I hope you'll enjoy this as much as I enjoyed being the host.
https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538123690/China-Tripping-Encountering-the-Everyday-in-the-People%E2%80%99s-Republic
Jeremy A. Murray is an Associate Professor of History at California State University, San Bernardino.
Perry Link is Chancellorial Chair for Teaching Across Disciplines at the University of California, Riverside.
Paul G. Pickowicz is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History and Chinese Studies at the University of California, San Diego.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this special CHP Part 2 episode produced in partnership with the 21st Century China Center at the University of California-San Diego, I am honored and privileged to host a discussion with the three editors of the new book "China Tripping - Experiencing the Everyday in the People's Republic."
I hope you will delight in this program brought to you in two parts. It was both riveting and insightful for me to hear Paul Pickowicz, Perry Link and Jeremy Murray speak about the making of the book and listening to their own excerpts that were as brief as they were rich and meaningful.
I hope you'll enjoy this as much as I enjoyed being the host. https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538123690/China-Tripping-Encountering-the-Everyday-in-the-People%E2%80%99s-Republic
Jeremy A. Murray is Associate Professor of History at California State University, San Bernardino.
Perry Link is Chancellorial Chair for Teaching Across Disciplines at the University of California, Riverside.
Paul G. Pickowicz is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History and Chinese Studies at the University of California, San Diego.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laszlo finally gets around to one of the most requested topics of all time, the Walled City of Kowloon in Hong Kong.
In this episode, the history behind the Kowloon Walled City is introduced from its humble beginnings starting in the Southern Song to its later demolition during the early 1990's.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We finish off the series on the Seven Great Singing Stars of Shanghai by examining the lives of the three remaining women, Li Xianglan, Yao Li, and Zhou Xuan. Yao Li sadly passed away only a month ago on July 19.
I hope you enjoyed this little three-part overview covering the lives of many of these early 20th century singers and musicians who gave us this amazing sound that's still enjoyed by millions around the world.
Their music is freely available all over the internet and on Spotify.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this second part of the series Laszlo and special guest Spun Counterguy introduce Bai Hong, Bai Guang, Gong Qiuxia and Wu Yingyin.
These four superstars of that golden era of music and entertainment left behind a string of hits that still inspires feelings of reminiscence for those days gone by.
Yao Li, who sadly passed away recently on July 19, 2019 as well as Li Xianglan and Zhou Xuan will be covered in Part 3.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this latest CHP installment, Laszlo finally gets around to introducing The Seven Great Singing Stars of old Shanghai whose performing skills on the silver screen and on 78 records provide us with a nostalgic glimpse of long-gone and controversial era.
In this Part 1 episode, we will focus on the one who made it all possible, the talented Li Jinhui. Mr. Spun Counterguy from the "In the Corner Back By the Woodpile" podcast joins Laszlo to assist in telling this story.
Next time in Part 2 we'll look at the first four of these Seven Great Singing Stars of 1930s and 40's Shanghai.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Our eight-part series on the history of Tang Poetry concludes with this episode that looks at the lives of three more poets: Li He, Du Mu, and Li Shangyin. And for an encore, Laszlo will recite poems from all three of these greats.
The Late Tang period of Chinese poetry was marked with all the signs of an imperial house in decline. It was a sad and melancholy time and quite a few Late Tang poems expressed the hopelessness felt during these sorrowful years.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this seventh installment of the history of Tang poetry we move on to the Middle Tang period. While the poetry might not be as celebrated as that produced during the High Tang, there were still many figures beloved in their own time and all through the centuries. We'll look at three of them in this episode: Bai Juyi, Yuan Zhen and Xue Tao. Next episode we'll finish off the series with the Late Tang poets.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laszlo finishes up the High Tang period of Chinese poetry. Wang Wei and Meng Haoran are showcased in this episode.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This is the Du Fu episode. Along with Li Bai, discussed last episode, he's considered the greatest poet in Chinese history. That's of course a matter of opinion. We'll take a brief look at the rough road Du Fu had to walk most of his years. In addition to looking at his life we'll hear a few of his regulated verse poems.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Li Bai is showcased in this fourth installment of Laszlo's not very deep dive into the history of Tang poetry. We're still in the High Tang period of Chinese poetry. This episode will focus more on Li Bai's story (and legend) rather than an in-depth analysis of his poetry. He, along with several other poets from this time are cultural icons and treasures of the Chinese people. Check the links and resources for other scholarly and biographical info on Li Bai, Du Fu and other great Tang poets. This episode is especially geared towards those CHP listeners who may have never heard these names before.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Finally in this part 3 episode Laszlo gets to the Tang poetry part of the series. After finishing up some of the good stuff that came out of the Six Dynasties, we'll get a first look at the Early and High Tang periods. More poets and more great poetry compilations will also be introduced. A lot of names and titles of works this episode. Feel free to check the terms from the episode and read up on some of them. Plenty of links to translated works of Classical Chinese poetry. If this series is piquing your interest, even a little, there's a whole world out there for you to explore.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In Part 2 Laszlo will finish up an overview of pre-Tang poetry and show where everything went from the Classic of Poetry and Songs of Chu. Fu rhapsodies, Yue Fu poetry and the works from the Jian'an era will be introduced. Tang poetry didn't arise out of nothing. It was the collective genius and creativity of all these pre and post-Qin Chinese literati who built the foundation that the Tang masters built on. Please come back for Part 3 where we'll finally get to the early Tang (maybe).
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this first of a series introducing the history of the development of Chinese poetry, Laszlo focuses on the two most important works from Pre-Qin China. These were the Classic of Poetry and the Songs of Chu. Though we will not get to the Tang Dynasty in this episode, we'll look at what came prior and how each new style impacted newer emerging styles of poetry. The life of Qu Yuan and Chu Kingdom will also be introduced.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laszlo continues his shallow dive into the Hokkien people with a focus on the history of the Hokkien diaspora who populated many cities and towns throughout Southeast Asia.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We're back in ancient times once again, this time looking at the homeland of the Hokkien people. As we've done with other groups of Southern Chinese (Teochew, Toi San, Hakka) this time Laszlo provides a broad overview of the people from the south of Fujian Province, the Hokkien or Hoklo people.
Before we get into the Qing era diaspora, Laszlo focuses on how Fujian developed from a land populated by Yuè people to a part of Han Dynasty China with a focus on the Minyue Kingdom.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this longer than expected Part 2 episode, we look at Wellington Koo's role in the Paris Peace Conference and all the drama that surrounded this historic event from one hundred years ago. Then we'll look at the rest of Koo's career as a statesman, diplomat, and later as a judge.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
With the centenary of the Paris Peace Conference now upon us this month, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to commemorate the event by introducing the life of Wellington Koo. In this first of a two-part series, we will look at the historical events that shaped his early life and career.
In this Part 1 episode, we will look at the backstory and set up for the Conference.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this final episode of the series, Laszlo introduces the Shanghai Ghetto, the final years of WWII and the aftermath. Please check the show notes at the web site for all kinds of books and videos from this period.
Thanks to everyone who made it through all six episodes.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The drama continues with the final arrivals of European Jewish refugees into Shanghai, 1941-42. Afterward, the China option, that had previously served as a safety net for Jews seeking refuge far from the Nazi's, was no longer available.
Sugihara Chiune, Tadeusz Romer, Laura Margolis and others are also introduced in this episode. The series will conclude in the next episode.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laszlo looks at Japanese attitudes towards the Jews and how it affected their treatment in Shanghai. The focus will be on the year 1939 when the greatest wave of Jewish refugees arrived in Shanghai.
Then we will look at a little-known tidbit from history concerning a plan championed by Sun Ke (son of Sun Yat-sen) to rescue Europe's Jews.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This third episode in a series examining the history of the Jewish refugees who found sanctuary on the east coast of China focuses on escalating events in Europe around 1938-1939.
With the consolidation of Hitler's rise, it didn't bode well for many Jews. As the countdown to Kristallnacht gets closer the situation becomes more urgent and Shanghai as a destination becomes more popular.
The great humanitarian He Fengshan (何凤山) will also be introduced.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
With the story of the Harbin Jews mostly out of the way, Laszlo moves on to the smaller and less known Jewish community of Tianjin.
Then as the 1930s unfold and after Hitler came to power, our story shifts to the European Jews. In this episode, we'll look at the events leading up to Kristallnacht in November 1938.
In Part 3 we'll focus on 1938 and 1939.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laszlo is back with a new series that looks at the history of the Jewish refugees who came to China during the first part of the twentieth century.
In this episode, after a long drawn-out intro that examines a bit of background on Jewish history, Laszlo explains how many Jews made their way to China to escape hard times back home. In the next episode, the story will continue with more from Harbin, Tianjin, and Shanghai.
All Yiddish and Jewish terms from this episode can be found in the usual list of terms that accompany each episode on the CHP website, teacup.media
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In commemoration of the American Labor Day Holiday, Laszlo brings you a rather forgotten tale from the annals of Chinese modern history. As discussed in previous CHP episodes, the Chinese Labour Corps played a thankless but critical role in the allied victory over Germany in WWI.
Who could have predicted the series of events that would happen as a result of the story of these men and the subsequent peace treaty that didn't recognize them or their country? When it was over in early 1919, the Chinese people woke up and took appropriate action.
Happy Labor Day!!!
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, Laszlo introduced the great Nederlander Robert van Gulik. In his relatively short life, van Gulik made a name for himself as a scholar, diplomat, and writer.
His sixteen novels featuring the "stern but fair-minded" Judge Dee offered his worldwide readership a peek into 7th century Tang China society.
Judge Dee was based on the historical person Di Renjie, an important official and minister of state during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian. Van Gulik was fascinated with the Chinese "gong'an" detective novel genre of literature and did a lot to popularize it around the world.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laszlo presents another story from the annals of Chinese-American history. This one takes place during the Exclusion years and spotlights the Chinese colony of Eastern Oregon.
This is the story of Ing "Doc" Hay and his lifelong friend and business partner Long On, two Toi Son immigrants who built their American dream on the frontier. Ing Hay was a trained Chinese herbal doctor and pulmonologist and he brought this unique skill to the American West.
This isn't your typical American immigrant story but then again, Ing Hay and Long On weren't your typical immigrants.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We continue on from the last episode's overview of the Chinese martial arts history timeline. Today we zero in on the history and (mostly) legends behind the Wing Chun style of king fu. We'll also look at Grandmaster Ip Man and all those Wing Chin greats who came before him going back to the founder Ng Mui (Wu Mei).
I wanted to emphasize that almost all of what we know about Wing Chun today was passed down orally before it was written down late in its history. We only know the names of the great masters mentioned in this episode, through the stories and legends that were told and re-told to successive generations of Wing Chun martial artists.
Thanks to Detroit's attorney and unofficial Wing Chun ambassador Michael Benkstein for all the support and input that went into this series. And thanks also to Peter Söderbaum for his kind comments
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Don't be fooled by the title. Wing Chin and Ip Man will be covered next episode. Today's the first in a two-part series that offers up a survey of the development of martial arts in China from the mythical times of the Yellow Emperor to the present day.
Let's look at the China history timeline once more, with feeling, and see how these martial arts embraced by millions and millions around the world slowly developed through the centuries. This will serve as the setup to the next episode when we zero in on one particular style of martial arts and one of its best-known masters.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
From Zhao Tuo to the present day, the history of the relations of these two great countries and frenemies is a great story. In this episode we enter the 20th century and explore the end of French domination in Indochina, Vietnam's fight to unify the country and the most recent Sino-Viet history.
All three Indochina Wars will be discussed and the outcomes they produced. Although this six-part series was only a simple 走马看花 overview of the subject, I hope anyone not schooled in the basics of this history is leaving the table satisfied. Cảm ơn đã lắng nghe!
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The series picks up in the early part of the Later Lê and finishes off in the 19th century with the arrival of La France and the beginnings of Indochine.
Many heroes from Vietnam history will make appearances in this episode. Be sure to come back next time for the exciting conclusion of this overview of China-Vietnam Relations.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this landmark 200th episode Laszlo carries the story of China-Vietnam forward, beginning with the three Mongol invasions of Đại Việt during the Trần Dynasty. We'll get as far as the great (Later) Lê Dynasty founding emperor and resistance hero Lê Lợi.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The CHP series covering the history of China-Vietnam Relations continues with Part 3. This episode will take the history all the way up to the Tran Dynasty on the eve of the Mongol invasions from Yuan Dynasty China.
Heroes from Vietnam history making an appearance in this episode include Ngô Quyền, Lê Hoàn, Lý Thái Tổ, Lý Thường Kiệt, and Trần Thái Tông. Sorry about inundating everyone with this deluge of Chinese and Vietnamese names.
I'll keep everything listed in the terms from each episode found on the webpage at teacup.media.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Shi Xie's impact on bringing Chinese culture to the Jiao region is discussed. For most of this period, Vietnam remained under the direct administrative control of China.
Aside from a few quiet moments, there was sustained local unrest to deal with. Either local Viets were rising up against their Chinese overlords or there was a constant battle being fought with Lao, Linyi, Champa, and other tribes, states, and kingdoms that surrounded Vietnam to the west and south.
It was also a period where great Viet national heroes and heroines start getting written into the record. Sorry once again for the wooden sounding Vietnamese pronunciation.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this first of a multipart series, Laszlo explores the ancient relationship between China and Vietnam. In this episode, the earliest days going back to Zhao Tuo and the Nanyue Kingdom are discussed.
A thousand apologies for the poor editing job splicing the Vietnamese pronunciation. I'm hoping for an A for the effort at least. The remaining episodes will go off more smoothly.
Thank you for your understanding.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laszlo finishes off this brief overview of The Honorable Company as tea takes center stage in history. It's a very rough landing for the East India Company as their commercial rivals and political enemies gradually put an end to their winning run going back to the 17th century.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Maybe this isn't the most "China history flavored" topic but The Honorable Company did play a somewhat starring role during the Qing Dynasty starting from about the Jiaqing Emperor. In this first of a two-part series, I am offering you an overview of who they were, where they came from and how they came to be so hated by so many. I originally did this series for Cathay Pacific Airways' Inflight Entertainment System as an accompaniment to the "Taboo" miniseries starring Tom Hardy, and written by Steven Knight.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, Laszlo looks at U.S. Immigration during the bad old days of Chinese Exclusion. The subject will be examined through the telling of the stories of three rather plain and non-extraordinary brothers from Haiyang Village in Toi San (Taishan in Mandarin).
These three Moy brothers were featured in Scott Seligman's 2013 book "Three Tough Chinamen" (Earnshaw Books). In addition to the Chinese Exclusion laws, Laszlo briefly introduces the life of another Toisanese, Ng Poon Chew.
And at no extra price, Laszlo also gives the history of the Taishan region a nice neat overview.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, Laszlo tries something new. This time we look at the life and times of Whitey Smith, an important figure in the context of not only Shanghai Jazz, but the entirety of jazz history.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laszlo emerges from the post-holiday festivities to finish off the series, picking up from the last episode of the life and work of Wang Yangming. The differences between the two main schools of Neo-Confucianism is further discussed: the Lu-Wang School of the Mind (Xinxue) and the Cheng-Zhu School of Principle (Lixue
This is an all Neo-Confucian episode. Last episode, Laszlo introduced three of the five founders of Neo-Confucianism: Zhou Dunyi, Shao Yong and Zhang Zai. This time we finish off with the remaining two founders: the Cheng Brothers, Cheng Hao and Cheng Yi. And taking this rich harvest to the next level is Zhu Xi. The basic tenets of Neo-Confucianism are introduced, with a focus on lǐ (principle) and xīn (mind) and how these two concepts caused a great divide in the two main schools of Neo-C
In the late Han Dynasty, philosophy was a lot more complex than in Confucius's time. The focus in this episode is on philosophical thought in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). From the fall of the Han dynasty in 220, all the way through the Six Dynasties, Buddhism had spread quickly throughout the disunited kingdoms of China. By the time the father and son team of Yang Jian and Yang Guang stabilized and united China into a new empire in 589, Buddhism had taken root and appealed to the weary masses
Laszlo gives the subject of Daoism, the Daodejing and the Zhuangzi a fresh makeover, covered before in an old China History Podcast episode from days gone by. The history of Daoism is explored as well as its main characters, Laozi and Zhuangzi, and what they called for in those dark Easter
Legalism takes front and center stage in this episode. After the conquest of the competing Warring States in 221 BCE by Qin Shihuang, a new ideology was embraced by the new Chinese state. The Legalist philosophers Shang Yang, Shen Buhai, Shen Dao, Han Fei and Li Si are all introduced as well as their individual and collective contributions in laying the Legalist foundations for what was to follow in the Qin dynasty, and over the next two thousand years of imperial
Laszlo is back on track, picking up where we left off in part two following the death of Master Kong in 479 BCE. A lot happened in the world of Chinese philosophy right after Confucius passed. He had both disciples who carried on his teachings, and naysayers who pointed to flaws in this Ru School of philosophy and offered an alternative kind of thought. As the countdown to the
Although covered before in an old China History Podcast episode, Laszlo takes the Yi Jing (I Ching, sometimes called the ‘Book of Changes’) off the shelf for a total makeover and freshening up. In this brief detour along the history timeline, Laszlo picks the Yi Jing apart and offers up both a history of this timeless classic as well as a brief intro about how it works and the role it plays in the life of some people. The Yi Jing is a book with a lot of stayin
In this second helping of Laszlo's overview of the history of Chinese philosophy, the Great Sage himself is the center of focus. Arguably China's most famous citizen of all time, Confucius (and his disciples) created an ideology and political system that had incredible lasting power. Part two examines the stories surrounding Confucius's life growing up and operating in the State of Lu during the last decades of the Spring an
The CHP is back with this pleasant little 9-Part overview covering the history of Chinese philosophy. The series will run from pre-Confucian times to the mid Ming Dynasty, a period stretching for more than two thousand years. And don't forget to download the free Infographic that will accompany the series. I predict it will do wonders in keeping all the names, dates, philosophies and texts straight. I hope you enjoy the series.
Laszlo finishes off the overview of the Rape of Nanking as well as the stories of John Rabe, Robert O. Wilson, Minnie Vautrin, Rev. William Magee, and others who directed the Nanjing Safety Zone during the worst weeks of the atrocities.
The aftermath of the Nanjing Massacre is also examined.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This is a very emotional, controversial, and sensitive subject for a whole lot of reasons. Over the next two episodes, Laszlo will review material from past episodes to discuss the lead-up to the Massacre.
Then in Part 2 the actual event itself as well as the story of the Nanjing Safety Zone and some of the foreigners who became eyewitnesses to the horrors of the Nanjing Massacre, also known as The Rape of Nanking.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
At last, the early years of Russia-China relations can see the light of day. As you can see, this is another one of those hour-plus episodes that were not long enough for two episodes and a bit overly long for one.
This episode primarily covers the beginnings back in the late Ming when they first met and mostly in the Qing where all the history happened.
TERMS FROM THIS EPISODE:
Míng Dynasty 明朝 Second to last dynasty in Chinese Imperial history 1368-1644
Lóngqìng 隆庆 Ming Dynasty Emperor (1567-1572)
Wànlì 万里 Son of Longqing Emperor, reigned a long time 1572-1620
Qing Dynasty 清朝 Last imperial dynasty in China 1644-1912
Xīnjiāng 新疆 Autonomous Region in the northwest of China, formerly referred to as Chinese Turkestan
Hēilóng Jiāng 黑龙江 The Black Dragon River (The Amur, and name of Heilongjiang Province)
Shùn Zhì 顺治 First emperor of the Qing Dynasty, 1643-1661
Pǔyí 溥仪 The Last Emperor, a.k.a. The Xuantong Emperor, reigned 1908-1912
Northern Sòng 北宋 The first half of the Song Dynasty, lasted from 960-1126
Kāngxī 康熙 Long reigning Qing Emperor, 1661-1722
Jiāyùguān 嘉峪关 The western terminus of the Great Wall of China
Songgotu (Suǒ'étú) 索额图 Manchu diplomat during the reign of Kangxi
Qiánlóng 乾隆 Another long reigning Qing emperor, 1735-1796
Treaty of Nanjing 南京条约 The marquee "Unequal Treaty" signed in 1842
Hóng Xiùquán 洪秀全 Rebel leader responsible for the Taiping Rebellion
Jīntián, Guangxi 广西金田 Place where the Taiping Rebellion was launched
Tàipíng Rebellion 太平天国运动 A bloody Rebellion and Civil War all in one, 1850-1864
Hēihé 黑河 City in northeast Manchuria (Heilongjiang) formerly known as Aigun
Aìhún 瑷珲 Now called Heihe, formerly called Aigun, site of the signing of the Treaty of Aigun.
Yìshān 奕山 Manchu diplomat who was forced into signing the Treaty of Aigun
Qíshàn 琦善 Manchu diplomat also forced to sign unequal treaties
Lín Zéxú 林则徐 Chinese hero who stood up to the foreign traders and torched their opium
Hǔmén 虎门 Located on "The Bogue" in Guangdong, site where Lin Zexu burned the opium
Guǎngdōng 广东 Southern province in China
Convention of Chuenbi 穿鼻草约 (Chuānbí Cǎoyuē) signed 1841, never ratified.
Ili 伊犁 (Yīlí) Town, valley and river name at the northwest border of Xinjiang - Kazakhstan
Zuǒ Zōngtáng 左宗棠 (1812-1885) Military leader and statesman from Hunan
Li-Lobanov Treaty 中俄密约 (known as the Zhōng É Mìyuē ), signed 1896
Lǐ Hóngzhāng 里鸿章 Co-signer of the Li-Lobanov Treaty), Chinese diplomat and statesman
Liaotung Peninsula 辽东半岛 (Liáodōng Bàndǎo) The tip of peninsular Liaoning Province
Lǚ Dà Zūdì Tiáoyuē 旅大租地条约 Convention for the Lease of the Liaotung Peninsula at Dalian (大连)
Port Arthur Also known as Lüshunkou (旅顺口), Port located at the tip of the Liaodong Peninsula
Qīngdǎo 青岛 Scenic city in Shandong, once a German concession
Wēihǎiwèi 威海卫 Another scenic city in Shandong, once a British concession, today known simply as Weihai 威海
If you'd like to brush up on your Russian History, may I recommend an old stalwart of mine:
MARK SCHAUSS, PRESENTER OF THE RUSSIAN RULERS PODCAST
I call it "The CHP of Russian History"
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Many people don't know that the first preaching of Christianity in China pre-dated the Jesuits by more than nine centuries. We'll take a second cursory look at the Jesuits as part of a bigger story that includes Christianity in China during the Tang and Yuan dynasties. We'll see that prior to the arrival of Matteo Ricci, there were two other lesser-known attempts to grow Christianity in China.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Thanks to Carole in Virginia for giving me enough of a push to get this episode finally produced. This might have been one of the first ten topics I came up with when I began writing the original list back in 2010.
The history of silk is really an amazing testament to humankind's ingenuity and the randomness of life since Neolithic times. I hope you enjoy this episode. It turned out to be a much greater story than I was ever aware of.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In part two of this series examining the forgotten life of William Mesny, we hear the second half of his story in China. We're mostly using author David Leffman's 2016 book "The Mercenary Mandarin."
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this first part of a two-part series, we examine the forgotten life of William Mesny. Drawing from author David Leffman's 2016 book "The Mercenary Mandarin," Laszlo discusses an unknown character from the bad old days of late Qing Dynasty China.
Though he never made it to the history books, he nonetheless witnessed and took part in a lot of it. Through Mesny we can once again wander through some of Imperial China's worst years.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, Laszlo explains a little about the "Gagi Nang", the 自己人, known the world over as the Teochew (Chiu Chow or Chaozhou) people. Like the Hakka people, the Teochew's were originally from the Yellow River Valley and migrated to their present location on the Guangdong coast via Fujian province.
Their language and culture is unique. Their food and Chaozhou culture is celebrated in more places than Chaozhou and not just by the people from that region. There are Chaozhounese people on every continent except maybe Antarctica.
They're a proud group of people with a collective track record that is admirable by any standards of human achievement. The only mentions in this episode were of the Teochew's of South East Asia and the US.
There are plenty of other lesser-known or unknown histories of Teochew's in Canada, Europe, Mexico, Central and South America, and of course Australia and New Zealand. The great 19th-century Chinese diaspora is filled with stories, legends, and historic events. The Chiu Chow people are a major part of everything that happened. They contributed not only to the society and the economy of their adoptive homelands, they still kept their ties with the eight districts of Chao-Shan.
TERMS FROM THIS EPISODE
Teochew People 潮州人
Gaginang 自己人 What Teochew's call themselves in their dialect ("Our People")
Hakka People 客家人
Chaozhou 潮州 Mandarin pronunciation
Chiu Chow 潮州 Cantonese pronunciation
Chaoshan 潮汕 The term for the Chaozhou-Shantou-Jieyang region
Shantou 汕头 Port city of the Chaoshan region
Swatow 汕头 Shantou in the Teochew dialect
Jieyang 揭阳 The 3rd city to make up the Chaoshan region
Meizhou 梅州 Homeland of the Hakka people, located in Guangdong
Jin Dynasty 晋朝 Dynasty that ran 265-420 CE
Jürchen Jin dynasty 金朝 The dynasty that replaced the Northern Song 1115-1234
Henan 河南 Province of China
Shanxi 山西 Province of China
Han River 韩江 One of the three rivers of Chaoshan
Huanggang River 黃冈河 One of the three rivers of Chaoshan
Rong River 榕江 One of the three rivers of Chaoshan
Wu Hu 五胡 The Five Barbarian tribes
Han Dynasty 汉朝 Ancient dynasty of China 206 BCE - 220 CE
Xiongnu 匈奴 People from the northern steppe of Central Asia
Xianbei 鲜卑 People from the northern steppe of Central Asia
Jie 羯 People from the northern steppe of Central Asia
Qiang 羌 People from the northern steppe of Central Asia (and Tibet)
Di 氐 People from the northern steppe of Central Asia
Jiangnan 江南 South of the Yangzi River (Southern China)
Tang dynasty 唐朝 Dynasty of China 618 - 907
Fujian 福建 Southeast coastal province of China
Quanzhou 泉州 City in southern Fujian
Putian 莆田 City in southern Fujian
Yuan dynasty 元朝 Mongol-run Dynasty of China 1271-1368
Guangdong province 广东 Southernmost province of continental China
Wu 沪 The dialect of Shanghai and the surrounding region
Yue 粤 The Cantonese dialect
Xiang 湘 The Hunanese dialect
Gan 赣 The dialect of the Jiangxi region
Hakka 客家 The dialect of the Hakka people
Min 闽 The dialects of Fujian
Min River 闽江 The main river of Fujian
Minbei 闽北 North of the Min River
Minnan 闽南 South of the Min River
Hokkien 福建 Pronunciation of Fujian in the local dialect (and the people of course)
Xiamen 厦门 Major city in south Fujian
Zhangzhou 漳州 Major city in south Fujian
Hoklo 福佬 Cantonese for Fujian people
Fulao 福佬 The Mandarin pronunciation of Hoklo
He Luo 河洛 (also 河老) Another way of writing Hoklo
Fujian ren 福建人 Someone from Fujian
Hoa Kieu 华侨 Overseas Chinese (Vietnamese)
Qin Shihuang 秦始皇 First emperor of China 220 - 210 BCE
Nanhai Commandery 南海郡 The 郡 or commandery located in southern Guangdong
Zhou dynasty 周朝 Ancient dynasty of China 1046 - 256 BCE
Zhao Tuo 赵陀 Former Qin general who set up the Nanyue Kingdom in Southern China and Northern Vietnam
Nanyue Kingdom 南越国 A kingdom that lasted from 204 - 111 BCE
Han Emperor Wu 汉武帝 Han Dynasty emperor whose forces conquered the Nanyue and reigned 141 - 87 BCE
Sui 隋 Dynasty in China that preceded the Tang 581 - 618 CE
Emperor Wen of Sui 隋文帝 Founding emperor of the Sui
Chao Prefecture 潮州 Set up in 590, where Chaozhou got its name
Zhou 州 An ancient name for a prefecture
Chao’an County 潮安县 Set up during the Republic of China
Wenhua 文化 culture
Qianlong emperor 乾隆帝 Qing emperor reigned 1735-1796
Taiping Rebellion 太平天国运动 Violent upheaval in China lasting from 1850-1864
She Youjin 佘有进 Seah Eu Chin 1805 - 1883 - early Singapore Teochew community leader
She 佘 A Chinese surname (rhymes with 蛇）
Yu 余 The Chiense surname Yu......but compare it to the She above.
Liu Song Dynasty 刘宋朝 Dynasty in southern China during the Nanbei Chao 420-479
Nanbei Chao 南北朝 The Southern & Northern Dynasties period
Ngee Ann Kongsi (Yi'an Gongsi) 義安公司 Charitable foundation in Singapore
Chaozhou Bayi Huiguan 潮州八邑会馆 The Singapore Eight Districts Association
Chaoshan cai 潮汕菜 Term used to describe the food of the Chaoshan region
Rougucha 肉骨茶 a kind of a Chaozhou style meat soup
Lushui E 卤水鹅 Fine tasting Chaozhou goose dish....dip it in vinegar...The Ultimate umami!
dongxie 潮州冻蟹 A kind of crab in the shell (of course) eaten cold
Yao Ming 姚明 China basketball great and NBA superstar. Also a major anti-shark's fin soup crusader.
Yulu 鱼露 Nước mắm in Vietnamese, Fish Sauce in English
Shacha Sauce 沙茶醬 made from soybean oil, shallots, dried fish, dried shrimp and a nice kick of chili and garlic. Satay sauce
Chaozhou Guotiao 潮州粿条 hủ tiếu in Vietnamese, often spelled in English "Kway Teow"
Gongfu cha 工夫茶 A kind of tea service and traditional Chaozhou tea custom.
Tieguanyin 铁观音 The preferred tea for Chaozhou style gongfu tea.
Dancong Cha 蚕丛茶 Another kind of tea from the Chaoshan region of Guangdong. Not easy to get.
Chao Ju 潮剧 Chaozhou Opera
Nanxi 南戏 Southern Drama that was popular during the Later Song
Kun Qu 昆曲 Kun opera, the oldest form of Chinese opera
Tan 陈 Teochew for Chen, the #1 most popular Teochew surname
Lim 林 Teochew for Lin, the #2 most popular Teochew surname
Ng 黄 Teochew for Huang, the #3 most popular Teochew surname
Goh 吴 Teochew for Wu, the #4 most popular Teochew surname
Tay 郑 Teochew for Zheng, the #5 most popular Teochew surname
Li 李 Teochew for Li, the #6 most popular Teochew surname
Sir Li Ka-shing 李嘉诚爵士 Featured in CHP episode 13.
Wang Jianlin 王健林 Asia's reigning champion for richest man, founder and chairman of the Dalian Wanda Group.
Guangyuan 广元 Town in northeast Sichuan province
Wu Zetian 武则天 Amazing lady from the Tang dynasty, China's only real true empress
Joseph Lau 劉鑾雄 Boss of Chinese Estates Holdings
Lim Por-yen 林百欣 Lin Baixin... Boss of the Lai Sun Group
Albert Yeung...杨受成 Yang Shoucheng The main guy at the Emperor Group
Vincent Lo... 罗康瑞 Luo Kangrui of Sino Land (who gave us Shanghai's Xintiandi)
Xie Guomin 谢国民 Dhanin Chearavanont - Thailand's richest man and CP Group boss (sorry for mispronouncing his name)
Ma Huateng 马化腾 Pony Ma, founder of Ten Cent (騰訊控股有限公司) who gave us WeChat and QQ
David Tran 陈德 Họ Trần Legendary founder of the company that gave us Sriracha sauce with the green bottle cap.
Huy Fong Foods 汇丰食品公司 David Tran's company, located in Irwindale, California
Zou ma kan hua 走马看花 To look at the flowers while riding a horse....a very superficial view.
Charles Antoine de Rouve and Jerome Scemla directed documentary La Guerre du Thé...Tea Wars
LINK TO WEBSITE
John Pomfret's new book
Amazon link to "The Beautiful Country and the Middle Kingdom"
PLEASE ALSO CHECK OUT:
THE CHINA VINTAGE HOUR
AND
THE CHINESE SAYINGS PODCAST
BOTH ARE NEW SHOWS FROM TEACUP MEDIA
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In America, we have Washington Irving, Mark Twain, Hemingway, and so on. In China, Su Dongpo, (also known referred to as Su Shi) would be mentioned when rattling off their best of the best. He was definitely a major guy not only in the Song but in the overall world of Chinese culture as well.
If you're interested to check out some of his poetry, here's an amazon link to a book of his poems translated by Burton Watson: Selected Poems of Su T'ung-P'o
TERMS FROM THIS EPISODE
Ouyang Xiu 欧阳修 1007-1072 Northern Song statesman, historian, calligrapher, literatus extraordinaire
Wang Xizhi 王羲之 Called arguably the greatest Chinese calligrapher
Zhou 周 1046 BCE - 256 BCE Ancient dynasty of China
Han 汉 206 BCE - 220 CE Ancient dynasty of China
Jin 晋 265-420 Ancient dynasty of China
Sui 隋 581-618 Ancient dynasty of China
Tang 唐 618-907 Ancient dynasty of China
Song 宋 960-1279 Ancient dynasty of China
Kaifeng 开封 Capital of the Northern Song dynasty 960-1127
Northern Song 北宋 960-1127
Huizong 徽宗 The Northern Song emperor who "lost China" to the Jürchens
Su Dongpo 苏东坡 1037 - 1101 Our subject in this episode
Su Shi 苏轼 Su Dongpo's birth name
Tang Song Ba Da Jia 唐宋八大家 "Eight Great Men of Letters of the Tang and Song Dynasty
Han Yu 韩愈 768-824 - Tang essayist and poet. Major influence in development of Chinese literature
Liu Zongyuan 柳宗元 773-819 Tang waster of prose and poetry
Su Xun 苏洵 1009-1066 - Great man of letters and Father of Su Shi and Su Zhe
Su Zhe 苏辙 1039-1112 - Brother of Su Shi, also a great man of letters
Wang Anshi 王安石 1021-1086 - Song statesman and father of far reaching reforms. Also a great literary figure in his day.
Zeng Gong 曾鞏 1019-1083 - Great prose master of the Song
Hangzhou 杭州 Capital of Zhejiang and of dynasties past. Su Dongpo served there twice
Zhejiang 浙江 Province in east China
Meishan 眉山 City south of Chengdu, birthplace of the Three Su's, Su Xun, Su Dongpo and Su Zhe.
Min River 岷江 Yangzi tributary river in Sichuan, famous for the Duijangyan irrigation system
Leshan 乐山 City in Sichuan
Ya'an 雅安 Great tea city near Chengdu in Sichuan
Chengdu 成都 Ancient capital of Shu Kingdom, now capital of Sichuan
jinshi 进士 The highest degree that allowed you to fill the top positions in government
Wang Fu 王弗 1039-1065 - First wife of Su Dongpo
Henan 河南 Province in north China where it all began
doucha 斗茶 "Tea Battles" that were popular during the Song
Wang Runzhi 王闰之 1048-1093 2nd wife of Su Dongpo
Su Di 苏堤 the Su Causeway across West Lake in Hangzhou
Xin Fa 新法 The New Policies championed by the Shenzong Emperor and Wang Anshi
Shenzong 神宗 1048-1085 - Northern Song Emperor and Wang Anshi supporter
Sima Guang 司马光 1019-1086 Conservative Song scholar and official, writer of the Zizhi Tongijan
Luoyang 洛阳 City in Henan and former ancient capital of past dynasties.
Cheng Yi 程颐 One of the pride of Luoyang, Chinese philosopher
Zizhi Tongjian, the "Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance" A monumental historical work covering Chinese history from 403 BCE to 959 CE
Wutai Poem Incident 乌台诗案 In 1079, a poem by Su Shi got him in trouble and exiled fron the capital.
Huangzhou 黄州 Former name of Huanggang, now a district of that city
Hubei 湖北 Central province in China, capital is at Wuhan
Huanggang 黄冈 City just east of Wuhan in Hubei Province
Dongpo 东坡 Eastern slope
Dongpo Jushi 东坡居士 Dongpo, the retired scholar or Buddhist.
Chibi Fu 赤壁赋 Ode to Red Cliffs, famous poem by Su Shi
Hou Chibi Fu 后赤壁赋 The Later Ode to Red Cliffs, famous poem by Su Shi
Nian Nujiao Chibi Huaigu 念奴娇赤壁怀古 Remembering Chibi, Su Shi's third poem in this series about Red Cliffs
Zhuge Liang 诸葛亮 Great Shu-Han strategist during Three Kingdoms Period
Lu Su 鲁肃 Politician and general who worked for Sun Quan
Zhou Yu 周瑜 One of Sun Quan's main generals
Cheng Pu 程普 Another of Sun Quan's main generals
Sun Quan 孙权 Emperor of Eastern Wu, one of the Three Kingdoms
Liu Bei 刘备 Emperor of Shu Han, one of the Three Kingdoms
Cao Cao 曹操 King of Wei, one of the Three Kingdoms
Fu 赋 One of the three main types of Chinese Poetry, like rhymed prose
Ci 词 One of the three main types of Chinese Poetry, like lyric poetry
Han Shi Tie 寒食帖 Su Shi's most famous calligraphic work, now hanging in the National Palace Museum in Taipei
Huang Tingjian 黄庭坚 1045-1105 artist, scholar, official, a great Northern Song Master
Mi Fu 米芾 1051-1107 Great Song painter and calligrapher
Cai Xiang 蔡襄 1012-1067 One of the great calligraphers of the Northern Song
Song Si Jia 宋四家 the Four Great Calligraphers of the Song
Han Shi 寒食 is the holiday that occurs right before Qingming in April
Yan Zhenqing 颜真卿 708-785 Great calligrapher of the Tang and one of the greatest of all time
Zhezong 哲宗 Northern Song emperor, Reigned 1085-1100
Empress Dowager Gao 高太皇后 1032-1093 Empress of Northern Song emperor Yingzong, regent for Zhezong during his minority.
Dongpo Rou 东坡肉 Dongpo Pork
Zuo Zongtang 左宗棠 Hunan-born general from the Qing, the man who brought us General Tso's Chicken
Lou Wai Lou 楼外楼 Not the best restaurant in Hangzhou but one of the most famous. Been around over one hundred fifty years
Ni Zan, the late Yuan-early Ming painter.
Xu Wei, the Ming painter
Yuan Mei, the Qing dynasty scholar and artist.
Yuanyou era 元祐 Conservative era in Emperor Zhezong's reign that lasted 1086 to 1093
Huizhou 惠州 City in Guangdong where Su Dongpo served a stint
Hainan 海南 Island province off the coast of Guangdong
Danzhou 儋州 Coastal city in Hainan just west of Haikou
Haikou 海口 Capital city of Hainan
Dongpo Shuyuan 东坡书院
Wang Zhaoyun 王朝云 1062-1095 - 3rd wife of Su Dongpo
Changzhou 常州 City in Jiangsu
Jiangsu 江苏 Coastal province just north of Zhejiang
Cai Jing 蔡京 Long serving chancellor to Emperor Huizong
Cai Tao 蔡绦 Son of Cai Jing who had the audacity to say something nice about Su Dongpo
Shi 诗 The word meaning all Chinese poetry but also a specific kind as well.
Su Men Si Xueshi 苏门四学士 The Four Scholars at Su Shi's Gate
Zhang Lei 张耒 1054-1114 One of the four scholars famous for being part of Su Shi's gang
Chao Buzhi 晁补之 One of the four scholars famous for being part of Su Shi's gang
Qin Guan 秦观 1049-1100 - Northern Song writer and poet. Also one of the four scholars famous for being part of Su Shi's gang
Jin 金朝 The Jin Dynasty of the Jürchens 1115-1234
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this latest episode, Laszlo finally gets around to the oft-requested subject of piracy in early 19th century China. Pirates had been a fact of life going back to the most olden days. Mid to late Qing Dynasty the amount of trade being plied on the China coast attracted pirates like never before. Zheng Yi Sao ("Zheng Yi's Wife") was a tough woman from the Pearl River Delta who married the most notorious pirate of his day Zheng Yi.
Upon Zheng Yi's death, his widow took control of his massive pirate fleet. With her adopted son, and later husband Cheung Po Tsai, she controlled what as, at the time, the largest pirate fleet that preyed on coastal dwellers and vessels engaged in trade. She later became an inspiration for many characters that appeared in books, movies, video games, and other media.
TERMS FROM THIS EPISODE
Zheng Shi 郑氏 Madame Zheng, Widow Zheng
Zheng Yi Sao 郑一嫂 Zheng Yi Sao, wife of Zheng Yi
haidao 海盗 pirate
Zhejiang 浙江 East coast province of China
Guangdong 广东 Southernmost province of continental China
Tây Sơn Rebellion Major uprising in Vietnam from 1770 to 1802
Binh Dinh Province South central coastal province in Vietnam
Da Nang Vietnam's 3rd largest city
Nha Trang Coastal city in Vietnam
Xishan 西山 West Mountain (Tây Sơn in Vietnamese)
Guangxi 广西 One province over from Guangdong
Shi 石 Common Chinese surname, means stone
Ma 马Another common Chinese surname, means horse
Xu 徐 Common Chinese surname. I always get it mixed up with 许.
Shi Xianggu 石香姑 Zheng Yi Sao's real name
Xinhui 新会 City near Jiangmen
Tanka or Danjia 疍家 The boat dwelling people of south China and Fujian
shuishang ren 水上人 people who live on the water
Zheng Yi 郑一 South Seas pirate who ran the Red Flag Fleet. Married Shi Xianggu
Red Flag Fleet 红旗帮 Hóngqí Bāng.
Cheung Po Tsai 张保仔 Zhang Bâozâi
Jing Hai fen ji 靖海氛记 Charles F. Neumann's "The Pirates who Infested the China Sea from 1807 to 1810.
Jiaqing emperor 嘉庆帝 Qing emperor 1796 - 1820
Daoguang emperor 道光帝 Qing emperor 1820 - 1850
Ming Jiajing Emperor 明嘉靖帝 Ming emperor 1521 - 1567
Lantau 大屿山 Island that is part of the Hong Kong SAR
Cheung Chau - Changzhou 长洲 Island off the coast of Lantau
Humen 虎门 Located at the mouth of the Pearl River Delta
Chow Yun-fat 周润发 Great Actor who played Sau Feng, one of the Pirate Lords from Disney's P of the C movie Part 3.
Qiongzhou Strait 琼州海峡 Body of water that separates Hainan from Guangdong
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laszlo offers up the exciting conclusion to the 3-part series introducing the Tong Wars.
For a list of the terms used in this episode, check out the episode page on the CHP website here
Hungry for more Chinatown-War related content? Check out the following resources as a personal recommendation.
"Tong Wars, The Untold Story of Vice, Money and Murder in New York's Chinatown"
Scott Seligman's Amazon Page
The Tong Wars book home page
Article from Signature Magazine that explains the Turf Wars in NY Chinatown .
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this Part 2 episode the Tong Wars begin in earnest. The first and second Tong Wars are discussed.
For a list of the terms used in this episode, visit the episode page at the CHP website here
Hungry for more Chinatown War-related content? Check out these resources as a personal recommendation.
"Tong Wars, The Untold Story of Vice, Money and Murder in New York's Chinatown"
Scott Seligman's Amazon Page
The Tong Wars book home page
Article from Signature Magazine that explains the Turf Wars in NY Chinatown
"Wish Lanterns - Young Lives in New China"
Alec Ash - UK Amazon link to Wish Lanterns
21st Century China Program - UC San Diego
Link to their Website
Link to the China 21 Podcast
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, Laszlo explains the Tong Wars of New York's Chinatown. With the help of Scott Seligman's latest book we go back to late 19th - early 20th century America and focus on New York's Chinatown.
These were terribly unpleasant days for most citizens of Chinese ancestry and especially for those immigrants who either had not begun the process or lived in the shadows illegally.
The Chinese Exclusion Laws tarred these citizens like no other immigrant group in US history. The Tong Wars didn't happen because of these laws but they were certainly part of the story.
With everything Chinese-Americans have done to make America great over the past century, it's interesting to look back at another time when the ordinary law abiding Chinese and the bloodiest tong soldier were equally reviled in society that was loath to accept them. The book is called "Tong Wars, The Untold Story of Vice, Money, and Murder in New York's Chinatown" by Scott D. Seligman.
For a list of terms used in this episode, visit the episode page at the CHP website here
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laszlo finishes up the story of the Yuan Dynasty, founded in 1271. The parts of China not yet conquered were done in by 1276 and the last holdouts went by 1279.
But the Great Yuan didn't last long. This episode takes a nice little overview of the dynasty, its slow demise, and the legacy they left.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this long-overdue episode with a deceiving title, we don't actually get around to the Yuan Dynasty. However, a nice handy and confusing overview tracing the rise of the Mongol nation is presented which includes a bio on Genghis Khan.
We'll get to the rise of Kublai Khan this time and look at the Yuan Dynasty next episode.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this bonus one hour plus episode we look at the last six years of Zhou Enlai's life. It was a bittersweet end for Premier Zhou.
In between doing great things for China and guiding the country's general well-being, he was forced to play a central role in some of the worst internecine politics in CCP history.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this longer than expected seventh episode of the series, the Cultural Revolution gets underway, something that Zhou will have to deal with until his dying day.
Aside from this, China's illustrious premier also has his hands full with a thousand other responsibilities, both foreign and domestic.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
More Zhou Enlai again. This time we look at the second half of the 1950s. Zhou was as busy as ever, setting up the government, handling foreign relations, and dealing with Chairman Mao.
This episode will see Zhou during the Gao Gang Affair, Hundred Flowers, Anti-Rightist, San Fan and Wu Fan Campaigns, Land Reform, rapid agricultural collectivization, and the disastrous Great Leap Forward.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Welcome back to Part 5 of our Zhou Enlai series. Today, the focus is on the Korean War and the Geneva Conference. Zhou already enjoyed some degree of international respect from those he had come to know during his Shanghai and Chongqing years.
By 1954 he had established himself as a respected tour de force on the world stage and earned begrudging admiration from those who refused to recognize the country for which he was head of state.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this Part 4 episode of the CHP Zhou Enlai series Laszlo re-tells the always amusing story of when the Americans came around Yan'an to kick the tires of the CCP and see what they were all about.
This time Zhou again proves his loyalty and devotion to Mao and as always to China. He gets a real workout as far as developing his role as the Communists (and later China's) chief diplomat.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this Part 3 episode, the story of Zhou Enlai is taken all the way up to the 1943 Yan'an Rectification Campaign. We'll look at the Zunyi Conference, the Long March, the Xian Incident, and finally the ill-fated Second United Front.
At every historic moment, Zhou Enlai was there, playing a lead role.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this second part of what's shaping up to be a long series, Laszlo picks up at the Zhongshan Gunboat Incident and follows the life of Zhou Enlai through the challenging years of 1926-1934.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In today's Part 1 episode Laszlo explores the early life of Zhou Enlai, growing up in a traditional scholar-officials family that had seen better days. Zhou gets passed from relative to relative.
But each step of the way there were mentors and breaks that he was able to make the most of. We can see through his early years and into his teens how Zhou was perfectly trained and tested for the larger job that lay ahead.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Jack Jones' story is told today in this little snapshot of a little-known organization that operated in 1940's China known as The Friends Ambulance Unit later renamed the Friends Service Unit.
It was a Quaker funded charity that operated ambulances, providing urgent medical care and other charitable services during wartime.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, Laszlo focuses on the history of Chinese Americans in the early years of Hollywood. The period will focus on the 1920s to the 1950s.
During those years Asian Americans had a rough time in Hollywood trying to break away from stereotypical roles. This episode takes a closer look at the lives of Anna May Wong and Jadin Wong as a window into these times.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This time Laszlo finishes off the Qin in two parts as promised. Apologies for the lopsidedness of it all. In this extra-long episode, Laszlo takes the Qin to their height and examines their legacy. The Qin Dynasty had a spectacular fall lasting only a few years after the early death of its founder Qin Shihuang.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this first of two episodes, Laszlo gives Qin Shihuang, the subject of the first-ever China History Podcast episode, a total makeover, complete with better sounding audio, and even more information than the first go-around.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this Part 2 episode, Laszlo continues his intro of Joseph Needham in 1943 right after Needham returned from his perilous adventure to the northwest of China to visit the sights of Dunhuang. We'll conclude the life of Joseph Needham in this episode. He truly was, as Simon Winchester called him, "The Man Who Loved China."
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this long-awaited topic, Laszlo introduces "The Man Who Loved China", Dr. Joseph Needham. A true friend of China for most of his adult life, Needham's contribution was the epic work "Science and Civilization in China".
Today this massive undertaking is spread out over 24 volumes, 17 of which were written in Needham's own lifetime. In this Part 1 episode, we only go up to 1943 and the end of Needham's first expedition in China.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this shorter than usual episode, Laszlo introduces a little piece of culture taken from the southern portion of Hunan Province. Generations of illiterate women from a single county on the Hunan-Guangxi border, denied education, created their own writing script.
Men never learned it and so it was used by these women to communicate with each other and to record their secret thoughts and inspirations. Almost lost to posterity, Nüshu has made somewhat of a revival and today others are learning it and keeping it alive.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, Laszlo examines remarks made by distinguished UCLA Professor of Public Policy Mark Kleiman who had commented on Britain's participation in the Opium War. Opium's history in China began centuries before, at least during the Tang and maybe as far back as the Eastern Jin.
The focus of this episode is on opium's history in China prior to the Opium War.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laszlo finishes off the CHP overview of the story of the AVG in World War II. In this episode, the battle commences on December 20, 1941. From that point forward until the organization was disbanded on July 4, 1942, the Flying Tigers wrote their name into the history books.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this Part 1 episode, Laszlo provides all the setup and background for the magnificent story of the American Volunteer Group, known more popularly as The Flying Tigers.
Theirs was only an eight-month-long story but their success at a time when all seemed hopeless provided an inspiration to many and showed Japan was not invincible.
For a list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the CHP website at teacup.media and go to the episode page.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this milestone 150th CHP episode, Laszlo shines a light on the Hakka people and where they fit in Chinese history. There are no shortages of authoritative sources that all disagree as to their origins and when the Hakka’s migrated from where to where.
Legends and stereotypes surrounded this sub-group of Chinese. But one thing is for sure they have carved an indelible spot in worldwide Chinese culture.
For a list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the CHP website at teacup.media and go to the episode page.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this final episode of the CHP's ten-part History of Tea series Laszlo travels from province to province introducing the more famous of China's teas.
THE SPIRIT OF TEA, a book and traveling exhibition by tea lover and photographer Matthew London.
This here’s the link: http://www.spiritoftea.net/CHPto signup for y
In this penultimate episode of the China History Podcast History of Tea series Laszlo finishes off the story of Robert Fortune and introduces Sir Robert J. Lipton. This CHP long history of Chinese tea started off slow and in this Part 9 fizzles out altogether. Laszlo also introduces a little overview of Pu-erh Tea as an extra bonus.
Babelcap: A Chinese Tea Lexicon http://babelcarp.org/babelc
In this 8th installment of the CHP History of Tea series Laszlo introduces the story of Mr. Robert Fortune. With Britain’s East India Company bankrolling him, Fortune played a most key role in breaking China’s millennia old monopoly of tea manufacturing and export.
Sarah Rose’s book:
In Part 7 of the CHP History of Tea series we look at what happened after Europeans first came to China and instantly fell in love with tea. The period covered in this episode is the late Ming and the Qing.
THE SPIRIT OF TEA, a book and traveling exhibition by tea lover and photographer Matthew London.
This here’s the link:
The China History Podcast's ten part History of Tea continues with this sixth episode. The time is now the late Ming and Qing dynasty. Now Western people are getting a nice close look at tea and imagining the possibilities.
THE SPIRIT OF TEA, a book and traveling exhibition by tea lover and photographer Matthew London.
This here’s the link:
The History of Tea continues with Part 5. In this episode Laszlo looks at tea in the Ming dynasty. This is when loose leaf tea, Jingdezhen and Yixing tea pots hit the big time.
THE SPIRIT OF TEA, a book and traveling exhibition by tea lover and photographer Matthew London.
This here’s the link: http://www.spiritoftea.n
This time in History of Tea Part 4 we continue along the timeline and look at tea in the Song Dynasty. Tea may have been brought to great heights during the Tang but during the Song.
In Part 3 of the CHP ten-part history of tea series we look at the life of the Tea Saint, Lu Yu and his great work The Classic of Tea.
Laszlo continues his 10-part series introducing the history of tea in China from ancient times to the modern age. This time the focus is on the 7th to 9th centuries during the Tang Dynasty. Tea by now has been transformed from a medicine to an enjoyable and inspirational beverage.
Laszlo is back with a new ten-part CHP series covering the history of tea from its mythical discovery clear through to the 20th century.
THE ANTHILL
SHANGHAI HOMES by JIE LI
Link to CCTV Documentary THE STORY OF A LEAF
In this episode, we will conclude our CHP overview of the life of Sir Edmund Backhouse, 2nd Baronet. In this 3rd part of the series, we’ll look at the last couple of decades of Backhouse’s life. Backhouse remains in Beijing amidst all the turmoil going on during the Japanese invasion and the lead-up to WWII.
In his final years, Backhouse will write a memoir that will engrave his name forever in the footnotes of Chinese history.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Fast on the heels of Part 1 of this CHP overview of the life of the Sinologist Sir Edmund Backhouse, we present Part 2 in this episode.
We’ll look at the years 1911 to 1924, the years that Backhouse committed a litany of frauds and established himself in London and Beijing as someone not to be trusted.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, we will begin a 3-part series covering the life of Sir Edmund Trelawny Backhouse, 2nd Baronet. He lived from 1873 to 1944, spending more than half his life in Beijing.
Backhouse is best known for the various frauds he committed over the period of his life. In his last year of life, he was urged by Dr. Reinhard Hoeppli to commit his fantastic stories of his life to paper.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
I thought it wouldn't be a bad idea in 2021 to resurrect this old episode from mid-2014 that tells the mostly forgotten story of Wong Chin Foo (王清福). His spirit is alive and well in many of today's Chinese-Americans who are standing up to anti-Asian sentiment across the country. Like Wing Chin Foo did in the 1870s and 80's, Chinese-American community leaders and citizens are not standing idly by and are fighting back. Wong Chin Foo's story is a good one to listen to. If you've never heard of him, I humbly recommend this episode. Truly a remarkable life.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this final installment of the history of the life and times of the emperor Huizong, we look at the series of events that followed the Jürchens’ Seige of Kaifeng in 1126-1127. What followed was the Jingkang Incident, which for centuries made the Chinese bow their heads in shame.
The entire Song imperial family was captured and sent north to live out the rest of their lives in the harsh lands far beyond The Great Wall. But the Jin conquerors did not destroy the Song. The Zhao family continued to keep the dynasty alive in the south.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We continue in this episode examining the second decade of Huizong’s reign. The good times lasted about twenty years but all good things can’t go on forever. By 1120 Huizong is going to begin to see the handwriting on the wall. The years we look at today will the years Huizong later on most regrets.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This time in Part 2 of our series we look at Huizong as he attempts to assemble his team and deal with bitter factional strife that was rampant since the Wang Anshi New Reforms. We also look at Huizong the great patron of the arts.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We’re going to begin a new series that will look at political, social, and cultural life in the late Northern Song. The second the last emperor Huizong will serve as our vehicle to examine this period in the late 11th and early 12th century China. University of Washington professor Dr. Patricia Buckley Ebrey has recently published a book entitled Emperor Huizong. I’m going to use this as one of the main sources.
The Song Dynasty was another one of those times when China was the most advanced and economically powerful civilization on earth. The period in which Huizong reigned was one of the high points of the dynasty. But in 1127 the emperor’s world will come crashing down with invasions from the north. Today we begin our look at this emperor.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We’re going to finish off the last 45 years of Morris Two-Gun Cohen’s life in this extra-long episode. With Sun Yat-sen now gone, Morris Cohen worked hard to reinvent himself and remain relevant in the world of Chinese business and politics.
Morris will hit some highs and lows in this episode as he tried to leverage his past association with Sun and his obvious loyalty to the KMT into an ongoing and lucrative career. As you’ll see in this episode, the road was hardly a smooth one.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Today I wanted to introduce a sort of lovable rogue who haunted the hotel lobbies of Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, London, and Edmonton. Today’s subject was by no means a historic figure. In fact, I don’t think you can even call him a bit player.
Nonetheless, Morris Abraham Cohen had a China story that deserves a telling. Today’s episode will look at his early life, how he ended up in Canada, and how he got hooked up with the local Chinese Canadians. We’ll get as far as the death of Sun Yat-sen in early 1925.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, we revisit the founding of the Tang Dynasty and focus on the events leading up to, during, and right after the Incident at Xuanwu Gate. This slice of historic theater took place on July 2, 626.
It resulted in the victory of Li Shimin over his two brothers. Not long afterward Li Shimin was promoted by his father to the emperorship and reigned as Tang Taizong.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
After a record-breaking pause in the action, Laszlo is back with one last episode to finish 2013. This time we look at the interesting and amusing history of Chinese cuisine in America, an oft-requested topic here at the China History Podcast.
This is a history that goes hand-in-hand with the earliest Chinese immigration to the US. If you’re interested to learn more on the subject, I strongly recommend checking out the work of Andrew Coe and Jennifer Lee.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, we take a look at the circumstances and times when the brand spanking new nation of the USA came to a calling to China for the very first time. The so-called “Most Important Relationship in the World” had very humble origins indeed.
When representatives of the United States first arrived in Canton in August 1783 they really had a lot of explaining to do about who they were and where they came from. Repeatedly they had to explain to the Chinese who interacted with them that they weren’t British.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week we look at the Khitan people of the steppes. These people came from the lands between Manchuria and Mongolia. Their most famous son was Yelü Abaoji who took his people to great heights in the early 10th century.
His Liao Dynasty in the north of present-day China ran concurrently with the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (as well as the Song Dynasty) that resulted after the breakup of the Tang Dynasty.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, we explore the life and times of the historical and cultural icon Zhuge Liang (181-234 AD). He’s a very good example of a well-known name from Chinese history that many have heard of but aren’t quite sure why.
Zhuge Liang is mostly remembered for his cleverness and many consider him right up there with Sunzi (Sun Tzu) as far as the works of strategy and military science he left behind. He was also a statesman and inventor.
He's also immortalized in the Luo Guanzhong novel "Romance of the Three Kingdoms"
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The China History Podcast is back with another episode. This time we look at the life and times of a personal favorite of mine., Sir Y.K. Pao. In telling the story of Sir Yue-kong Pao (Bao Yugang in Mandarin) we can also relive the periods in China and Hong Kong during the 1960s, 70’s and into the ’80s.
Through the life of Sir Y.K. Pao, we can also look back on those difficult times between China and Britain that preceded the signing of the Sino-British Joint Declaration in December 1984. Sir Y.K. lived an amazing but all too brief life and was one of the early Hong Kong Chinese to rush to aid China when Deng Xiaoping emerged and began setting China on the path of reform and opening up to the world.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The story of the Chinese Mexicans is typical in some respects. They came to Mexico either because they wanted to and saw it as a land of opportunity or they came because it was the next best thing to emigrating to the United States.
Many stayed in Mexico despite great hardships and the usual racism directed against them. But most either moved on to try their luck in the US or they were forced out by racist and nationalistic anti-Chinese immigration policies.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this part 4 episode, we conclude our overview of the Chinese Civil War. After the Pingjin Campaign ended in January of 1949 it was time for the Communists to finish off what they started. The victory was imminent but by no means would it be easy and simple.
The PLA forces dramatically crossed the Yangzi River in May and their great generals led their forces to a smashing victory, finishing off the KMT forces of Chiang Kai-shek by December 1949. On December 10, 1949, the Generalissimo boarded a flight to Taiwan, leaving his rival Mao Zedong as the undisputed leader of China.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Welcome back to Part 3 of our overview of the Chinese Civil War. The focus this time will be on the Liaoshen, Huaihai, and Pingjin Campaigns that not only grabbed all of north China and Manchuria for the Communists but the heartland and everything north of the Yangzi River as well.
By the end of 1948 all treasures, gold bullion, silver, currency, and tangible assets that the KMT could get their hands on were well on their way to Taiwan….just in case. Things had never looked grimmer for Chiang and all supporters of the Nationalist regime.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week’s episode focuses mainly on the year 1947. The Americans have now left and the NRA and PLA attack each other with all they got. The years start out well for the Nationalists as they pummel the PLA in Manchuria and in the north.
But once the summer offensive begins, it’s a steady stream of bad news for Chiang. Ultimately with the conclusion of the bloody Siping Campaign that ended in March 1948, Manchuria was lost for good.
Chiang would never be able to win it back.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this week’s episode, we begin a multi-part series covering the Chinese Civil War from 1945 to 1949. In China, this is known as the War of Liberation. In this Part 1, we will look at the background leading up to the war as well as failed attempts by the Americans in 1945-1946 to mediate a peace between Mao’s Communists and the Nationalists led by Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week’s episode runs way into overtime but at least we’re getting through to the end of 1944. The Dixie Mission is in full swing by the end of that year. John Service has established himself in Washington circles as one of the most informed and dynamic China hands.
But there are those who don’t welcome his glowing reports of the Communists and damning news about the Nationalist government. As WWII enters its final year, new battle lines are being drawn that will pit pro-Communist against anti-Communist and this battle will ultimately lead to the Cold War.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week’s episode runs way into overtime but at least we’re getting through to the end of 1944. The Dixie Mission is in full swing by the end of that year. John Service has established himself in Washington circles as one of the most informed and dynamic China hands.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this second episode covering the life of John S. Service, we take a look at the general situation and the proliferation of mistrust and bad faith in wartime Chongqing. Chiang Kai-shek remains baffled and frustrated with American efforts to cozy up to Mao. He blames the China Hands such as John Service for feeding American officials the CCP propaganda.
It’s a poisonous atmosphere in China and the spectre of civil war keeps growing. Factions within the US government begin to circle their wagons and listen only to each other rather than understand what was happening in front of their eyes. In this episode we continue to watch as these events unfold as told through the life of John Service.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week we explore the life and times of John S. Service. This original “China Hand” was born in China and grew up in Chengdu and Shanghai. He went on to a brilliant career in the State Department serving in China as a Foreign Service officer during the Second Sino-Japanese War and throughout WWII.
Because of his past association with the Communists in Yan’an and the sympathetic view he had about their policies, Service became a prime target of the anti-Communist witch hunts of the early 1950s.
His career was ruined and he went on to live a life of anonymity and fought for years to clear his name. In this episode, we will look at the early part of his career and examine the lead-up to the Dixie Mission.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This episode takes a slightly deeper look at the Shang Dynasty and their signature achievement, the oracle bone script. Some of this episode will be a repeat of things covered in Episode 15.
Like the oldest parts of the oldest world civilizations a lot of what we “know” is the collective guesswork of the best minds researching the history. From Wang Yirong down to the present generation of scholars, new secrets of the Shang Dynasty oracle bones continue to be revealed.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week we look at the Canadian and international hero Dr. Norman Bethune. Bethune is a staple among noted western friends and advisors who came to China in 1938 to help the Communists and the people in their struggle against the Japanese.
He was not only a great friend of China, but a gifted and brilliant man of medicine as well who had a great impact on thoracic surgery in his day.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week we look at a topic many have heard about but aren’t familiar with the details. We look at the early origins of the Jewish people in China and the time of the settlement in Kaifeng, Henan.
Although you’d be hard-pressed to find a minyan amongst the native Jews in Kaifeng today, there are efforts being made to revive Judaism in that ancient city. It’s an interesting story that spans a millennium and offers a look at Chinese history from another angle.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week we delve back into the mists of ancient times to look at the State of Wu from the Spring & Autumn Period. Although they didn’t last long, the Wu State had a major impact on the development of the culture of the Jiangsu/Zhejiang/Shanghai region. There are a number of Wu periods throughout Chinese history, so today we will try to sort them all out.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, we will conclude our History of Hong Kong overview. We’ll look at the years following the 1967 riots and the reforms championed by Governor Murray MacLehose in the 1970s and ’80s.
We’ll close out this series by looking at the dramatic lead up to and the signing of the Joint Declaration, the Basic Law, and the handover on July 1, 1997.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this week’s episode, we look at the year 1967 in Hong Kong. The words “riots” and “1967” go hand in hand when talking about Hong Kong history.
Although the events that went down between May and December of 1967 caused death, mayhem, and destruction throughout the territory, when it was all over it led to a sea change in labor rights for Hong Kong workers.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
After a bit of a break, we pick up after the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong. The 1950s were a stressful time for Hong Kong with Britain managing a diplomatic balancing act trying to be a good neighbor to the new PRC and to their closest ally, the USA.
Thanks to the exodus of Chinese industrialists, from Shanghai mostly, Hong Kong will usher in a manufacturing boom that will transform the economy and the territory’s place in the world.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We're back with Part 7 of Laszlo's overview of the History of Hong Kong.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this latest installment of the CHP History of Hong Kong overview, we look at the years from Governors Nathan to Peel. The modern age comes to Hong Kong along with plenty of fallout and spillover from the upheavals going on in China in the 1920s and ’30s.
This was a period when the great pillars of HKL Chinese society rose to fame and fortune: Shouson Chow, Robert Hotung, Kai Ho, Robert Kotewall, and others.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this fifth installment of our Hong Kong history overview, we look at the final couple of decades of the 19th century. Hong Kong’s second generation is coming to the fore. They are a better educated and more sophisticated lot than those Chinese who came before them.
This time period saw the governorships of MacDonnell, Kennedy, Hennessy, Bowen, Des Voeux, and Robinson (a different Robinson from before). We close this episode during the time of Governor Sir Henry Arthur Blake. Although the colony would experience a disaster here and a disaster there, progress was being made.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We continue this overview series on the history of Hong Kong. This time we pick up right after the Treaty of Nanjing and look at the early efforts to get this colony up and running. The first couple decades of Crown Colony of Hong Kong weren’t easy and many considered throwing in the towel early.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Welcome back to Part 3 of Laszlo's overview of the History of Hong Kong.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In part two of Laszlo’s overview of the history of Hong Kong, we look at the Canton System and the lead-up to hostilities that culminated in the Treaty of Nanjing that ceded Hong Kong in perpetuity to the British crown. In this episode, we’ll get as far as the Convention of Chuenpi of January 20, 1841.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laszlo is back after another long delay. In this shorter than usual episode, The China History Podcast presents Part 1 of a multi-part series that will explore the history of Hong Kong.
In this introductory episode, Laszlo starts at the very beginning and traces Hong Kong from the Devonian Period all the way up the end of the Ming Dynasty in the 17th century.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, we introduce American Sidney Rittenberg, 李敦白，known by the title of his 1993 book as “The Man Who Stayed Behind.” He arrived in China in his 20’s at the end of WWII and witnessed the Chinese Revolution from a front-row seat.
When the US pulled out of China after the war, Sidney Rittenberg stayed behind with his dreams of contributing to the building of a new China. He remained in his adoptive country for 35 years.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this longer than usual episode, we feature the three giants of the Jesuit China Mission of the 16th and 17th centuries. In addition to their work in introducing Catholicism to China, these three men, Matteo Ricci, Johann Adam Schall von Bell, and Ferdinand Verbiest made a collective contribution to the scholarship of China that has not been matched to this day.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, we look at Wang Xizhi, a man of letters who achieved greatness during the Eastern Jin dynasty and is called China’s greatest calligrapher.
His life and achievements will be explored along with the significance of calligraphy in Chinese culture. We’ll also recall those crazy times in the fourth century AD.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Like Guan Yu in the previous episode 081, Yue Fei of the Southern Song Dynasty was a heroic and legendary military man in Chinese history. He dedicated his life to resisting the aggression of the Jurchens of the Jin dynasty.
The Jurchens had booted the Song dynasty out of northern China in 1127. Yue Fei dedicated his short life to win back those northern lands before falling victim to imperial court politics. And this helped to make him a legend.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We close out our three-part series on the amazing life of Admiral Zheng He and his seven voyages. This time the CHP looks at retired submarine commander Gavin Menzies and his take on what Zheng He achieved. He makes some wild claims that have been savagely attacked by educated people around the world.
If not for the fact that early Ming China was advanced enough to carry out these voyages, as Menzies said they happened, they’d be very hard to believe. The debate is far from closed on this subject.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We continue on with the voyages of Zheng He. This time we look at some of the highlights from all seven voyages. Then after the Yong Le and Xuan De emperors pass from the scene, no further emperors are interested to put their seal of approval on any more of these pricey expeditions.
With historic consequences, China’s focus turns to protection from the west and northwest of the country rather than engaging in diplomacy and further exploration of the seas and distant lands.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laszlo is back after more than two weeks on the lam. This time we look at part 1 of a series featuring the great adventurer/explorer/diplomat Zheng He. Zheng He’s seven voyages to India, Persia, and the east coast of Africa created a big sensation in the early 15th century.
China, at this time, was the richest, most technologically advanced, and most powerful nation on the planet. Zheng He’s sponsor, the emperor Yong Le, was determined, through these voyages, to let the world see for itself all the splendor and richness of China.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We’re back in ancient days again, this time the short period in between the Qin and Han Dynasties when two great leaders, Xiang Yu and Liu Bang, contended for the throne left vacant by the deceased first emperor of China, Qin Shihuang.
Xiang Yu has gone down in the annals of Chinese history as one of the most ferocious and greatest of generals and strategists. Between 206 and 202 BC Xiang Yu of Chu and Liu Bang, the King of Han, fought all over Jiangsu, Anhui, Hebei, and Shaanxi. To the victor of this Chu-Han Contention would go the future destiny of China.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this final episode of the Cultural Revolution overview we look at the events that went down in 1976 as well as the massive mopping-up operation that took place after the fall of the Gang of Four.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this week’s episode, we get all the way up to the end of 1975. With Zhou Enlai ailing and Mao Zedong also not long for the world, there is a sudden urgency to find a successor to the chairman. Now more than ever the two opposing camps take every measure to defeat the other.
To the victor will go the leadership of the Chinese nation. To the loser, there is a certain loss of power and perhaps of freedom. Everything is building up to the fateful year of 1976.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode we finish off 1969, a year that not only saw internal revolt and anarchy but also saw armed border confrontation with the Soviet Union in the freezing northeast. Chairman Mao Zedong pulls out all the stops to quell the violence and rebellion that he himself called for at the outset of the Cultural Revolution.
Mao’s chosen successor, Lin Biao loses favor with The Great Helmsman. As China enters the 1970’s the Cultural Revolution, though tarnished, still has plenty of life left in it.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In the fifth installment of our China History Podcast overview of the Cultural Revolution we look at the milestone events of 1967: The February Countercurrent, 8 Point Program, 10 Point Program, and the Wuhan Incident. Lots of blood and violence during this difficult year in China. Added to this was no small amount of political, military, and social upheaval.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The second half of 1966 and into 1967 saw some of the worst excesses of the Cultural Revolution. In this episode the violence spreads throughout China and anyone with something to hide about their class background is tracked down and forced to endure the most horrible of fates.
Mao is liking what he sees and keeps fanning the flames using all the tools at his disposal. Opportunists from the CCRG down to the meanest individuals with petty gievences all grab hold of this chance that the Cultural Revolution has given them to get back at their enemies.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Momentous and shocking events happen one after another, day after day. With the announcement of the 16 Points, now the Cultural Revolution has a purpose and guidelines to follow.
Today’s episode will show that Mao had anything except an orderly execution of this plan to transform China. He was going to shake up the whole nation, like a snow globe. Like with the Great Leap Forward, Mao meant well. But this whole idea went awry almost from the very start.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week Laszlo takes us up to August 1966 with this Cultural Revolution overview. After a nine-month hiatus down in Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Wuhan, Mao is now back in Beijing and ready to mount his attack on the party leadership and unleash the Cultural Revolution on the entire country.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
By popular demand, Laszlo begins to trace the history of the Cultural Revolution. This week’s episode looks at the events leading up to the moment in 1966 when Mao called for the people to Bombard the Headquarters and to tear down the government.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Firstly, Laszlo apologizes in advance for the horrific pronunciation of all terms Hindi. This week the topic is the history behind Sino-Indian relations. This is an extremely emotive, complex, and sometimes incendiary topic, conveniently encapsulated in an easy-to-digest half-hour episode.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Known by many names, Guan Yu, Guan Gong, Guan Di, this great man of loyalty, integrity, and justice lived during the final years of the Eastern Han Dynasty.
His oath of brotherhood with Liu Bei and Zhang Fei is the stuff of legends and remembered to this very day. Guan Yu was a historical person whose life was so admired, today he is considered a god. In today’s episode, we look at his life and his legend.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week we look at a committed Communist Party leader who played an important role in steering China’s economy and financial system from 1949 to 1966 and during the Deng era. Like many other leaders of his generation, Shanxi-born Bo Yibo suffered terribly during the Cultural Revolution.
Today he is best remembered as one of the Eight Immortals or Party Elders who made up Deng Xiaoping’s “kitchen cabinet” during China’s go-go 80’s and 90’s.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This time we look at Missouri-born Carl Crow (1883-1945). Though pretty much forgotten today, Carl Crow lived an amazing life and was a prolific writer. From his front-row seats to many of the historic events in China between 1911-1937, Crow wrote many books about his observations and opinions.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this farewell look at the Silk Road, we discuss a few more interesting things and then give the travels and adventures of Marco Polo a once over.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Another fortnight, another China History Podcast. We return to the Silk Road and focus our attention on the monk Xuanzang. His was an interesting life. Through looking at Xuanzang you can truly gain a sense of the importance of Buddhism in China, India and almost the entirety of Central Asia.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
NOTE: This episode was produced PRIOR to President Xi's accession to the Head of the Party (and everything else). Xi Jinping left U.S. soil last night after taking in the Laker game at Staples Center. His visit this week went off without a hitch. Today we look at Xi Jinping’s life in the context of PRC history.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laszlo’s back from Germany and after a long delay we pick up where we left off. In this episode we reacquaint ourselves with the background and early years of the Silk Road.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Triads of Hong Kong have an interesting historical past that shaped their development throughout the years. Today we look at their origins and some of the more important historic events that made them the violent international criminal gangs they are today.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Now that we have Deng Xiaoping out of the way, we’re back looking at random topics throughout the ages. This week we look at the great Song Dynasty statesman and sage Ouyang Xiu (1007-1072). In this episode, we’ll review aspects of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) and Ouyang Xiu’s place in this amazing age in Chinese history.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Today we conclude our eight-part overview of Dr. Ezra Vogel’s recent biography of Deng Xiaoping. In this installment, we focus on Deng’s dramatic and brilliant Southern Tour of January-February 1992.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
After a holiday delay, Laszlo is back with the 7th and almost final episode of our overview of the life of Deng Xiaoping. In this episode we look at the meat and potatoes of the Reform years from 1979 to 1989.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this sixth installment of the Deng Xiaoping overview, we focus on 1978-1979. In this episode we see Deng return to power a third time. Deng immediately throws all his energy into advancing the cause of modernization in China.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week’s episode looks at the exciting events that all went down in 1976. Deng Xiaoping is on the defensive thanks to his 1975 policies to revive the nation. But a concatenation of events will happen to start on January 8 and ending on October 6 that will both bring Deng back and rock China.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
After a bit of a delay, this week we look again at Deng Xiaoping and his struggles during the Cultural Revolution Years from 1966 to 1975. Seems we still have a long way to go yet. Be on the lookout in the coming weeks for a possible new iTunes Feed for the China History Podcast.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Today in Part 3 of our Deng Xiaoping overview we look at The Great One’s life from 1952 after his return from the Southwest Bureau all the way up to the start of the Cultural Revolution.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This time we continue on with our overview of the great leader Deng Xiaoping. We pick up in 1937 with the invasion by Japan, the civil war, and the founding of the PRC. We examine Deng’s achievements all the way up to 1952, the year he left the Southwest Bureau and returned to Beijing.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laszlo is happily back in Cali with a new episode that looks at the early years of Deng Xiaoping. Most of the narrative is based on passages gleaned from Ezra Vogel’s new biography of The Great One.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This time we take a look at four Westerners who committed their lives to the People’s Republic of China. These four foreigners, Agnes Smedley, Anna Louise Strong, George Hatem, and Israel Epstein were all friends of China and were admired by China’s leaders. Upon their deaths, they were given the honor of internment at China’s Babaoshan cemetery
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Today we jump over much of the history of the 1940′s and zero in on the moment when the PRC was officially established on Oct 1, 1949. Today’s podcast episode offers a general overview of the first year of the PRC and some of the multitude of challenges Mao and China’s new leaders faced.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Before we head back to modern times, we look at the mythological beginnings of the Chinese people and the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. This period preceded China’s legendary Xia Dynasty and the beginnings of Chinese recorded history in the Shang.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week we look at the immortal Zhou Gong, the Duke of Zhou. If he isn’t the most revered person from Chinese history, he’s certainly in the top three. He guided the earliest years of the Zhou Dynasty through treacherous times.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week’s episode runs a little long as there won’t be anything for the following week. Today’s episode looks at the life and interesting career of Sir Robert Hart (赫德), a Ulsterman from Northern Ireland. For most of his life, he lived in China in the employ of the Zongli Yamen.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Mid-Autumn Festival takes place every year on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese calendar. This year that date falls on September 12. The Chinese world will be celebrating the holiday in very much the same way that generations have enjoyed going back to ancient times.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Thanks to RL in Hefei for the inspiration, this week we take a look at China and Japan’s difficult history. We focus on the historical events that led to “2,000 years of friendship and 50 years of confrontation,” as CPCCC member Zhao Qizheng 赵启正 said recently in the People’s Daily.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Today we’re back with more history. We look at the Shanghai Massacre of April 12, 1927. This was the defining moment when Chiang Kai-shek and his allies and supporters made a bloody break with the Communists.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The 1920′s in Republican-era China was anything but quiet and uneventful. In this episode, we focus on the general situation in China during the period of the early 1920′s. This was a time when the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) and KMT (Kuomintang) were in the same bed dreaming their different dreams.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We close out our little overview of Daoism by looking at the most powerful and popular Daoist deities. In this episode you will meet the Three Pure Ones and the Eight Immortals with a focus on Lu Dongbin and Zhongli Quan.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
More Daoism this week. We look at Zhuangzi and trace the development of Daoism during the classical age from the Han Dynasty to the Tang
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this week’s episode, Laszlo tackles Daoism, a philosophy, religion, and way of life that everyone has heard about but not everyone learned the backstory. This time we look at the history and the times that spawned this most fertile of philosophies.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Today we have some lighter fare than usual. Nine months ago we looked at one great Hong Kong tycoon, Li Ka-Shing. Today we look at another. In this episode, we look at the life and career of entertainment mogul Sir Run Run Shaw and the Shaw Brothers organization.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, Laszlo examines the origins of the CCP, also known as the Chinese Communist Party.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, we look at the life of one of the bravest and greatest adventurers of ancient times. Zhang Qian was selected by the Han Dynasty Emperor Wu to make a political alliance with a distant central Asian people, the Yuezhi. Zhang Qian’s thirteen-year journey to the west between 138 BC and 126.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
May 4, 1919, was a historic day in modern Chinese history. The demonstration in Beijing and the subsequent movement brought seismic changes to Chinese culture, politics, and literature. All the leaders of modern China who played a founding role in the establishment of the PRC were influenced by the writings and ideas that grew out of this historic moment.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Qing Dynasty formally came to an end on February 12, 1912, when the last emperor Puyi abdicated. That same year the Republic of China was founded and had a very rocky start. In today’s episode, we look at the immediate aftermath of the Xinhai Revolution.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In an effort to bring some understanding to the recently proposed call for a resolution to formally acknowledge and express regret for banning Chinese immigration and other violated rights of the Chinese settlers, we examine the history of the Chinese Exclusion Act.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In a special collectors edition of the China History Podcast, we review the Imperial China overviews of the past eight months.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, we conclude our eight-month overview of Chinese Imperial history from Yu the Great of the Xia Dynasty to Puyi of the Qing. After more than half a century of tragedy, upheaval, national humiliation, and plenty of mass death and destruction, the Qing dynasty ends in 1912.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week we look at China during the Tongzhi Era and part of the reign of Guangxu. This period from 1875 to 1895 is more of the same for China. More humiliation at the hands of foreigners. More scrambling to modernize. More imperial skullduggery. More military defeats.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We’re almost at the end of our Imperial China History Overview. In this segment of the China History Podcast, we look at the continued misfortunes in China during the Xianfeng era, as the country is torn apart by the Taiping and Nian rebellions and revolts in the west.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Here we begin the turbulent, bloody, and historically humiliating 19th century in China. The first half-century sees two emperors, Jiaqing and Daoguang stand by helplessly as China is torn apart by uprisings, anti-Manchu discontent, a financial crisis, opium addiction on a massive scale, foreign invasion, and the usual deadly floods and other natural disasters.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, we look at the bittersweet reign of the Qianlong emperor. The longest-reigning emperor in Chinese imperial history, the Qianlong era saw the most splendid three decades for the Manchu of the Qing Dynasty. China reached its greatest territorial extent and was still the marvel of the world.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, we examine the Yongzheng emperor, the second of the three great Qing emperors who reigned during the most golden of times for the Manchu dynasty. A tireless emperor who was a wizard at managing the machine of state, he reigned for only thirteen years before his son later brought the Qing dynasty to greater heights.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this first episode covering the Qing Dynasty, we look at the Shunzhi emperor and his son, the Kangxi emperor. The 61-year reign of the Kangxi emperor was the longest in imperial Chinese history. The Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong eras saw the Qing dynasty reach its greatest heights and China was economically the wealthiest.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We finish off our overview of the Ming Dynasty in this episode and also trace the rise of the Manchu. The period from the Jiajing emperor to the tragic suicide of the Chongzhen emperor saw a slow and steady decline in the fortunes of the Ming dynasty.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In today’s episode, we look at Ming Dynasty China from the reigns of Xuande to Jiajing. This period in Chinese history was witnessing momentous changes. The dynasty suffers a terrible debacle in 1449. Portugal was becoming a regular visitor and sets up down in Macao. This was also a time when evil self-serving eunuchs spread
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this week’s episode we examine the second great emperor of the Ming Dynasty, the Yongle [Yong - Leh] emperor who reigned 1402-1424. This tireless emperor waged campaigns against the Mongols in the north, the Vietnamese in the south and sent sailing expeditions throughout Asia, the subcontinent and the east coast of Africa.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laszlo is back, finally, after a longer layoff than expected. This week we look at the end of the Yuan dynasty and the founding of the Ming Dynasty. We look at the first emperor Ming Taizu, a.k.a. The Hongwu Emperor.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week we take a break from the history to look at the background and the traditions surrounding Chinese New Year. Laszlo will be back next time to pick up where we left off after the fall of the Song Dynasty. On behalf of everyone here at the China History Podcast, we wish everyone a Happy New Year!
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this week’s episode, Laszlo finishes off the Song Dynasty after the Jin Empire captures the royal family and sacks the capital in Kaifeng. The Song dynasty continues on with the new capital in the south of China, below the Yangzi River. Despite perilous times with hostile neighbors to the north, the dynasty enjoys continued success.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week’s episode runs a little longer than usual. In it, we examine the Northern Song Dynasty from 960 to 1127. This was a precarious time for China. Despite three potentially menacing non-Han empires surrounding them to the north and west, China once again had another magnificent great leap forward of brilliance and innovation.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In today’s final installment covering the history of the great Tang Dynasty, we look at its agonizing decline until 907 when it is pushed aside and another period of disunity sets in, the Five Dynasties reign in the north, all short-lived and not spectacular by any means.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laszlo is back after a holiday illness to continue where we left off in 705 with the passing of Wu Zetian. After an initial golden age during the Taizong emperor, the Tang will reach new heights of glory under Tang Minghuang a.k.a. the Xuanzong emperor.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
As the Sui peters out, Li Yuan, the Duke of Tang, seizes power and establishes the Tang Dynasty in 618. Along with the Song, the Tang Dynasty is considered the pinnacle of China’s long history. In culture, art, poetry, painting, ceramics, science, navigation, diplomacy this was a golden age.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The demise of the Southern & Northern Dynasties brought us a China unified under the Sui emperors Wen and Yang. This ephemeral dynasty laid the groundwork for the splendor of the Tang dynasty. Lasting only 37 years, the Sui Dynasty doesn’t get the limelight enjoyed by the great dynasties such as the Han, Tang, Song, and Ming.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Southern & Northern Dynasties were a collection of dynasties that lasted 170 years and preceded the time of unification under the Sui Dynasty. North of the Yangzi River you had the Northern Wei, the Northern Qi, and the Northern Zhou.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week we are back with more Chinese history. We will look at a very confusing but exciting time when there was mostly a period of disunity and China was broken up into contending kingdoms. However this period of chaos brought us some of the richest tales of ancient China filled with amazing battles, events continue reading >>
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this final installment of the Han Dynasty overview, we look at the reign of Wang Mang during the short-lived Xin Dynasty and the Eastern (or Later) Han Dynasty that followed. The Eastern Han was a period of endless skullduggery at the imperial court where the palace eunuchs rose to power and meddled endlessly.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Today we present the second part of the Western Han Dynasty overview where we will look at the great Han emperors Wendi, Jingdi, and perhaps the greatest of them all, Han Wudi. It was a golden age in Chinese history and saw the first indirect contact between the Roman Empire in the west and Han.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this week’s episode, we look at only the first few decades of the Western Han Dynasty. The Western Han lasted from 202BC to 8AD. We’ll focus on the fall of the Qin and the rise of Liu Bang who went on to found the Han Dynasty. Liu Bang would reign as Emperor Gaozu.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, we look at the second phase of the Zhou Dynasty. This period was known as the Eastern Zhou. The Eastern Zhou was broken down between the Spring & Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, which lasted from 770 to 221BC.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Today we take a 走马看花 look at the 790 year Zhou Dynasty, the longest dynasty in Chinese history. In this episode we will particularly focus on the Western Zhou Period which lasted for 275 years. Next week we will finish the Zhou Dynasty by examining the Eastern Zhou Period.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week in part two of our dynasty overview, we examine the Shang Dynasty from 1600 BC to 1046 BC. Chinese characters make their appearance for the first time. Artisans cast the most beautiful bronzes. Because of the discovery of archaeological evidence, many consider this China’s first real dynasty.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, we commence our Chinese imperial dynasty overview. It begins today with the Xia Dynasty 夏朝代. According to historiographer Sima Qian, this was the first dynasty of China. Its origins and its demise and everything in between have all come from sources written many centuries later.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Li Ka-shing is a Hong Kong billionaire tycoon who has played a great role in not only Hong Kong’s prosperity but in China’s as well. He is respected not only for his achievements in business and industry but also for his rise from humble beginnings in Chaozhou, China.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Kang Sheng was a sinister character from modern Chinese history who was both Chairman Mao’s close confidant and creator of China’s Secret Police.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week we look at the Tang dynasty Empress Wu Zetian, the only woman from Chinese history to rule China as an emperor in her own name.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this week’s episode, we give an overview of the First Opium War, one of the most humiliating events in modern Chinese history. From this event that culminated in the first of many unequal treaties in 1842, China began a steady downhill slide and suffered a multitude of setbacks and insults from foreign powers eager to capitalize on this conflict.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Great Leap Forward ( 大跃进) from 1958-1960 caused death and suffering to dozens of millions of people. It sounded like a workable idea but it didn’t turn out like Chairman Mao hoped. When looking back on the life of Mao Zedong, the Great Leap Forward is always viewed as a black mark against his legacy.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Today we look at the Four Great Inventions, the 四大发明, that Lord Francis Bacon hailed as having done more than anything else to transform completely the modern world and mark it off from antiquity and the Middle Ages. The four great inventions were the compass, gunpowder, paper, and printing, each important in their own unique way.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
A warm welcome to everyone across the world and thank you for listening to the introductory episode of the China History Podcast. Each week we will bring you a different topic taken from the annals of 5,000 years of Chinese history. We’ll look at the dynasties, historical persons, ancient history, modern history and everything in continue reading >>
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy