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Ne Zha: From Myth to Cultural Icon
Ne Zha transcended his origins as a Buddhist deity to emerge as a rebellious, anti-patriarchal hero in popular culture
Scent Across Time: How Traditional Fragrances Quiet the Clamor of Modern Life
From ancient scholars to modern youth, timeless scents like sandalwood and jasmine continue to captivate young Chinese, offering solace in an increasingly busy world
Greeting the New Year: The (Un)changing Customs of Chinese New Year Wishes
From carving on wood to “flying cards” in red envelopes, how people expressed their New Year’s greeting, or “bainian” in ancient China
Justice for Snakes: The Real Story of the Most Misunderstood Zodiac Animal
How the snake evolved from a revered symbol of worship to a figure of fear and evil in ancient Chinese culture
Written in the Stars: Astrological Signs in Ancient China
China’s adherence to the 12-year zodiac cycle is known around the world. What might be more surprising is that the West’s astrological signs have also existed in the country, possibly from the very beginning.
Mockery, Sarcasm, and Roasting in Ancient China
Ancient scholars and ministers used all forms of scathing rhetoric to refute, persuade, and influence—sometimes to disastrous ends
Elixirs of Power: Chinese Emperors’ Quest for Immortality
How the pursuit of eternal life shaped politics, culture, and fate in ancient China
How Women in Ancient China Endured and Resisted Domestic Violence
Unequal or nonexistent laws left women in ancient China who faced abuse with very few options
Paths to Power: A Guide to China’s Civil Servant Selection Systems
Facing an increasingly competitive job market, the battle to enter China’s civil service seems more ruthless than ever—though it’s really the continuation of a millennia-old struggle
Clothed in Jade and Gold: The Ancient Dream of Immortality
Long believed to be a myth, Chinese jade burial suits symbolized ancient nobles’ pursuit of eternal life
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