ANCIENT HISTORY

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.

ARTS

How the Lunar New Year Was Celebrated in Ancient Chinese Poetry

How seven ancient poets wrote about celebrating the Lunar New Year

FOOD

Ancient China’s Love of Crab-Eating

China’s love of crab-eating stretches back centuries, with literati writing poems and even appointing “crab servants” to cook the delicacy

FOOD

A Guide to China’s Fruit Culture

How to eat and understand the history of some of China’s culturally significant fruits

ANCIENT HISTORY

Bathing in Ancient Times

From soap made from ground jade to extravagant public bathhouses, learn the ingenious methods ancient Chinese used to stay clean

FOOD

A Bite of Hainan

Hainan cuisine is rich in flavor and history

HISTORY, TRAVEL

The Land of Exiles

Banished literati who made Hainan’s history

ANCIENT HISTORY

A Straw-Cloaked Life

New Palace Museum exhibition illuminates poet Su Dongpo and his thousand-year legacy

FOOD

Food Fit for a Poet

Dishes made famous by Su Dongpo, China’s greatest foodie poet

HISTORICAL FIGURES

The Best of Su Dongpo

Ten classic lines from the prolific Song poet, who was born 982 years ago today