Chinese Culture, Editor's Pick

Su Dongpo: An Unyielding Spirit in the Face of Adversity

Su Dongpo (A.D. 1037-1101), was one of the eight great masters of the Tang and Song dynasties and occupied an indelible position in the history of literature in China. His articles were smooth and flowing. He bemoaned the state of the world and pitied the fate of mankind. He was not afraid of power, and ...

Mikel Davis

Statue of Chinese scholar and poet Su Dongpo with his wife.

A Brief History of Chinese Drums

Did you know Chinese drums were used initially for combat because drums were considered all-inclusive magical weapons in ancient China? The beautiful sound of battle drums was essential for boosting the morale of an army from a distance. In this article, you’ll learn the history behind the ancient Chinese drums and why these ancient drums ...

Viena Abdon

Chinese drums.

Well-Known Physician of Ancient China: Wang Sizhong (Part 2)

This is a three-part series; please go here for Part 1 In part one of this three-part series on Ming dynasty physicians, we discussed Imperial doctor Ge Lin. In Part 2, we’ll look at a well-known physician who could cure and diagnose diseases that other doctors could not — physician Wang Sizhong.  Born with an ...

Tatiana Denning

Chinese herbs, a pot, a mortar and pestle, and paper packets tied with string sit on a wooden surface.

Zhang Jun: The Man Chosen by Destiny to Quell a Rebellion

Time is ever-changing, as are the states of affairs in the world. Battles and rebellions seemingly become inevitable as a dynasty enters its decline. However, the key figures playing crucial roles in these turbulent times — the generals and the ministers — seem to be chosen by destiny. Such was the case involving Zhang Jun. ...

Mikel Davis

Chinese painting showing the army traveling through a village.

Exploring the Prophecy of Xu Fu

The prophecy of Xu Fu is one of the most remarkable stories in Chinese history. It tells the tale of a 10-year-old boy who predicted the rise of Liu Bang, the Han Dynasty’s ancestor, and the Qin Dynasty’s downfall. Xu Fu was one of the greatest physiognomists to be recorded in the annals of Chinese ...

Hermann Rohr

Statue of Chinese alchemist and explorer Xu Fu in Wakayama, Japan.

Well-Known Physician of Ancient China: Ge Lin (Part 1)

This is a three-part series; please go here for part 2 In ancient China, there were physicians with amazing medical skills and abilities. Despite not having modern equipment, they could diagnose, treat, and predict the course of a patient’s life and health, and they were able to do things beyond what even today’s modern medicine ...

Tatiana Denning

Imperial physician Ge Lin.

Rare and Exquisite Beauties of China: Ban Zhao

Ban Zhao, also known as Hui Ji (48-117 CE), was a renowned Chinese scholar and historian of the Eastern Han Dynasty. In addition, she was a talented teacher and author, a great beauty, and a woman of high moral character. Let us get to know the knowledgeable and virtuous “female saint” — the teacher of ...

Tatiana Denning

The 'Book of Han.'

Ancient Chinese Stories of Honest Officials

Ancient China had a long history of officials who upheld integrity and honesty in their duties. The following two stories from the Eastern Han Dynasty illustrate the remarkable moral fortitude of ancient Chinese officials, who remained honest and unbiased even when confronted with personal relationships and tempting situations. Su Zhang handles cases without favoritism During ...

Mikel Davis

Chinese landscape painting of a tree with green leaves along a river.

Chinese Idioms and Their Stories: ‘Battle at the Riverfront’

During 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture, the Chinese idiom has been a shining pearl in the treasure of the Chinese language. It is concise, vivid, and expressive, accumulating historical facts and rich ethnic culture. The formation of each phrase reflects historical truths that mirror politics, the military, culture, folk customs, ethics, and ideals. These ...

Max Lu

A willow tree along a river at sunset.

Rare and Exquisite Beauties of China: Xi Shi

Throughout Chinese history, there have been many beautiful women, including Xi Shi. Not only were they beautiful people, but legendary figures who loved their kingdom, had good character, and many great talents.   Let’s unfold the historical picture scroll to discover an ancient tale that has been passed down through the ages: the story of the ...

Tatiana Denning

Xi Shi, one of the four beauties of China.