Chinese Culture, Featured

Lin Xiangru: Master of Diplomacy in the Warring States Era

The Spring and Autumn and the Warring States Period (770–221 B.C.) was a golden age in ancient Chinese history. Not only did it produce many schools of thought that had a profound impact on future generations, but it also produced many outstanding military figures. Among them, there was Lin Xiangru, a famous statesman and diplomat ...

Mikel Davis

AI-generated image showing a Chinese minister carrying a precious piece of jade to present it to the ruler at court.

Pipa Master Tang Yingzeng’s Tale

In the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, Tang Yingzeng, who was from Pizhou, was exceptionally skilled at playing the pipa, a traditional Chinese lute, so people called him Tang Pipa. Because his family was poor, he couldn’t afford to get married, leaving him and his mother to rely solely on each other. Tang was ...

Mikel Davis

Painting from the Tang Dynasty era of a flying heavenly maiden with a pipa.

Cao Cao’s Leadership Principles: Trust and Integrity in the Three Kingdoms Era

In the ancient Shuowen Dictionary, trust is defined as a blend of sincerity and reliability, emphasizing the importance of keeping one’s word. This concept was deeply valued in ancient China, with many proverbs highlighting the significance of integrity in personal and professional relationships. Cao Cao, the ruler of the Wei state during the Three Kingdoms ...

Mikel Davis

A statue of Cao Cao at Weiwudi Square.

The Legend of the Liquor Well: Lessons for People

During the Ming Dynasty, there was a legend of liquor well in Tonglu County, Zhejiang Province. According to the records of Fan Garden, a Taoist traveler came here. He drank heavily in a bar and left immediately after finishing. He seldom thanked the bar owner, and the owner did not ask him to pay for ...

Nspirement Staff

A well.

Sun Simiao Waited 50 Years for Li Shimin

In traditional Chinese culture, Buddhism emphasizes predestined relationships among people: between husbands and wives, relatives and friends, and rulers and ministers. The encounter between Sun Simiao and Emperor Taizong of Tang, born Li Shimin, was also predestined. Sun Simiao was a Chinese physician and writer of the Sui and Tang dynasties. He was titled China’s “King of Medicine” for ...

Nspirement Staff

Emperor Taizong.

Timeless Virtues: The Honesty and Frugality of Prime Minister Sima Guang

Sima Guang (1019-1086), a prime minister of the Northern Song Dynasty, also known by his courtesy name Junshi, was a native of Sushui Township in Xia County (present-day Shanxi Xia County), Shaanxi Province. He was a renowned historian. When Sima Guang was born, his father, Sima Chi, served as the Guangshan County magistrate in Guangzhou. ...

Mikel Davis

Statue of Sima Guang.

Fan Zhongyan’s Diligence and Resilience

Fan Zhongyan’s mother, Mrs. Xie, had a difficult life, experienced much hardship, and tasted many bitter experiences. As a result, she placed great hope in her son. Inspired by the dedication of Mencius’ mother, Mrs. Xie devoted herself to her son’s education. Fan Zhongyan disciplined himself like the famed Chinese philosopher Yan Hui and worked ...

Mikel Davis

Fan Zhongyan.

 Haichunxuan Pagoda: Ancient China’s Architectural Technology

Originally known as the “Filial Piety Pagoda,” the Haichunxuan Pagoda’s story is deeply intertwined with the life of Yuchi Jingde, a founding minister of the Tang Dynasty who received the title of “Duke of E” for his loyal and brave service to the country. During his youth, Yuchi Jingde and his mother sought refuge in ...

Emma Lu

Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.