ancient china, ancient chinese culture, ancient governance, asian history, benevolence in leadership, chinese emperors, chinese heritage, chinese history, confucian values, cultural influence, cultural prosperity, dynastic rule, eastern philosophy, emperor taizong, golden age, historical figures, historical leadership, leadership, li shimin, military strategy, political wisdom, tang dynasty, traditional chinese values, zhenguan era

Emperor Taizong’s Reign: The Golden Age of the Tang Dynasty

During the final years of the Sui Dynasty, chaos reigned as heroes rose across the land. With his remarkable wisdom and courage, Li Shimin (598-649) led an army of benevolence and righteousness. He helped his father, Li Yuan, stabilize the realm and founded the great Tang Dynasty in A.D. 618. Upon ascension in A.D 626, ...

Mikel Davis

Illustration of Emperor Taizong of Tang in front of the Forbidden City.

Interpretations of Dreams and How Ancient Chinese Defined Them

The interpretations of dreams are common, mysterious, and imaginary. But, they are also as accurate as can be, missing no sensory perception we can experience in a waking state.  Since way back, people have tried to find ways to interpret their dreams.  Every culture has its interpretations of dreams. Some think dreams are evil spirits ...

Nathan Machoka

Artist's rendering of a woman standing in front of a door that opens into a dreamworld with blue sky and clouds floating by.

What Was China Like 1,000 Years Ago

A thousand years ago, every city in the world turned pitch black at night, except for China, which was ablaze with bright and cheerful lights. In the evening, most major cities were peaceful and quiet, but in China, a lot of cities were crowded with people absorbed in song and laughter. Ancient Chinese cities had ...

Emma Lu

Tree decorated with red lanterns during the Chinese New Year with ancient Chinese buildings in the background.

Incredible Ancient Art of Chinese Face Reading

Chinese face reading, also known as physiognomy, has a history going back thousands of years in China. In ancient China, there was a saying: “If you want to know whether someone is wise, just look at their forehead; if you want to know about a person’s reputation, nobleness, wealth, blessings, and longevity, look at their ...

Jessica Kneipp

A Chinese lady with gentle face and traditional clothing reading a book.

Why the Color Yellow Filled the World of Ancient Chinese Culture

According to legend, the patriarch of Chinese civilization was the Yellow Emperor. The birthplace of Chinese civilization was the Yellow Earth Plateau (Loess Plateau). The cradle of the Chinese nation was the Yellow River, and the descendants of the Yellow Emperor have yellowish skin. Since ancient times, the color yellow has been an integral part ...

Jessica Kneipp

A golden buddha statue with a yellow robe.

As Chinese New Year Approaches, Learn Some Lunar Calendar History

The moon has been the source of legends and stories for thousands of years. It is the largest visible body in our night sky, but among all of its aesthetically pleasing qualities, the moon — together with the sun — has served as an important tool for timekeeping in Chinese history. And they still do today, especially for ...

Hermann Rohr

The moon phases for eight days.

Some Cool Facts About Ancient China

Ancient China was and remains one of the most fascinating places in human history. Full of wisdom, lore, and ingenuity, the ancients were the harbingers of tradition and propriety. Read on for some interesting facts that you may not have known about the most powerful, influential, and continuous culture that humanity has known. Keep in ...

Emma Lu

Old Chinese coins.

How Classical Music Has a Therapeutic Effect on the Human Body

The music that you listen to affects your health. Positive sounds from soft music have healing powers that harmonize the body and mind. This is especially true of classical music. An American woman, Edith Zook, at 83 years old suffered from an irregular heartbeat that caused her to faint suddenly. On January 15, 2006, Zook ...

Helen London

A music instrument being played in ancient China.

The Young Child Who Was Teachable (Chinese Idiom)

This Chinese idiom is derived from a chapter about Zhang Liang from the Records of the Grand Historian. Zhang Liang is best known as being a hero of the early Han Dynasty (1046-256 B.C.). He was an aristocrat of the Han state during the Warring States period. After the Qin Dynasty overtook the Han Dynasty, Zhang ...

Hermann Rohr

Why Chinese Women Wear Jade Bracelets

Chinese women love their jade bracelets, and they always look stunning wearing them. The simple elegance of a green jade bracelet seems to perfectly match Asian features and skin tones. Jade bracelets can be dressed up or down easily. To dress down: add leather, earthy tones, and casual dress. To dress up: wear with gold, ...

Nspirement Staff

An Asian woman holding a jade bracelet and necklace.