The China History Podcast

From the triumph of Wu Zetian to the splendor of Xuanzong’s court, the Tang reached extraordinary heights. How did it all come undone?

In Part 9 of From Pangu to Puyi, we continue the story from China’s only female emperor through the Tang’s golden age and its long, turbulent decline. We follow Wu Zetian’s bold claim to the throne, the palace struggles that followed her reign, and the flourishing world of Emperor Xuanzong—where poetry, prosperity, and the celebrated romance with Yang Guifei shared the stage with dangerous political rivalries.

Then comes the An Lushan Rebellion, shattering the empire and changing the dynasty’s course forever. The Tang survives, but powerful military governors, palace eunuchs, and recurring upheavals steadily weaken the throne. From the devastation of the Huang Chao Rebellion to Zhu Wen’s final seizure of power in 907, this episode traces more than two centuries of ambition, brilliance, and catastrophe—and brings one of Chinese history’s greatest dynasties to its dramatic close.

Here's the list of Chinese names. I hope this has been useful to at least a few of you:

Wǔ Zétiān 武则天 / Emperor Shèngshén 聖神皇帝 / Zétiān Dàshèng Huángdì 則天大聖皇帝, Lǐ Lóngjī 李隆基 / Prince of Línzī 临淄王 /Emperor Xuánzōng 唐玄宗, Ān Lùshān 安禄山, Táng Gāozōng 唐高宗, Lǐ Xián 李贤, Lǐ Xiǎn 李显 / Lǐ Zhé 李哲 / Zhōngzōng Emperor 唐中宗, Lǐ Xùlún 李旭轮 / Emperor Ruìzōng 唐睿宗, Lǐ Jìngyè 李敬业, Lǐ Zhēn 李贞, Lǐ Chōng 李冲, Lái Jùnchén 來俊臣. Zhōu Xīng 周兴, Tàipíng Gōngzhǔ 太平公主, Zhāng Chāngzōng 张昌宗, Zhāng YìzhĪ 张易之, Empress Wéi 韋皇后, Lǐ Guǒ’ér 李裹儿 / Princess Ānlè 安乐公主, Lǐ Chóngjùn 李重俊, Emperor Shāngdì 唐殇帝, Lǐ Bái 李白, Dú Fǔ 杜甫, Wáng Wéi 王维, Mèng Hàorán 孟浩然, Wáng Chānglíng 王昌龄, Gāo Shì 高适, Yáo Chóng 姚崇, Sòng Jīng 宋璟, hāng Jiǔlíng 张九龄, Lǐ Línfǔ 李林甫, Yáng Yùhuán 杨玉环 / Yáng Guìfēi 杨贵妃, Lǐ Mào 李瑁, Yáng Guózhōng 杨国忠, Gāo Xiānzhī 高仙芝, Gāo Lìshì 高力士, Táng Sùzōng 唐肃宗, Ān Qìngxù 安庆绪, Shǐ Sīmíng 史思明, Shǐ Cháoyì 史朝义, Guō Zǐyí 郭子仪, Lǐ Guāngbì 李光, Yīngwǔ Kèhán 英武可汗, Lǐ Shāngyǐn 李商隐, Dù Mù 杜牧, Emperor Dàizōng 唐代宗, Emperor Dézōng 唐德宗, Emperor Xiànzōng 唐宪宗, Hán Yù 韩愈, Emperor Mùzōng 唐穆宗, Emperor Jìngzōng 唐敬宗, Emperor Wénzōng 唐文宗, Emperor Wǔzōng 唐武宗, Lǐ Yí 李怡 / Emperor Xuānzōng 唐宣宗, Huáng Cháo 黄巢, Wáng Xiānzhī 王仙芝, Emperor Yìzōng 唐懿宗, Lǐ Kèyòng 李克用, Zhū Wēn 朱温 / Zhū Quánzhōng 朱全忠, Emperor Xiànzōng 唐宪宗, Emperor Zhāozōng 唐昭宗, Emperor Āi 唐哀帝.

Tang China’s borders are expanding, its capital is welcoming the world, and behind the palace walls, Wu Zetian is making her move.

In Part 8 of From Pangu to Puyi, we follow the Tang from the reign of Taizong into the age of Gaozong and the extraordinary rise of China’s future female emperor. Along the way, we explore Christianity’s arrival in Chang’an, the enduring legacy of the Tang legal code, and the marriage alliance that linked Princess Wencheng with Tibet’s Songtsen Gampo. Campaigns against the Western Turks and the Korean kingdoms carry Tang power far beyond the capital—but holding those gains is another story.

At court, the struggle is just as fierce. We trace Wu Zetian’s ascent from imperial concubine to empress and an increasingly powerful partner in government, navigating rivalries, forging alliances, and sweeping aside opponents. It’s a story of conquest, cultural exchange, and palace intrigue, as one of Chinese history’s most formidable figures takes center stage.

Here's the list of Chinese names in this episode:

Āluóběn 阿罗本, Fáng Xuánlíng 房玄龄, Dù Rúhuì 杜如晦, Jìngjìng 㬌淨, Āshǐnà Jiēshèshuài 阿史那结社率, Āshǐnà Jiēshèshuài 阿史那结社率, Āshǐnà Shè’ěr 阿史那社尔, Princess Héngyáng 衡阳公主, Guō Xiàokè 郭孝恪, Songtsen Gampo 松赞干布, Princess Wénchéng 文成公主, Yǒn Kaesomun 연개소문 延盖苏门, Lǐ Tài 李泰, Lǐ Zhì 李治 / Táng Gāozōng, Lady Yáng 杨氏, Wǔ Zhào 武照 / Wǔ Mèiniáng 武媚娘 / Wǔ Shìyuē 武士彟, Empress Wǔ Zétiān 武则天, Lú Qínzhāi 卢芹斋 (C.T. Loo), Lǐ Shìjí 李世𪟝 / Lǐ Jí 李𪟝, Empress Wáng 王皇后, Consort Xiāo Shūfēi 蕭淑妃, Lǐ Sùjié 李素洁, Āshǐnà Hèlǔ 阿史那贺鲁, Sū Dìngfāng 苏定方, Chǔ Suíliáng 褚遂良, Lǐ Zhōng 李忠, Lǐ Hóng 李宏, Hán Yuàn 韩瑗, Lái Jì 来济, Lǐ Yìfǔ 李义府, Xǔ Jìngzōng 许敬宗, Lǐ Cháo 李巢, Wéi Jìfāng 韦季方, Shàngguān Yí 上官仪,

How does a dynasty that reunified China fall apart so quickly—and leave the foundations for a golden age?

In Part 7 of this Pangu to Puyi overview, we’ll follow the fall of the Sui and the rise of the Tang. We explore the Grand Canal and Emperor Yang’s disastrous campaigns against Goguryeo. As the empire unravels, Li Yuan and his son Li Shimin enter the struggle for power, with the decisive Battle of Hulao Pass helping secure the Tang’s future.

Then we trade battlefields for the Silk Road, following the Buddhist monk Xuanzang on the extraordinary pilgrimage to India that would later inspire Journey to the West. From ambitious emperors and ingenious engineers to rival warlords and a determined seeker of sacred texts, this episode introduces the people and events that helped launch one of China’s most celebrated dynasties.

And here's a listing of all the Chinese names from this Part 7 episode:

Suí Wéndì 隋文帝, Yáng Guǎng 杨广 / Suí Yángdì 隋炀帝, Yǔwén Kǎi 宇文恺, Lǐ Yuān 李渊 / Táng Gāozǔ 唐高祖, Lady Dúgū 獨孤氏, Lǐ Bǐng 李昞, Lady Dòu 竇氏, Yáng Yòu 杨侑 / Suí Emperor Gōng 隋恭帝, Yáng Tóng 杨侗, Lǐ Shìmín 李世民 / Táng Tàizōng 唐太宗, Lǐ Mì 李密, Wáng Shìchōng 王世充, Dòu Jiàndé 窦建德, Lǐ Jiànchéng 李建成, Liú Hēità 刘黑塔, Liáng Shīdū 梁师都, Xú Yuánlǎng 徐圆朗, Zhǎngsūn Wújì 長孫無忌, Yùchí Jìngdé 尉迟敬德, Fáng Xuánlíng 房玄齡, Dù Rúhuì 杜如晦, Yǔwén Shìjí 宇文士及, Gāo Shìlián 高士廉, Lǐ Yuánjí 李元吉, Empress Zhǎngsūn 长孙皇后, Zhǎngsūn Shèng 长孙晟, Gāo Shìlián 高士廉, Lǐ Chéngqián 李承乾 Lǐ Tài 李泰, Lǐ Zhì 李治 / Táng Gāozōng 唐高宗, Wèi Zhēng 魏徵, Lǐ Shìjī 李世勣, Xuánzàng 玄奘, Wú Chéng’ēn 吴承恩, Huìlì 慧立, Fǎxiǎn 法显, Tǒng Yabghu Qaghan 统叶护可汗, Kumarajiva / Jiūmóluóshí 鸠摩罗什.

After centuries of division, how did China find its way back to unity? Part 6 follows the Northern and Southern Dynasties through an age of political upheaval, cultural transformation, and the flourishing of Buddhism. In Part 6, we'll also explore how the Xianbei 鲜卑 rulers of Northern Wei 北魏 blended steppe traditions with Chinese institutions, while the southern courts nurtured literature and religious scholarship amid palace intrigue and dynastic collapse.

From the reforms of Empress Dowager Feng and Emperor Xiaowen to the Buddhist devotion of Emperor Wu of Liang, we meet the figures who helped shape the foundations of a new imperial age. The story culminates in Yang Jian’s reunification of China under the Sui, his formidable partnership with Empress Dugu, and his dealings with the powerful Göktürks. But a fateful choice of successor threatens their achievements, setting the stage for the reign of Sui Yangdi and the eventual rise of the Tang.

BE SURE TO SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE FEED FOR THE LATEST EPISODES WHERE THIS SERIES WILL CONTINUE WITH PART 7. WHEN THE SERIES IS FINISHED THERE WILL BE A TITAL OF 23 EPISODES.

Here's a list of Chinese names from this episode

Fú Jiān 符坚, Tuòbá Guī 拓跋珪 / Dàowǔ 魏道武帝, Emperor Xiàowén 北魏孝文帝, Tuòbá Tāo 拓跋焘 / Emperor Tàiwǔ 北魏太武帝, Emperor Wénchéng 北魏文成帝, Empress Dowager Féng 冯皇后, Emperor Xiànwén 北魏献文帝, Emperor Xuānwǔ 北魏宣武帝, Ěrzhū Róng 尔朱荣, Liáng Wǔdì 梁武帝, Liú Yù 刘裕, Eastern Jìn Emperor Gōng 晋恭帝, Táo Yuānmíng 陶渊明, Xiè Língyùn 谢灵运, Bào Zhào 鲍照, Shēn Yuē 沈约, Jiāng Yān 江淹, Xiāo Tǒng 萧统, Liú Sòng Wéndì 刘宋文帝, Liú Shào 刘劭, Liú Jùn 刘骏, Liú Sòng Emperor Xiàowǔ 刘宋孝武帝, Liú Zǐyè 刘子业 / Qiánfèi 刘宋前废帝, Liú Yìgōng 刘义恭, Princess Shānyīn 山阴公主 / Liú Chǔyù 刘楚玉, Liú Zǐxūn 刘子勋, Liú Sòng emperor Míng 刘宋明帝 / Liú Yù 刘彧, Emperor Hòufèi 刘宋后废 / Liú Yù 刘昱, Xiāo Dàochéng 萧道成, Xiāo Yǎn 萧衍 / Emperor Wǔ of Liáng 梁武帝, Hóu Jǐng 侯景, Wáng Sēngbiàn 王僧辩, Chén Bàxiān 陈霸先 / Chén Wǔdì 陈武帝, Gāo Huān 高欢, Gāo Yáng 高洋 / Northern Qí Emperor Wénxuān 北齐文宣, Eastern Wèi Emperor Xiàojìng 東魏孝靜帝, Gāo Chéng 高澄, Gāo Zhàn 高湛, Northern Qí Emperor Wǔchéng 北齐武成帝, Yǔwén Tài 宇文泰, Yǔwén Jué 宇文觉, Yǔwén Yōng 宇文雍 / Northern Zhōu Emperor Wǔ 北周武帝, Yáng Jiān 杨坚 / Emperor Wén of Suí 隋文帝, Northern Zhou Emperor Xuān 北周宣帝, Yáng Lìhuá 杨丽华, Dúgū Qiéluó 独孤伽罗, Emperor Jìng 北周静帝, Chén Shúbǎo 陈叔宝, Bumin Khagan / Yīlìkè Hán 伊利可汗, Ishbara Qaghan 沙缽略可汗, Yáng Yǒng 杨勇, Yáng Guǎng 杨广 / Suí Yángdì 隋炀帝.

We’re still in ancient times, picking up from last episode, where we ended with the fall of the Shang. Part 2 will cover the rise of the Ji 姬 Clan and the founding of the Zhou Dynasty. We’ll look at the Zhou up through the Spring and Autumn period and a little of the Warring States, up to about 300-400 BC. The rise of the Qin State will also be introduced. The Warring States period will continue on in Part 3, and I’ll take that up to the milestone year of 221 BC.

Here's a listing of all Chinese names mentioned in this episode: Wǔ Gēng 武庚, Jī Dàn 姬旦, Zhōu Wǔwáng 周武王, King Chéng 周成王, King Mù 周穆王, Zhōu King Xuān 周宣王, Zhōu Yōu Wáng 周幽王, Bāo Sì 褒姒, Zuǒ Qiūmíng 左丘明, King Píng 周平王, Duke Zhuāng of Zhèng 郑庄公, Duke Huán of Qí. 齐桓公, Guǎn Zhòng 管仲, Chóng’ěr 重耳 / Duke Wén of Jìn 晋文公, King Chéng of Chǔ 楚成王, Wú Tàibó 吴太伯 / Gōu Wú 勾吴, Zhou King Tài 周太王. Zhòngyōng 仲雍, Jìlì 季历, Shòumèng 寿梦王, Wǔ Zǐxū 伍子胥, Sūn Wǔ 孙武 / Sūnzǐ 孙子, King Hélǘ 阖闾, Duke Ai of Qin 秦哀公, King Gōujiàn 越勾践王, Fūchāi 越夫差王, Xī Shī 西施, Yíng Zhèng 嬴政, King Zhuāngxiāng 荘襄王 / Yíng Zǐchǔ 赢子楚, Duke Xiāng of Qín 秦襄公, Duke Wén of Qín 秦文公, Duke Mù of Qín 秦穆公, Shāng Yāng 商鞅, Duke Xiào of Qin 秦孝公, Qín King Huìwén 秦惠文王, Hán Fēizǐ 韩非子

After centuries of division, how did China find its way back to unity? Part 6 follows the Northern and Southern Dynasties through an age of political upheaval, cultural transformation, and the flourishing of Buddhism. In Part 6, we'll also explore how the Xianbei 鲜卑 rulers of Northern Wei 北魏 blended steppe traditions with Chinese institutions, while the southern courts nurtured literature and religious scholarship amid palace intrigue and dynastic collapse.

From the reforms of Empress Dowager Feng and Emperor Xiaowen to the Buddhist devotion of Emperor Wu of Liang, we meet the figures who helped shape the foundations of a new imperial age. The story culminates in Yang Jian’s reunification of China under the Sui, his formidable partnership with Empress Dugu, and his dealings with the powerful Göktürks. But a fateful choice of successor threatens their achievements, setting the stage for the reign of Sui Yangdi and the eventual rise of the Tang.

Here's a list of Chinese names from this episode

Fú Jiān 符坚, Tuòbá Guī 拓跋珪 / Dàowǔ 魏道武帝, Emperor Xiàowén 北魏孝文帝, Tuòbá Tāo 拓跋焘 / Emperor Tàiwǔ 北魏太武帝, Emperor Wénchéng 北魏文成帝, Empress Dowager Féng 冯皇后, Emperor Xiànwén 北魏献文帝, Emperor Xuānwǔ 北魏宣武帝, Ěrzhū Róng 尔朱荣, Liáng Wǔdì 梁武帝, Liú Yù 刘裕, Eastern Jìn Emperor Gōng 晋恭帝, Táo Yuānmíng 陶渊明, Xiè Língyùn 谢灵运, Bào Zhào 鲍照, Shēn Yuē 沈约, Jiāng Yān 江淹, Xiāo Tǒng 萧统, Liú Sòng Wéndì 刘宋文帝, Liú Shào 刘劭, Liú Jùn 刘骏, Liú Sòng Emperor Xiàowǔ 刘宋孝武帝, Liú Zǐyè 刘子业 / Qiánfèi 刘宋前废帝, Liú Yìgōng 刘义恭, Princess Shānyīn 山阴公主 / Liú Chǔyù 刘楚玉, Liú Zǐxūn 刘子勋, Liú Sòng emperor Míng 刘宋明帝 / Liú Yù 刘彧, Emperor Hòufèi 刘宋后废 / Liú Yù 刘昱, Xiāo Dàochéng 萧道成, Xiāo Yǎn 萧衍 / Emperor Wǔ of Liáng 梁武帝, Hóu Jǐng 侯景, Wáng Sēngbiàn 王僧辩, Chén Bàxiān 陈霸先 / Chén Wǔdì 陈武帝, Gāo Huān 高欢, Gāo Yáng 高洋 / Northern Qí Emperor Wénxuān 北齐文宣, Eastern Wèi Emperor Xiàojìng 東魏孝靜帝, Gāo Chéng 高澄, Gāo Zhàn 高湛, Northern Qí Emperor Wǔchéng 北齐武成帝, Yǔwén Tài 宇文泰, Yǔwén Jué 宇文觉, Yǔwén Yōng 宇文雍 / Northern Zhōu Emperor Wǔ 北周武帝, Yáng Jiān 杨坚 / Emperor Wén of Suí 隋文帝, Northern Zhou Emperor Xuān 北周宣帝, Yáng Lìhuá 杨丽华, Dúgū Qiéluó 独孤伽罗, Emperor Jìng 北周静帝, Chén Shúbǎo 陈叔宝, Bumin Khagan / Yīlì Kèhán 伊利可汗, Ishbara Qaghan 沙缽略可汗, Yáng Yǒng 杨勇, Yáng Guǎng 杨广 / Suí Yángdì 隋炀帝.

From the flames of Red Cliffs to the turmoil of the Sixteen Kingdoms, Part 5 follows China through an age of legendary heroes, fragile reunification, and renewed division. The episode explores the struggles of Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Quan, the strategies and enduring legends of Zhuge Liang, and the rise of the Sima family that brought the Three Kingdoms to an end.

But reunification under the Jin dynasty proves short-lived. Palace intrigue and the War of the Eight Princes plunge the empire into chaos, sending ruling families south as new kingdoms emerge across northern China. Along the way, we encounter the decisive Battle of Fei River, the rise of Liu Yu, and the brutal rulers of Later Zhao. Amid the warfare and upheaval, Buddhism begins putting down deeper roots—a lasting transformation that helps shape China’s next chapter.

Here's the usual list of Chinese names from this Part 5 episode

Cáo Cāo 曹操, Liú Bèi 刘备, Zhūgě Liàng 诸葛亮, Zhūgě Xuán 诸葛玄, Huáng Chéngyàn 黄承彦, Huáng Yuèyīng 黄月英, Sīmǎ Huī 司马徽, Zhāng Fēi 张飞, Guān Yǔ 关羽, Luó Guànzhōng 罗贯中, Huáng Gài 黄盖, Cáo Pī 曹丕, Lù Xùn 陆逊, Cáo Ruì 曹叡, Sīmǎ Yì 司马懿, Mèng Huò 孟获, Cáo Shuǎng 曹爽, Cáo Máo 曹髦, Sīmǎ Shī 司马师, Sīmǎ Zhāo 司马昭, Cáo Huàn 曹奐, Jiāng Wéi 姜维, Liú Shàn 刘禅, Zhūgě Zhàn 诸葛瞻, Liáo Huà 廖化, Zhōng Huì 钟会, Dèng Aī 邓艾, Zhūgě Xù 诸葛绪, Sūn Liàng 孙亮, Zhūgě Kè 诸葛恪, Zhūgě Jīn 诸葛瑾, Sūn Jùn 孙骏, Sūn Xiū 孙休, Sīmǎ Yán 司马炎 / Jìn Wǔdì 晋武帝, Sūn Hào 孙皓, Yáng Hù 羊祜, Dù Yù 杜预, Jiǎ Chōng 贾充, Sīmǎ Zhōng 司马衷 / Emperor Huì 晋惠, Yáng Zhǐ 杨芷, Jiǎ Nánfēng 贾南风, Yáng Jùn 杨骏, Sīmǎ Wēi 司马瑋, Sīmǎ Yù 司马遹., Sīmǎ Guāng 司马光, Sīmǎ Lún 司马伦, Sīmǎ Chì 司马炽 / Jìn Emperor Huái 晋怀帝, Liú Yuān 刘渊, Liú Cōng 刘聪, Sīmǎ Yè 司马业 / Emperor Mǐn 晋敏帝, Sīmǎ Ruì 司马睿 / Jìn Emperor Yuán 晋元帝, Fú Jiān 苻坚, Líu Yù 刘裕, Huán Xuán 桓玄, Emperor An 晋安帝, Jin Emperor Gōng 晋恭帝, Shí Lè 石勒, Shí Hóng 石弘, Shí Hǔ 石虎, Shí Xuān 石宣, Shí Tāo 石韬, Fótú Chéng 佛图澄, Dào’ān 道安, Jiūmóluóshí 鸠摩罗什, Fú Shēng 苻生, Mùróng Jùn 慕容儁, Hèlián Bóbó 赫連勃勃

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Thanks for sticking with the program. Twenty-one more episodes to go till the end of the series. This time in part 4, we pick up with the aftermath of Liu Bang's passing in 195BC. This includes the infamous story of Empress Lü. Also covered will be the peak years of the Western Han under Emperors Wen and Jing. There's also an interlude that examines the long life of Zhao Tuo and his Nanyue Kingdom in the south. Then, the life and times of one of China's great emperors, Han Wudi, will be presented along with the adventures of Zhang Qian. I'll also introduce Dong Zhongshu and show how Confucianism triumphed at the imperial court and became part of the ruling structure. This will be followed by the story of Wang Mang, an old family favorite that also includes the fall of the Western Han, the Xin Dynasty, and the establishment of the Eastern Han Dynasty. The episode will conclude with the Eastern Han in pretty bad shape. We'll finish up with the takedown of the Ten Attendants and the introduction of Yuan Shao, Dong Zhuo, and Cao Cao. So, with a lineup like that, you know you're in for a lot of action. From the death of Liu Bang to the rise of Cao Cao, that's a lot of ground to cover. I hope you enjoy.

Here's a list of most of the Chinese names from this episode:

Lǚ Tàihòu 吕太后, Qì Jī 戚姬, Rú Yì 刘如意, Liú Yíng 刘盈, Hàn Huìdì 汉惠帝, Qiánshào 汉前少, Hòushào 汉后少, Liú Héng 刘恒, Hàn Wéndì 汉文帝, Wáng Zhāojūn 王昭君, Dòu Huánghòu 窦皇后, Liú Qǐ 刘启 / Hàn Jǐngdì 汉景帝, Cháo Cuò 晁错, Zhōu Yàfū 周亚夫, Liú Ché 刘彻 / Hàn Wǔdì 汉武帝, Zhào Tuó 赵陀, Zhào Mò 赵眜, Zhào Yīngqí ,赵婴齐, Sīmǎ Tán 司马谈, Sīmǎ Qiān 司马迁, Dǒng Zhòngshū 董仲舒, Gōngsūn Hóng 公孙弘, Zhāng Qiān 张骞, Gānfù 甘父, Huò Qùbìng 霍去病, Wèi Qīng’s 卫青, Lǚ Jiā 吕嘉, King Zhào Xīng 赵兴王, Queen Dowager Jiū 樛太后, Zhào Jiàndé 赵建德, Sīmǎ Xiāngrú 司马相如, Zhuó Wénjūn 卓文君, Liú Hè 刘贺, Huò Guāng 霍光, Han Emperor Zhāo 汉昭帝, Liú Bìngyǐ 刘病已 / Hàn Emperor Xuān 汉宣帝, Hàn Yuándì 汉元帝, Liú Aò 刘骜 / Hàn Chéngdì 汉成帝, Empress Wáng Zhèngjūn 王政君, Liú Xīn 刘欣 / Hàn Emperor Āi 汉哀帝, Wáng Mǎng 王莽, Hàn Pingdì 汉平帝, Rúzǐ Yīng 孺子婴, Liú Yīng 刘婴, Liú Yǎn 刘𬙂, Liú Xiù 刘秀 / Hàn Guāngwǔ / Emperor Gēngshǐ 汉更始帝, Liú Xuán 刘玄, Hàn Míngdì 汉明帝, Emperor Zhāng 汉章帝, Hàn Língdì 汉灵帝, Zhāng Jué 张角, Zhāng Bǎo 张宝, Zhāng Liáng 张梁, Liú Bèi 刘备, Cáo Cāo 曹操, Sūn Jiān 孙坚, Hé Jìn 何进, Yuán Shào 袁绍, Yuán Shù 袁术, Dǒng Zhuó 董卓, Emperor Shào 汉少帝, Liú Xié 刘协 / Emperor Xiàn 汉献帝, Liú Biǎo 刘表, Liú Cóng 刘琮, Sūn Cè 孙策, Sūn Quán 孙权, Zhōu Yú 周瑜, Chéng Pǔ 程普.

22 Episodes already available on Patreon and CHP Premium

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I hope you’re all enjoying the series so far. We continue on in Part 3 with the Warring State of Qín under their bellicose and long-reigning King Zhaoxiang 秦昭襄王, using all the powerful tools at his disposal to overcome the rival kingdoms. This will be followed by the old family favorite story of the dubious rise of Ying Zheng 嬴政 and the matter of his paternity. All your old favorites from the Records of the Grand Historian will play their bit parts in the historical drama: Lǚ Bùwéi 吕不韦, Zhào Jī 赵姬, and Lào Ǎi 嫪毐 and King Zhuangxiang 秦庄襄王. The rest of the episode covers the brief but action-packed rise and fall of the Qin Dynasty and the founding of the Han Dynasty up through the death of Han Gaozu 汉高祖. This is, of course, preceded by the exciting Chu-Han Contention between Xiang Yu 项羽 and Liu Bang 刘邦. I saved the murderous Empress Lü for next time. Below is a list of Chinese historical figures mentioned in this episode.

King Zhāoxiāng of Qín 秦昭襄王, Fàn Jū 范雎, Lǐ Bīng 李冰, Bái Qǐ 白起, Lián Pō 廉颇, Lǐ Mù 李牧, Wáng Jiǎn 王剪, Sīmǎ Cuò 司马错, Zhao King Xiàochéng 赵孝成王, Zhào Kuò 赵括, Zhōu Nǎn Wáng 周赧王, Yíng Zhèng 嬴政, Qin King Xiàowén 秦孝文王, Lǚ Bùwéi 吕不韦, Zhào Jī 赵姬, Lào Ǎi 嫪毐, Lǐ Sī 李斯, Zhào Gāo 赵高, Yíng Fúsū 赢扶苏, Hú Hài 胡亥 / Qín Èrshì 秦二世, Méng Tián 蒙恬, 子楚 / 秦庄襄王, Zhèng Guó 郑国, Jīng Kē 荆轲, Wáng Bēn 王贲, Qín Shǐhuáng 秦始皇, Tú Suī 屠睢, Shǐ Lù 史禄, Chén Shè 陈涉, Wú Guǎng 吴广, Liú Bāng 刘邦, Xiàng Yǔ 项羽. Zǐyīng 赢子婴, Zhào Tuó 赵陀, Hàn Gāozǔ 汉高祖, Xiāo Hé 萧何, Lǚ Zhì 吕雉, Xiàng Liáng 项梁, Zhāng Liáng 张良, Chu King Huái 楚怀王, Fàn Zēng 范增, Hán Xìn 韩信, Chén Píng 陈平, Lù Jiǎ 陆贾, Yīng Bù 英布, Biǎn Què 扁鹊, Liú Yíng 刘盈 / Emperor Hùi 汉惠帝.

We’re still in ancient times, picking up from last episode, where we ended with the fall of the Shang. Part 2 will cover the rise of the Ji Clan and the founding of the Zhou Dynasty. We’ll look at the Zhou up through the Spring and Autumn period and a little of the Warring States, up to about 300-400 BC. The rise of the Qin State will also be introduced. The Warring States period will continue on in Part 3, and I’ll take that up to the milestone year of 221 BC.

Here's a listing of all Chinese names mentioned in this episode: Wǔ Gēng 武庚, Jī Dàn 姬旦, Zhōu Wǔwáng 周武王, King Chéng 周成王, King Mù 周穆王, Zhōu King Xuān 周宣王, Zhōu Yōu Wáng 周幽王, Bāo Sì 褒姒, Zuǒ Qiūmíng 左丘明, King Píng 周平王, Duke Zhuāng of Zhèng 郑庄公, Duke Huán of Qí. 齐桓公, Guǎn Zhòng 管仲, Chóng’ěr 重耳 / Duke Wén of Jìn 晋文公, King Chéng of Chǔ 楚成王, Wú Tàibó 吴太伯 / Gōu Wú 勾吴, Zhou King Tài 周太王. Zhòngyōng 仲雍, Jìlì 季历, Shòumèng 寿梦王, Wǔ Zǐxū 伍子胥, Sūn Wǔ 孙武 / Sūnzǐ 孙子, King Hélǘ 阖闾, Duke Ai of Qin 秦哀公, King Gōujiàn 越勾践王, Fūchāi 越夫差王, Xī Shī 西施, Yíng Zhèng 嬴政, King Zhuāngxiāng 荘襄王 / Yíng Zǐchǔ 赢子楚, Duke Xiāng of Qín 秦襄公, Duke Wén of Qín 秦文公, Duke Mù of Qín 秦穆公, Shāng Yāng 商鞅, Duke Xiào of Qin 秦孝公, Qín King Huìwén 秦惠文王, Hán Fēizǐ 韩非子

Sorry to everyone for making you wait this long. Welcome to the inaugural episode of this series, which will offer you a concise overview of Chinese history from mythical times to the time of the last emperor of the last imperial dynasty.

We’ll start off with the traditional stories surrounding the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors 三皇五帝 and cover the Xia 夏 and Shang 商 dynasties. The amazing story of the Oracle Bones will also be presented, and how this marked the beginning of recorded Chinese history. In this episode, the story of Jiang Ziya 姜子牙 and his role in supporting the Ji Clan 姬家族 in their efforts to establish the Zhou Dynasty. In the following episodes, we’ll wander through all the dynasties and look at all the people, places, incidents, and events that make up the rich tapestry of Chinese history.

Appearing in this episode will be: Pángǔ 盘古, Nǚwā 女娲, Tiān Huáng 天皇, Dì Huáng 地皇, Tài Huáng 太皇, Fúxī 伏羲, Shénnóng 神农, The Yellow Emperor 黃帝, Chīyóu 蚩尤, Shàohào 少昊, Zhuānxū 颛顼, Kù 喾, Yáo 尧, Shùn 舜, Hòuyì 后羿, Dà Yǔ 大禹, King Jié 夏桀王, Mò Xǐ 妺喜, Yī Yǐn 伊尹, Chéng Tāng 成汤, Wáng Yìróng 王懿荣, Wáng Guówéi 王国维, Wǔ Dīng 武丁, Fù Hǎo 妇好 / Mǔ Xīn 母辛, Pán Gēng 盤庚, Jī Chāng 姬昌 / Zhōu Wén Wáng 周文王, King Zhòu 商纣辛 / Zhóu Xīn 商轴心, Dá Jǐ 妲己, Jiāng Zǐyá 姜子牙, Jī Fā 姬发, Jī Dàn 姬旦, Yuánshǐ Tiānzūn 元始天尊.

Hi Everyone, the CHP will be returning next week. Here's a brief announcement concerning what to expect for the next several months.

Nothing to see here. Just a quick announcement on the latest from the CHP. Thanks for your patience. Lots of new stuff coming soon.

The CHP Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheChinaHistoryPodcast

CHP Premium: https://teacupmedia.supercast.com/

I drove downtown not too long ago to meet with Jesse Appell to talk about his first book, "This was funnier in China" https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/This-Was-Funnier-in-China/Jesse-Appell/9781668087565

Jesse's been performing stand-up comedy and Xiangsheng 相声 for years now. When he isn't engaging in this profession, he's managing and promoting his global tea company, Jesse's Teahouse https://jessesteahouse.com/en-us.

This book tells the story of Jesse's experiences engaging with the PRC and building a nice, comfortable, and exciting life for himself. You'll learn about what it was like living there, about his apprenticeship under Xiangsheng Master Ding Guangquan 丁广泉, his performances, the comedy club he created in Beijing, a whole bunch of interesting characters, and a whole lot more. You may want to slow the audio down to half or quarter speed to take in everything Jesse has to say.

This is all raw and unedited from the Livestream he ran on his various platforms. We clipped on a couple of Bluetooth mics and hit Play on my iPhone to record. The video of this recording can be found at Jesse's TikTok, YouTube, and IG. Thanks, everyone!

Video of the interview: https://www.youtube.com/live/QqSNje4fRzg?si=YzMhQx_ohFt6exR4

I had the idea for this episode sometime during mid-summer 2025. Then I became distracted by the big project I'm working on now, then the holidays, sick cats, and the random hassles of life. This one's only 34 minutes long. My deepest apologies for all the mispronunciations of Maori names. This is the story of Choie Sew Hoy 徐肇开 and the times he lived in during the 19th-century Chinese immigrant scene in New Zealand. There was a lot more going on in the history of Chinese New Zealanders. This story is mostly limited to the events surrounding the Otago Gold Rush of the early 1860s.

Here are a few YouTube videos about this topic:

Journey To Lan Yuan Ep 7 Choie Sew Hoy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMYHSRTVo4M

Journey To Lan Yuan Ep 8 The S.S. Ventnor. https://youtu.be/Q2EXkSdIGAM?si=cEN3uft5CpyU9Rzd

The Mystery of the S.S. Ventnor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg8DB42BkAk

Choie Sew Hoy's descendants meet in Dunedin. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhDM4pwxHdM

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This one is more entertaining than anything. Mr. Andrew Shaw mentioned this looting of the eastern Qing Tombs event when I interviewed him earlier in the year. If you recall, he wrote that book called "Spoil." This time, I'm focusing on the events that went down in July 1928 at the Qing Eastern Tombs 清东陵 northeast of Beijing. This all took place in the final moments of the Warlord Era, right after the Central Plains War. This act perpetrated by warlord Sun Dianying 孙殿英 epitomized the venality of these parasites. To get early access to all the new episodes coming in February 2027, consider Patreon or CHP Premium. Details at the Website: https://teacup.media/support

This morning, in between recording sessions, I checked out what was headlining on Drudge. And right there was the leading story, "Let Them Eat Steak." You can imagine what the piece was about. This made me think, what a perfect time to post this Chinese Saying podcast episode. I released this one on Patreon and CHP Premium a while back. It's more or less the Chinese version of this Drudge headline.

I know, I know, a lot of you, because you don't speak Chinese, despite how you feel about me, never give this Chinese Sayings Podcast a chance. The thing about these "chengyu" Chinese idioms or proverbs, whether you remember them or not, is that they all have interesting and amusing stories that are all rooted in ancient or classical Chinese history. It's true that if you are a Mandarin speaker, you might appreciate these idioms more. But give it a chance and see if you like it.

This one here, 何不食肉糜 Hébù Shí Ròumí, is regretfully a Chinese Saying that never goes out of style. This one is kind of China's version of Marie Antoinette's famous words never spoken, "Let them eat cake." This is a good one from the late 2nd to early 3rd century. And you can still use it in 2025. And being a betting man, it will most likely work well in 2026 too! Enjoy!

In early 2025, I was approached by Jenny Chan at pacificatrocities.org about interviewing one of their experts in an upcoming CHP episode. I had a nice interview with Quin Cho, born in my hometown of Chicago. Those who lament that the young generation of today doesn't bother to learn history, here is some relief. When I saw him, I was surprised to see how young Quin was and how much enthusiasm and interest he has for this topic. It's refreshing to hear all this old history we're all familiar with recounted by those born in this century. We focused on the rise and fall of Japan's Kwantung Army 关东军. They've been blamed for the Mukden Incident and a whole cavalcade of atrocities committed against the Chinese people during the 1930s and 40's. In this interview, you'll get a very clear explanation of how everything unfolded.

You could have heard this episode months ago (and without commercials). Please consider supporting me at my Patreon or CHP Premium.

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheChinaHistoryPodcast

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Pacific Atrocities Website: https://www.pacificatrocities.org/books.html

Quin Cho Bio: https://www.pacificatrocities.org/quin-cho.html

Here's something a little different from the usual CHP fare. It concerns a natural substance that's not too well-known outside of Asia, mainly because it's so dang expensive! Chénxiāng 沉香 or Agarwood as it's also known, grows inside the heartwood of certain Aquilaria trees. Chenxiang has a few interesting things about it and is often mentioned in Chinese literature. This episode includes a bunch of poems and a couple of chengyu's that all contain references to chénxiāng. While I was on the subject, I'm also mentioning five other trees that, while nowhere nearly as expensoive as chenxiang, were rare and precious enough to be driven to the brink of extinction. These four are Xiǎoyè Zǐtán 小叶紫檀, Hǎinán Huánghuālí 海南黄花梨, Lǎowō Dàhóng Suānzhī 老挝大红酸枝, Jīchìmù 鸡翅木, and Jīnsī Nánmù 金丝楠木.

You could have heard this episode three months earlier if you subscribed to the Official CHP Patreon:

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Thanks to all of you for listening. Reach out to me anytime at laszlo@teacup.media.

Hi Everyone, just coming up for air. This is actually one of the several new episodes that have been available on Patreon and CHP Premium since July, three months ago. This is a brief overview of the life and times of Wang Jingwei, the 中国头号大汉奸. Strong words. Why is he so despised? What drove him to make the decisions he did that forever branded him as a traitor to the Chinese people? He's another figure from those early ROC years that everyone has heard of but perhaps not so sure of the role he played in the history of that era. Enjoy. If the FOMO is making you lose sleep at night, consider subscribing below. Thanks!!!

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Early access to shows. Ad Free. Easy and convenient access to Laszlo.

Here's another quickie for you, only a half hour long. It seems not only are the portions at fast-food chains shrinking, so are the CHP episodes. Thanks to a team of amateur historians, WWII enthusiasts, and survivors, this interesting tale can now be told. It concerns a forgotten man named Mr. Lam Ping Yu 林炳堯, who left behind a WWII diary from 1944 that was rediscovered by chance in 2015. I hope you'll enjoy this story. For more info, you can visit the website: https://www.dday.hk/. Thanks to Mr. John Mak, Mr. Angus Hui, and Mr. Jackson Chan for telling me about this story in 2024. Photo Credit: Thanks to Mr. Frank Tsou.

This is a rather long episode, running at just about one hour. The Guangxi Massacre is one of those dark chapters from the Cultural Revolution. Down in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, it was particularly dark. I was listening to Stanford Professor of Anthropology Andrew G. Walder on the New Books Network discussing his 2023 book covering this topic. That gave me the initial inspiration. Dr. Walder's book and a few others are very disturbing to read. I didn't dwell on some of the more gory and grotesque parts of this story. Hoowever, the books are all rather free with their descriptions of some of the atrocities committed. There's one excerpt I did include in the Patreon and CHP Premium audio. But I won't be including it in the regular CHP feed. This episode is particularly interesting because it involves a province other than the usual suspects along the coast. And it stars Wei Guoqing 韦国清, someone I'm guessing doesn't ring a bell. Let me know what you think. This was a painful episode to research and present. Suggested Reading:

Zheng Yi, "Scarlet Memorial: Tales Of Cannibalism In Modern China https://a.co/d/89TkvH6

Andrew G. Walder, "Civil War in Guangxi: The Cultural Revolution on China's Southern Periphery" https://a.co/d/8XWipif

Yang Su, "Collective Killings in Rural China during the Cultural Revolution" https://a.co/d/5BF7C2R

New Books in East Asian Studies Podcast featuring Andrew G. Walder: https://pca.st/gh0p9udt

Search for The Secret Archives About the Cultural Revolution in Guangxi《廣西文革機密檔案資料》

In this episode, we look at the life of Anson Burlingame, a well-known name in California. During Lincoln's term as president, he was appointed Chief Minister to China, arriving in Beijing in the summer of 1862. Already well-known in the US as a fiery abolitionist and a man who believed everyone should be treated fairly and with all due respect, he sympathized with the Chinese government. When he arrived in post-Opium Wars, post-Treaty of Tianjin/Convention of Beijing China, he used his respected position among the diplomatic community of the treaty powers to fight for a fair deal for China. In a controversial move, he was appointed by the Qing government to lead a mission to the US and the great capitals of Europe to advocate on China's behalf. While in the US, Burlingame championed the signing of a treaty, the first of its kind, that recognized China as an equal sovereign nation. It opened the door to legal Chinese immigration and travel to the US. That ended up becoming the treaty's undoing.

Here's a nice little standalone episode on the life and work of Thomas Wade and Herbert Giles. And you can't mention Herbert Giles without mentioning his son, Lionel Giles. And of course, Robert Morrison must be mentioned as well as all the earliest Western scholars of Sinology going back to Michele Ruggieri. And it wouldn't be fair to only talk about Wade and the two Giles's without giving a nod to their contemporaries elsewhere on the continent and in Asia. So this is a slightly meandering survey of some of the great old sinologists from the 19th century (and early 20th).

This episode looks at the life of Lin Biao and the actual Lin Biao Incident itself. This bit of history is documented to death. I downloaded a dozen scholarly papers, read a few books, went through my entire library, and gathered as much information as possible. But practically every source ends with "cannot be proved." The Lin Biao Incident is China's version of the Kennedy assassination.

Just in time for Liberation Day, I'm presenting this timely episode. Back in 1890, with the aim of protecting American companies from foreign competition, tariffs were jacked up significantly. With all the advances in transport, logistics, and new technologies, world trade was shifting into a higher gear. For a few centuries, the Ming and Qing emperors did their damnedest to regulate the invasion of European traders clamoring to do business with Chinese merchants. The foreigners wanted free, open, and unfettered trade with China. By the 1890's and a few humiliating unequal treaties later, the dream finally came true. That's when the real problems started. Thanks to Dan Stein for this topic idea we discussed over lunch recently. If you'd like to support the China History Podcast and listen ad-free and get new episodes weeks or months early:

CHP Premium: https://teacupmedianetwork.supercast.com/, CHP Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheChinaHistoryPodcast

I was afraid I'd barely be able to scrape together enough material for a short episode. Instead, this one is gonna take almost two hours to tell. I hope no one minds that I opted not to drown anyone with Latin names and to go easy on the scientific aspects behind plants. The focus will be on the European and later, American plant hunters who came to China between the 16th and 20th centuries. This episode will look at some of the exploits of the early Jesuit missionaries, Robert Fortune's four trips to China, and all the other greats who followed in Fortune's wake.

If you'd like to support the China History Podcast and listen ad-free and get new episodes weeks or months early:

CHP Premium: https://teacupmedianetwork.supercast.com/

CHP Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheChinaHistoryPodcast

Former BBC reporter and master jade carver Andrew Shaw is back. What an informative interview this one turned out to be! I hope you all enjoy this discussion of the history and legends behind jade. I learned quite a bit during this brief talk. I hope you do too.

Links to Andrew Shaw's books about jade:

"A Jade Treasury" https://a.co/d/f2ynsRF

"Jade Life" https://a.co/d/0yvYPbZ

CCTV Documentary https://youtu.be/GWxFucq1o60?si=rsMeqqjMgy9Fbrg-

I welcomed Wuhan-based Andrew Shaw onto the CHP to talk about his book. It's all about the plundering of China's cultural treasures and imperial artifacts by not just the British, French, and Americans. It seems everyone got in on the act. Even the local people. It's a miracle there was anything left for Chian's museums. Many of you are familiar with the stories about looting that took place in China between the 1840s and the turn of the century. In Andrew Shaw's book, "Spoil" we'll look at the extent of what happened. And on the next episode, we'll feature Andrew again, this time talking about his new book on the history of jade. That's coming February 16th. Of course, Patreon and CHP Premium subscribers will get to hear it a couple weeks earlier. Here's the link if you're interested. https://www.patreon.com/c/TheChinaHistoryPodcast

Amazon Link to "Spoil" by Mr. Andrew Shaw: https://a.co/d/12c6kPF

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With the Singapore History series out of the way, and 2025 off and running, here's the first special interview episode of the year. Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Joel Bigman, author of a new book called "The Second Journey." If you're familiar with the Ming Dynasty novel "Journey to the West," this one by Joel might sound familiar. You might never look at "Journey to the West" the same way again. This was quite an interesting and unique story that combined two ancient cultures. It's been called "The World's first Chinese-Jewish Historical Fantasy." Nuff said. I hope you enjoy this interview.

Here's a link to the book: https://a.co/d/9oRyiN8

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First of all, to all of you who lasted through the entire series up to this concluding episode, I extend to you, my deepest appreciation. I hope you learned a few things about Singapore.

Here it is, the final installment of the series. I worked on this particular episode during my Oct-Nov China-HK-Cambodia trip. I recorded this one in Phnom Penh at the home studio of Dr. Digby James Wren. Digby's a long-time CHP listener and I gave him a ring when I hit town. Fortunately, he was in PP and generously spent a couple of days with me showing me around the city.

The series finishes off with the most recent history of Singapore, including the Goh Chok Tong and Lee Hsien Loong period from 1990-2024. Everything from the 1970s to the present day is also squeezed into Part 10. Many of you might remember some of these blasts from the past.

I'll also look at Singapore-PRC relations and how things developed in recent decades. This final episode will be released on January 19, 2025. I recorded it at Digby Wren's studio in early November and it's been available on my Patreon and CHP Premium channels since then. And now finally, here it is. A special thanks to all Singaporeans and expats there who wrote to me over the past few months with your kind words.

Special thanks to Dr. Digby James Wren for allowing me the use of his Phnom Penh Studio!

Find him at:

https://substack.com/@thechairlive

https://longmekong.substack.com/

In its hour of need, quite a few leaders rose to the occasion in Singapore. Lee Kuan Yew didn't transform the nation by himself. Last time we saw how S. Rajaratnam carried the flag around the world and advanced Singapore diplomatically. In this episode, I'll also introduce Dutch economist Dr. Albert Winsemius and his good advice. Winsemius suggested a number of priorities for Singapore to gain some economic traction. The man who had to make these ideas happen in real life was Dr. Goh Keng Swee. We'll look at Dr. Goh's life and contribution to Singapore's first decades as a country. He served in several ministries of the government and made profound changes wherever he served. We'll close out the episode with the retirement of the first generation of Singapore leaders. We'll conclude the series next time in Part 10 where we'll take things up to our day.

We left off last time with Singapore being granted sovereignty by Britain on June 3, 1959, and Tunku Abdul Rahman's "Grand Design" speech concerning a merger between Malaysia and Singapore. Lee Kuan Yew took this pro-merger message directly to the people of Singapore. We'll see how Lee deals with the political left by launching Operation Coldstore on February 2, 1963. Once the merger was completed, Singapore and Malaysia gave it their best shot to make it work. Happening concurrently with this sensitive time in Singapore's history, Indonesia's President Sukarno, in May of 1964 spoke out against the merger and began the period known as Konfrontasi or confrontation. We'll see how things weren't fated to succeed as the two leaders envisioned. Both The Tunku and the PAP, despite promises not to get mixed up in each others' politics, fielded their own candidates in each other's election. The heat started to rise and tempers flared, leading to riots in July and September 1964. We'll also see how the March 1965 bombing of MacDonald House also created a frightening atmosphere in Singapore. We close with the debate over privileges enjoyed by indigenous Malays in Article 153 of the Constitution and how it conflicted with Lee Kuan Yew's concept of a Malaysian Malaysia. We'll finish things off with the exit of Singapore from the Federation of Malaysia and its independence on August 9, 1965. We'll close the episode with an excerpt from one of Singapore's founding father S. Rajaratnam's speech before the United Nations.

Irene Ng books of S. Rajaratnam: Amazon Link - https://a.co/d/eFD4f4g

Post-WWII Singapore was a time that was loaded with historical events that shaped how matters would unfold throughout the 1950s and into the 1960s. The matter of how to handle the future of Malaya and Singapore begins to be seriously discussed and hotly debated. To showcase what the British and political leaders in Malaya and Singapore were up against, we'll first review the events of the 1950 Maria Hertogh case and the disturbances that followed. In this episode we'll begin to explore the early life of the most consequential leader in Singapore's history and in the greater Southeast Asian scene, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. His early life, including his marriage to Mrs. Kwa Geok Choo, will be introduced. In the early 1950s, Mr. and Mrs. Lee returned from the UK and began their law careers. This led directly to Lee Kuan Yew's involvement in local Singaporean politics and the later founding, in 1954, of the PAP (People's Action Party). The elections of 1948, 1955, and 1959 will also be presented and how the results shaped the future of Singapore politics. Events will unfold that will contribute to Lee Kuan Yew's rise as the leading voice in Singapore's politics and independence. Other major figures from this time will also be introduced such as David Marshall, Lim Yew Hock, Lim Chin Siong, Fong, Swee Suan, and Ong Eng Guan. We'll close with Tunku Abdul Rahman's May 1961 "Grand Design" speech and how this became a game changer as far as how to handle the potential merger of Malaya and Singapore. This will all be introduced next time in Part 8.

Thanks to all of you who have kindly supported me by signing up for my Patreon. All ten episodes are already available there. You have my deepest appreciation. https://www.patreon.com/c/TheChinaHistoryPodcast

In this episode, we see how Japan marched and bicycled their way across the Johor Strait and proceeded to quickly defeat the British Commonwealth troops. Then we see how Japan carried out a brutal and repressive occupation. Massacres at Alexandra Hospital and against the local Chinese residents of Singapore (Sook Ching Massacre) will also be introduced. After Japan's defeat, the British will attempt to resume business as usual. We'll see how the independence movement in Malaya had other plans and why the Malayan Union failed. In Singapore too, the politicians and the people had other aspirations than what the British had in mind. A new leader will emerge in Singapore who we we'll look at in the next few episodes. His name was Lee Kuan Yew.

Although all kinds of tension brewed beneath the surface, the mid to late 19th Century saw a continued bonanza for Singapore. A prosperous combination of hard-working men and women, fearless entrepreneurs, and fortunes made in tin, rubber, and oil refining turned Singapore into the best thing to happen for the British Empire since Trafalgar, or maybe even the defeat of the Spanish Armada. World events, new technologies, and geopolitical shakeups all happened in such a way that Singapore benefited. Today's episode will take us up to 1942 and the fall of Singapore to the Japanese Army. Next time we'll see what happened after that.

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Part 4 continues with the aftermath of the 1824 Treaty of London. John Crawfurd takes over from a disgraced William Farquhar as First Resident. Singapore commences its never-ending building and infrastructure process. The Straits Settlements are created in 1826. With a spike in labor demand and with slavery recently abolished, the East India Company comes up with a novel solution. Up in Johor, Daing Ibrahim takes over as the new Temenggong and becomes a ruler that the East India Company can work with. The majority Teochew and Hokkien communities start to organize around their own community leaders. Gutta-Percha is discovered and for the first time Singapore gets to surf a nice wave of prosperity as this raw material's discovery coincides with a massive demand from a new technological innovation. Alongside all this growth in commerce emerges several secret societies who, like their overseas counterparts, provide a mixture of good and evil across Chinese society. Tin is discovered in 1848 in Perak State. Singapore gets a piece of this action as well. With the EIC's fortunes sinking, Singapore's leaders start to lobby Parliament in London for Crown Colony status and to scrape the despised East India Company management from the bottom of their shoe. Communal strife starts to break out with regularity. This will continue in various forms all the way into the 20th century. We close things out by presenting the life and career of William A. Pickering, an extraordinary person in his day.

I invite you to support me and my work by subscribing to my Patreon Page at https://www.patreon.com/c/TheChinaHistoryPodcast You'll get all these episodes long before they're released to the podcasting public. I also produce occasional bonus content. I don't post too much to social media. But I am extremely active chit-chatting with Patreon members and CHP friends of the show all day and night on the Patreon site, on WeChat, WhatsApp, email, Signal, and a bunch of other platforms. Thanks for considering.

With Singapore formally established, we look at those first months and years. As soon as the document was signed, Raffles left the island and William Farquhar took over as First Resident. It would be hard to find a more capable person to manage what needed to get the new enterprise up and running. Taking advantage of his personal connections in Melaka and the political and technological dynamic of the time, Farquhar got the ball rolling in Singapore. The Dutch were outraged and plenty of fancy footwork and smooth talking needed to be done to avert a war. Singapore became an overnight sensation in the region. Many traders were attracted to Duty-Free trade. This was one reason the British East India Company wasn't willing to give in to the Dutch so fast. William Farquhar kept it all together and rose to the occasion at this most early period of Singapore's second incarnation. We'll look at the eyebrow-raising measures he took to turn on the government revenue taps and how this will all lead to his undoing. We also look at Farquhar's successor as First Resident, John Crawfurd. How he outfoxed The Temenggong Abdul Rahman and the Sultan Hussein Shah is also presented. We close with immigrants coming to Singapore in droves, soon outnumbering the local Malay populace. After peace with the Dutch was achieved in 1824, it was full speed ahead for Singapore. Four local entrepreneurs who also served as early community leaders are also introduced. These are Tan Tock Seng 陈笃生， Seah Eu Chin 佘有进, Naraina Pillai, and Syed Omar Al-Juneid.

You can support my work by subscribing to my Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/TheChinaHistoryPodcast

Thank you for listening.

With the arrival of the Portuguese and their 1511 victory, the history of this region began to move in s new direction. The Portuguese and the Dutch rather ignored Singapore and focused their trade and colonizing efforts on the Melaka Coast and in Indonesia. The Johor Sultanate begins its early rise to prominence. The conflict between Britain and the Netherlands ends up having a major effect on the Malay Peninsula and led to the founding of Singapore in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles. We'll take a brief look at his bio and how he ended up having such a profound impact on the earliest years of Singapore's colonial history. The life of William Farquhar is also introduced and the brewing conflict he would have with Raffles. The story of how these two men, along with Lord Hastings, worked out an agreement with the two key figures of the time, Sultan Hussein Shah and the Temenggong Abdul Rahman will be introduced at the end of the episode.

This episode has been available on Patreon since July. Please consider supporting me and get early access to everything: https://www.patreon.com/TheChinaHistoryPodcast

My sixth book just came out on Earnshaw Books. This one covers Chinese Sayings from the Zhou and Han Dynasty. Check it out here: https://earnshawbooks.com/product/chinese-sayings-book-1/

Requests to present the history of Singapore go back to 2010 or 2011. At long last, here's an easy-to-consume and digest overview of The Lion City. In Part 1 we'll look at the watered world of Southeast Asia and the Monsoon Winds that led to the earliest intra-Asian sea trade. And of course, the legendary 14th century founding of Singapore will be told. Sri Vijaya, Sang Nila Utama, Temasek, and the five kings of Singapura. The visit of Yuan Dynasty explorer Wang Dayuan will also be introduced as well as his early observations. We'll get as far as the fall of Singapura and the founding of the Sultanates of Melaka and later Johor. When the early 16th century dawns, the arrival of the Portuguese will put the trajectory of Singapore and Malaysian history in a new direction. We'll pick up next time and see how the arrival of the Dutch and British East India Companies start shaking things up in Southeast Asia. Although a lot of what's covered in Part 1 is only legend, one can easily see the history of this small island at the tip of the Malaysian Peninsula goes back far beyond the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles.

Patreon supporters are already on Part 6 of this series, not scheduled for release until November 24. Subscribe to my Patreon and earn my ever-lasting gratitude. And enjoy being the first ones to hear the latest episodes (and bonus material too).

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First off, let me apologize for the less-than-optimal audio quality. This is a very informative interview. And for those of you who missed my very old episode from 2013 or thereabouts covering this topic, this discussion will be a real eye-opener. The history of the Chinese immigrant experience in Mexico (and Latin America) is not that well known. Hugo's ancestors emigrated to Mexico from Guangdong back in the 19th century. One of them, Wong Fook Chun was a major figure in the history of those times and he had an interesting interaction with the Qing-era reformer Kang Youwei. I hope you'll suffer through the lousy audio and that you'll get a lot out of this episode. Chinese-Mexican history was once filled with tragedy and violence. Again, sorry about the audio quality. Here's a link to his book, "America's Lost Chinese: The Rise and Fall of a Migrant Family Dream": https://a.co/d/0Yh5LiZ

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This is surprisingly not very well-known and certainly wasn't taught in my US history classes. Here's a story for you that many might find hard to believe. Perhaps you're already familiar with the history of America's Chinese Paper Sons. Less known is the story of the 1957 Chinese Confessions Program. In this episode, we'll look back on the early to mid-20th century. First I'll present a general overview of San Francisco's Paper Sons and some of the history and culture that surrounded it. Then we can take another romp through Red Scare America in the 1950s and the 1957 Chinese Confessions Program. This one, I'm sure most of you never read about.

In this episode, I'm presenting a simple but still informative overview of not only the Grand Canal but also the bigger subject of canals in China. The history of the Grand Canal isn't one clean linear story of a structure built all at one time. Although it measures over a thousand miles long, much of that distance was pre-existing in the form of rivers and old canals that were joined together to form an uninterrupted passage. A lot of the academic papers I used to research this topic, despite water being the main topic, were as dry as the day is long. I tried to make it all nice and simple and easy to digest. This World Heritage Site is well-known to many but its history, perhaps less so.

Here's another CHP Special Episode. Not too long ago I had the chance to chat with Yokohama-based Scott Crawford, author of "Silk Road Centurian", "The Han-Xiongnu Wars", and a new one coming out any day now (co-written with his wife Alexis Kossiakoff), "The Phoenix and the Firebird." Scott has also written several works of short fiction that have appeared in fantasy, mystery, and horror magazines and anthologies. We talked mostly about the Han Dynasty and two books he has written, one non-fiction and another a work of fiction, both set in that exciting time period.

Scott's Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BZTYTHHC/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=37c7279d-4be0-46f3-8d29-60771ed38fed

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Here's a reading of an article recently published in the South China Morning Post, written by travel writer David Leffman. On his most recent trip to Yunnan to work on his upcoming book on the 1875 Margary Affair, David had a chance encounter with a taxi driver who was a sixth-generation descendent of Jiang Zonghan, someone closely related to the little-known but rather consequential event that took place in February 1875 along the Yunnan-Myanmar border. Here's a link to the article. https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/long-reads/article/3272812/who-built-first-bridge-over-yangtze-river-unlikely-tale-chinese-slave-soldier-and-tycoon-jiang

Website: https://www.davidleffman.com/

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This is the third time the history and traditions behind a Chinese holiday is being introduced. The history behind the Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival were both presented back in the days when I knew even less than I do now about how to podcast. The Hungry Ghost Festival goes by a number of names, mainly because it's one of those rare festivals that is celebrated by both Daoists and Buddhists. It's called the Zhōngyuán 中元， Qīyuèbàn 七月半, Yúlánpén 盂兰盆, and Ullambana Festival. Daoists and Buddhists have their own spin on the legends behind the Hungry Ghost Festival. But the main idea remains the same. On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the gates of hell open up for all Hungry Ghosts to return to the world of the living and for the living to show them the respect and kindness they were denied in their living forms.

https://www.instagram.com/lahungryghostfest/

https://chssc.org/event/la-chinatown-hungry-ghost-festival/

https://lahungryghostfestival.com/

https://www.micahhuangmusic.com/

https://www.instagram.com/hungryghostnote/

Once dubbed "the richest man in the world" back in his day, the first half of the 19th century, Wu Bingjian 伍秉鉴 was a leading figure in the pre-Opium War world of foreign trade. He's best known as someone who epitomized the "bad old days" of The Canton System. He's a well-known name from this period in Chinese history. but like many prominent names, little is known about his life story. He was quite a fascinating character in his day.

It must have been three or four years ago that I started bouncing this idea off Janie about a discussion regarding historical fiction rooted in Chinese history. Janie, being a successful writer of this genre, was perfect to have this discussion. Today the historical fiction genre is quite substantial and new authors are publishing new content online and in print every day. Many of these novels are set against the backdrop of Chinese history (in China or Overseas). The way historical novelists present this history to life can be very engaging and relatable. I hope you enjoy this CHP Special episode as much as I did. This is such a huge topic to discuss

Janie's list of books & Buy links at her website: https://janiechang.com/books/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JanieChangWriter | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janiechang33/

TIME Magazine article: The Risky Journey That Saved One of China's Greatest Literary Treasures: https://time.com/5852229/saving-chinese-encyclopedia/

RACE THE RISING SUN: A CHINESE UNIVERSITY'S EXODUS DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR by Chiao-Min Hsieh and Jean Kan Hsieh https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/race-the-rising-sun-chiao-min-hsieh/1123966361 or https://www.amazon.com/Race-Rising-Sun-Chinese-Universitys/dp/0761841482

TEACHING IN WARTIME CHINA: A PHOTO MEMOIR 1937 – 1939 by Edward Gulick: https://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Wartime-China-Photo-Memoir-1937-1939/dp/0870239120

Amitav Ghosh – Opium War Trilogy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibis_trilogy https://amitavghosh.com/

Lisa See Author Page -- https://lisasee.com/

Yangsze Choo -- https://yschoo.com/about/

Weina Dai Randel -- https://weinarandel.com/

Barry Hughart series -- https://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/barry-hughart/

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With the 18-part History of Chinese Philosophy series finally out of the way, we're back with all new CHP content. Here's one that introduces the life of one of my favorite Hollywood legends, Mr. James Hong. He's someone with a great Hollywood story who thrived as an actor, despite all the well-known challenges faced by Asian American artists throughout the Golden Age of Hollywood. This episode looks at his life and work. To call him a prolific actor and voiceover artist is quite an understatement. James Hong, 壽比南山！

Firstly, hats off to Emma and her 团队 at the CYZ for all their hard work, all season-long. We close out the season 9 with an amusing story from a source, as yet never featured on this long-running educational program, called the Guòtínglù 过庭录. The author was Song literary figure Fàn Gōngchēng 范公偁 who had the misfortune to be born during the exact time when the Northern Song ended and the Southern Song began. In this tale, our young hero Sūn Shān 孙山 heads off to the capital to take the imperial exam. Another villager tagged along who also registered to take the test. One passed the test and the other was Míng Luò Sūn Shān 名落孙山. It's a nice little story infused with some of the best of Chinese culture and a dollop of human decency. That's it for Season 9. I may post a few director's cuts of previous CSP episodes during the off-season. All these CSP episodes will soon be published in the Summer catalog of Earnshaw Books. There will be vocabulary lists, tone marks, and characters. Just sayin. Thanks, everyone and drink plenty of water this summer. Keep yourself hydrated!

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For this 18th and final episode in the series, we'll focus on the rival philosophies of Lu Xiangshan 陆象山 and Zhu Xi 朱熹。 We'll also look at more of the philosophy of Wang Yangming. Then we'll end it with a few loose ends and mentions of The Five Elements and Zou Yan's 邹衍 Alchemy. I'll also recommend a book called "The Path."

My deepest thanks to all of you who endured all 18 episodes. I hope you found that it was useful and beneficial for your own further study of Chinese Philosophy. Onward to all new material next time.

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We're almost at the end. We continue on in Part 17 with Zhu Xi and his philosophy. There will be more discussion about Qi, Han Studies (Han Xue) and the pushback against Neo Confucianism. We begin looking at the final philosopher in this series, Wang Shouren (a.k.a. Wang Yangming). Then we look at the primary difference between the Cheng-Zhu School vs. the Lu-Wang School.

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Season 9 is starting to wind down. For the ninth chengyu of the season, we take Sima Qian's "Record of the Grand Historian" and open to the chapter on Xiang Yu. This time we look at the story of Xiān Fā Zhì Rén 先发制人. In this well-known story from the fall of the Qin Dynasty, we see Xiang Yu and his uncle Xiang Liang seizing the day and the hour to attack Qin forces and bring the dynasty to an end. But before they do that, they first weigh their options by talking with the governor of a local commandery. After one short meeting with this guy, Xiang Liang decides not to wait to see what happens next. He realized 先发制人.

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We'll finish off the Five Founders of Neo Confucianism with the last two, the Cheng Brothers: Cheng Hao 程颢 and Cheng Yi 程颐. Then we'll explore Neo Confucianism through the life of Lu Jiuyuan 陆九渊, also known as Lu Xiangshan 陆象山. and Xin Xue 心学, the School of the Mind. Neo Confucianism also gets a new name: Song Xue 宋学 o Song Studies. We'll also introduce Lu Xiangshan's biggest rival in his day and one of the giants of Confucian philosophy, Zhu Xi 朱熹. In the next episode, we'll examine the life and thought of Zhu Xi.

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In this episode we begin our look at Neo Confucianism. In English, we called it that. But in Chinese it was referred to in other ways, most commonly as Sòngxué 宋学 (Song Studies) since the foundation was poured during this dynasty. The concept of Qi 气 will also be discussed. Then we'll head straight to The Five Founders of Neo Confucianism: Zhou Dunyi 周敦颐, Zhou Dunyi's Taiji Tu 太极图 Diagram of the Supreme Ultimate, Shao Yong 邵雍 and Zhang Zai, Cheng Yi 程颐, Cheng Hao 程颢, 张载, Yin and Yang, the Five Elements and the Five Constant Virtues. A lot to cover. Enjoy!

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We pick up with the second part of this overview of Daoism with Zhuangzi and his beloved book, "The Zhuangzi." We'll also move beyond Laozi and Zhuangzi and take a look at the rise of Fangshi's 方士 in society, Daoist Thought and Religion, Xuanxue Dark Learning 玄学, Guo Xiang 郭襄, Xiang Xiu 向秀, and the compilation of the Daozang 道藏. I hope this basic overview gives some of you a good jumping-off point to explore more about Daoism the philosophy 道家 and Daoism, the religion 道教. Enjoy!

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For our eighth CSP offering this season, we open up the Book of Han once again and hear the story behind Jiāo Bīng Bì Bài 骄兵必败. It doesn't always happen this way but the timeline of history is filled with examples of more powerful military forces being defeated on the field of battle by their weaker opponent. Arrogant soldiers must be defeated. Look what happened in Vietnam between 1954 and 1975. When you look into it, even today in our own time, Jiāo bīng bì bài is still happening. On a geopolitical level, this must be one of the hardest lessons to learn. More pugnacious world leaders should consult the Book of Han and ponder these words. Enjoy!

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We've already heard about Confucianism, The Hundred Schools, and the Yi Jing. In this episode, we look at Daoism. The life of Lao Tzu (Laozi) will be introduced along with the book he probably never wrote but which is ascribed to him anyway. This is the Tao Te Ching or Dao De Jing. Laozi was quite a character and by telling his story, it will give you the fundamentals to explore on your own what this philosophic thought is all about. We'll look at the Daoist concept of Wu Wei 无为 and the art of quiescence. We'll close with one of the earliest and greatest interpreters of the Daodejing, Wang Bi. In the History of Chinese Philosophy Part 13, we'll start looking at Zhuangzi and his classic book.

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Here's another well-worn favorite from the long list of great chengyu's: 磨杵成针 Mó Chǔ Chéng Zhén. The story behind this Chinese Saying stars none other than (one of China's greatest poets) Li Bai. As a youngster, Li Bai chanced upon an old woman, surnamed Wu, who was intent on accomplishing a seemingly impossible (in Li Bai's eyes) task. Don't let any naysayers deter you. Don't fear the impossible. Listen to this quick story and maybe acquire a little bit of inspiration in what you're trying to accomplish. Thanks everyone for listening.

If you'd like to donate to the show, you can at: https://teacup.media/support

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The introduction to the Yi Jing (I Ching) The Book of Changes continues into the Han Dynasty. We'll see how The Yi Jing is grouped with the Five Classics 五经 and how the discoveries at Mawangdui shook things up a little as far as Yi Jing scholarship went. Then we'll try and decipher Confucius's Ten Wings. Then we'll close with an intro to the practical usage of the Yi Jing and how it has been rediscovered and embraced in the West.

You can buy the two books of the History of Chinese Philosophy series here:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Laszlo-Montgomery/author/B0C8B4MMZS?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1715963841&sr=8-2&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

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In this Part 11 episode, we begin introducing the content found in Book 2 of the History of Chiense Philosophy, available wherever fine books are sold. We start with an introduction to the Yi Jing (I Ching), The Book of Changes, or the Changes of Zhou. We'll look at the Yi Jing's earliest beginnings, and the main characters associated with its authorship: Fu Xi, Yu the Great, and King Wen of Zhou. Then we'll finish off with an explanation of the Trigrams, Hexagrams and the development of the Yi Jing over time, including the addition of the "Ten Wings" of Confucius

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Once again, as a regular feature to the CHP, I'm including the latest Chinese Sayings Podcast offering. This one may be a bit of a departure from the average CSP episode. The Chinese Saying for this time is Jiǎn Bú Duàn, Lǐ Hái Luàn-剪不断 理还乱. Many Chinese poetry lovers and aficionados may already be familiar with this line from the 10th-century poem 相见欢. Today's CSP offering is more of a history lesson than an introduction to a chengyu but it's worth it to hear it out to the end. The star of this episode is the final ruler of the Southern Tang Dynasty. Like his kindred spirit emperor Huizong of the Northern Song, Li Yu 李煜 of Southern Tang wasn't much of a ruler. But what he lacked in leadership ability he made up for it with his great literary skills, especially where cí 词 poetry was concerned.

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Among the many changes happening in China towards the end of the Han Dynasty was a rise in the popularity of Buddhism. Rivalries began to arise among the three religions as they jockeyed for positions in the halls of power. The seeds of Neo-Confucianism are planted by Tang scholar-officials: Han Yu, Li Ao, and Liu Zongyuan. We also look at the Confucian Daotong Lineage.

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I forgot to upload this one to the CHP feed last week. 不好意思. Here's a good one from the Three Kingdoms Era in which we feature the famous story of Meng Huo, Zhuge Liang, and Qī Qín Mèng Huò 七擒孟获. Some people just can't accept defeat but in the end, they bow to the inevitable. Cao Pi of Wei thought he'd have some fun and employed Meng Huo to harass his enemy in the Kingdom of Han. That didn't go as planned. But Zhuge Liang sure seemed to enjoy it.

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Like James Dean, Confucius was much bigger in death than he was in his own lifetime. It wasn't until the Han Dynasty that Confucianism enjoyed a major triumph. This time we'll look at Dong Zhongshu who was so consequential in tying Confucianism and the imperial government into one system. We'll also look at Sima Tan (father of Sima Qian) and the Six Schools, as well as the first explainers of Confucianism: Liu Xin, Wang Chong, and Yang Xiong. I hope you're enjoying this series. Nine more episodes to go. We still have the Yi Jing (Book of Changes), Daoisim, and Song Neo-Confucianism to go yet.

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We've already explored the Ru School of Philosophy and the thought of Confucius, Mengzi and Xunzi. This time we look at Legalism and the most important philosophers of this school of thought. We'll look at the lives of Shang Yang, Shen Buhai, Han Fei, and Li Si and how they embraced this controversial political philosophy.

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This episode will focus on the life of Mengzi and his philosophy. We'll also introduce Mengzi's legendary mother. Then we'll finish off with another Confucianist great from this era, Xunzi 荀子.

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I had the great pleasure to interview fellow Earnshaw Books author, Alice Poon recently. The occasion was the official release date of her new book, "The Earthly Blaze" (links below). We first discussed the life and work of Zha Liangyong, also known as Louis Cha. But he is more widely known by his pen name, Jin Yong, whose novels have been read and enjoyed by countless numbers of readers around the world. While I had Alice in the studio I also got her to talk about the greater Wuxia 武侠 genre of Chinese fiction and how it has been received in popular culture.

The Earthly Blaze Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Earthly-Blaze-Sword-Maiden-Moon/dp/9888843680/

The Earthly Blaze BN Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-earthly-blaze-alice-poon/1144936000

The Earthly Blaze at Earnshaw Books: https://earnshawbooks.com/product/the-earthly-blaze/

Alice's Blog: https://alicewaihanpoon.blogspot.com/

A nice recommended resource for further reading about Jin Yong and Wuxia: https://wuxiasociety.com/jin-yong-novels/

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This Chinese Saying, or at least the story, is rather well-known. The story of young Kong Rong and the bowl of pears. Kǒng Róng Ràng Lí 孔融让梨. This perennial children's favorite has a nice moral lesson to teach. When you see young children exhibiting generosity and kindness, many might recall these kids were just like Kong Rong back in the late 2nd Century.

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This time around we will explore the other major Ru philosophers who established rival schools of thought, including Mozi 墨子. Then we'll explore the early life of Mengzi 孟子 (a.k.a. Mencius) and what he meant to Confucianism.

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This time we move beyond Confucius to look at some of the other schools of thought that contended with each other during the Spring and Autumn Period of the Zhou Dynasty. This included the School of Names and the Sophists, featuring an amusing story about Deng Xi. We also see how the Confucian classics became a pathway to a career in the government.

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The story of Confucius and what he taught continues with an introduction to his disciples. We also look at Confucian core beliefs as well as selected quotes from the Analects.

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Sima Qian strikes again. This time around we look at the well-known saying, Máo Suì Zì Jiàn 毛遂自荐. I tend to favor those 成语's from the Warring States Period. This one concerns the particularly volatile time in the Warring States during the reign of the aggressive and pugnacious Qin King Zhaoxiang. After a disastrous defeat at Changping in 260 BC, the State of Zhao had to seek urgent assistance from Chu. In this familiar story, we see how Mao Sui, at the time, no one of consequence, steps up to offer his help during a dark hour for Zhao. His value is doubted but Mao Sui proved them wrong.

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In this episode, we'll take a look at the early life of Confucius and his service to the State of Lu. We'll also look at a few stories from his life, including the legend of when Confucius met Laozi. The Great Sage's reflections on the ideal ruler will also be examined, and the values he stood for that comprised the core of Confucian ideology.

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This week's Chinese Saying is another good and respectable one that comes to us compliments of the Book of Song. It concerns the Northern Song official and literatus Yang Shi. His two main teachers were the famous Cheng Brothers, Cheng Hao 程颢 and Cheng Yi 程颐. Those two were giants in Neo-Confucian philosophy which flourished during the Song. This episode features Chéng Mén Lì Xuě 程门立雪. It's a story of respect and reverence for those teachers who had a profound effect on the direction of our lives. "Standing in the snow in front of the Cheng's gate." This is another in a very long line of stories that would feel right at home in the "Made Me Smile" subreddit. For anyone who has one or more teachers who made a positive difference in their life, this is a good 成语 to describe your feelings.

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This time we will look at some pre-Confucian philosophy during the Zhou Dynasty. Philosophers such as the little-known Yuzi 鬻子 will be introduced. Then we will look at Guan Zhong 管仲 and the concept of the Chinese Gentleman, or Junzi 君子. The rise of the Knights Errant 武侠 and their association with the Ru School 儒家 will also be presented. Then we will look at Duke Huan of Qi and his role as the first great benefactor to scholars and his sponsorship of the Jixia Academy.

Transcripts to all eighteen episodes are available on Amazon, Barnes-Noble, and Earnshaw Books. Below are links if you're interested.

Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/ahw3oWq

Earnshaw Books Link: https://earnshawbooks.com/product/the-history-of-chinese-philosophy-book-1/

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Just in time for Kaiser's birthday today, March 7th, here's a recording of a chat we had a couple of days ago. Nothing too heavy. Laszlo invited Kaiser on to the CHP for a friendly, light-hearted, and respectful conversation about the many merits of Chinese history. Happy Birthday Kaiser, 寿比南山!

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Back in 2017, I produced a nine-part series on the history of Chinese philosophy. These were once episodes CHP-184 to 192. In 2021, I removed this series from the CHP lineup of shows and published it as an online course. Since last year the History of Chinese Philosophy series has only been available on my Patreon and CHP Premium. What you're listening to here is an updated and new recording from what first came out seven years ago.

In the first of 18 episodes that will be covered in this series, we look at Chinese Philosophy's Ancient Beginnings and early Western understanding of Chinese Philosophy. The lives of the ancient Chinese sage kings will also be explored and why some philosophers held them up as role models for society. We will also look at Karl Jaspers's Theory of the Axial Age. For these first ten episodes, the focus will be on pre-Confucian and Confucian philosophers, Legalism, and how Confucianism developed up to the Tang Dynasty.

Transcripts to all eighteen episodes are available on Amazon, Barnes Noble, and at Earnshaw Books. Below are links if you're interested.

Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/ahw3oWq

Earnshaw Books Link: https://earnshawbooks.com/product/the-history-of-chinese-philosophy-book-1/

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For the Season 9 opener, we bring you a good one that takes place in the early years of the Southern Song Dynasty. Qin Hui, the reviled chancellor of Emperor Gaozong is back again, starring in another Chinese Saying, inspired by his historic perfidy. He conspired with his wife, Lady Wang, to have the great hero Yue Fei rubbed out. Their careful conspiracy, discussed in the utmost secrecy in a private spot in their residence, was somehow discovered. This is the story behind Dōng Chuāng Shì Fā 东窗事发.

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This is an old topic I thought I'd present now to coincide with the recent release of the interview with the curators of "Clockwork Treasures From China's Forbidden City. Usually, I release new shows on Sundays at 5 AM L.A. Time. Since I'll be launching the first episode of Season 9 of the Chinese Sayings Podcast this Sunday, I figured I'd release this one Thursday, fresh on the heels of the interview. This is a quick and easy episode that traces the beginnings of timekeeping in China and will survey a few of the most notable horologists from Chinese history from the Han to the Qing Dynasties. The achievements of Zhang Heng, Yi Xing, Zhang Sixun, Su Song, and Zhan Xiyuan will be examined. Then we'll finish off with the arrival of the Jesuits and the zimingzhong 自鸣钟 clocks they brought with them. Thanks a bunch for listening.

After hearing me talk about it for the longest time now, here's the interview with Tilly Blyth and Abbie MacKinnon at The London Science Museum. We discussed the Zimingzhong: Clockwork Treasures From China's Forbidden City that opened on February 1, 2024. The show will run until June 2, 2024.

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Happy Year of the Dragon, 新年快乐，龙年大吉! Just in time for the Lunar New Year here's, here's a look back at the 1960s when Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, the nation of Tanzania, and Mao's China were fully engaged and setting the pace for future Sino-African Relations.

This episode is useful in gaining a little context for today's China-Africa big picture. China's relationship with most African nations goes back to 1955. In this episode, the focus will be on PRC-Tanzania relations but from this relationship you can get a halfway decent big picture of the dynamic back in the Mao era. I hope you enjoy it.

I'm back from London, all tanned and rested. Be looking for the interview with Tilly Blyth and Abbie MacKinnon recorded lived at the London Science Museum.

The China Global South Project

https://chinaglobalsouth.com/

Clockwork Treasures from China's Forbidden City

https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/zimingzhong

In this Part 5 episode, we'll look at the history of Chinese medicine during the Ming and Qing, as well as all the major works that came out of that period. There will be a spotlight on Li Shizhen and his Bencao Gangmu Compendium of Materia Medica. He's one of the most important figures in Chinese medicine, going back to the beginning. Many other big names will be introduced: Wang Kentang, Chen Sicheng, Yang Jizhou, Wang Ji, Jiang Guan, Zhang Jiebin, and Li Zhongzi. Better download the Terms from this episode PDF at the website. Thanks so much for listening. I know this was a rough series to get through.

I wouldn't technically call this a Bonus Episode. We're in between seasons right now. And while Laszlo and Emma are busy brainstorming the chengyu lineup for Season 9, here's a re-recording of one of Laszlo's all-time favorite episodes from the seven-year history of the CSP. How can anyone forget Mr. Nanguo, 南郭先生, who posed as a musician for three years without knowing how to play his instrument? He was a Làn Yú Chōng Shù 滥竽充数. He got the gig because the band only needed one more musician. And it didn't matter who it was. Mr. Nanguo was indiscriminately chosen just to make up the required number. A great story and it comes from the Han Feizi. Season 9 should start, hopefully, by the time the Year of the Dragon rolls around on 2/10/2024. Thanks, everyone. I hope you enjoy this Chinese Saying as much as I do.

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For the 2024 Year-End Closing episode, we continue on with the History of Chinese Medicine during the Sòng. Bi Sheng started a revolution in book printing with his invention of movable type printing. This led to an explosion of new printed titles and wider access to medical texts among the general (urban) populace. During the Song, it became downright respectable to enter the medical profession. Many young people aspiring for a career in officialdom, looked to a career in medicine as either an alternative to working in the government or something to do in addition to serving the emperor. Many advances were made in forensic medicine, pediatrics, and healthy nutrition. And with all the new knowledge and acquisition of new knowledge through interaction with physicians from other cultures, the understanding of human health and how the body operates kept inching forward. In the field of pharmacology, there were also many advances, particularly in the publication of new materia medica texts.

As promised and advertised, to cap off another winning season of the Chinese Sayings Podcast, we're proud to feature none other than our very own Emma, presenting a special bonus episode. This time we look at another good one: 鹬蚌相争, 渔翁得利. Yù bàng xiāng zhēng, Yú wēng dé lì. This one comes from the Strategies of the Warring States. It tells the story of the Clam, the Sandpiper, and the fisherman, amidst the backdrop of the early 3rd century BC. This chengyu, like many presented before in the CSP, has plenty of relevance in today's world. Thanks, Emma for all your help this season

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The focus in Part 3 will be on the Song Dynasty, the Jin and the Yuan. Looming large in Chinese medicine during this fertile period was Sun Simiao, the 药王 or King of Medicines. We'll look at his life as well as many others: Wang Shuhe 王叔和, more Tao Hongjing 陶弘景, Ge Hong 葛洪, Gong Qingxuan 龚庆宣, Chao Yuanfang 巢元方, and others.

If you'll be in London Feb 1-2-3, I'll be there collaborating with the London Science Museum. Details here: https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/zimingzhong

For the second time in a row, we feature the Cao Family of Wei in a Chinese Sayings Podcast Episode. This one concerns a story of someone who made the grade late in life. There are a lot of people in history who all throughout their early years and even into their prime, didn't make much of their life. But come their 50's or 60's they achieve greatness. This time we look at Dà Qì Wǎn Chéng 大器晚成 and the story of Cui Yan and his no-good young relative Cui Lin. February 1, 2024, I'll be in London as part of the opening festivities for an exhibition at the London Science Museum. Details here: https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/zimingzhong Thanks everyone for another great season of The Chinese Sayings Podcast. Special episode coming next time featuring Emma.

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So much rancor in this world these days. Here's one that describes the feeling of mutual enmity that existed between two giants of their day, Cao Cao and Sun Quan. During the waning years of the Eastern Han Dynasty, three powerful forces jockeyed for position to see who might push the Liu's off the throne and take over to found a new dynasty. There was no reconciliation in the tea leaves. As far as Cao Cao of Wei and Sun Quan of Wu were concerned, that throne was only big enough for one of them. Here's a story from 208 AD that features a useful Chinese Saying born on the eve of the epic Battle of Red Cliffs.

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As advertised last time in Part 1, we'll take a look at The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon, the Huangdi Neijing 黄帝内经, including an explanation of the meridians. I'll also read a few passages from this most important of the ancient medical texts. As we get deeper into the earliest centuries of the development of Chinese medicine, you'll gain a sense of how the ancients created a holistic system that encompassed all aspects of the body and spirit and how they sought to maintain harmony and equilibrium throughout. When everything was in balance, a person was healthy and happy. Still, a lot more to come. I hope you'll stick with the series.

Once again, for all CHP listeners, I'm featuring the latest episode of the Chinese Sayings Podcast. It's said that we human beings have been called social animals by nature. Some of us love other kinds of people more than others do. But no matter how enamored one might be about another culture, nation, or people, we all tend to stick with our own kind. This 4th Century BC Chinese Saying comes from "The Strategies of the Warring States." and concerns the witty and capable minister to King Wei of Qi and his son King Xuan: Chunyu Kun. King Xuan needed to round up several talented souls to help him manage the Kingdom of Qi, where the stunning and beautiful Shandong Peninsula is located. Answering the king's call, Chunyu Kun gathered a whole bunch of worthy and talented men and schooled the king about how easy it was to find them. This is the story behind Wù Yǐ Lèi Jù 物以类聚. I also mentioned another chengyu that goes along with this episode: yīmíng jīngrén 一鸣惊人. You get that one too, at no extra cost, I might add. Only two more episodes to go for this season. Like last time in Season 7, be looking for un episodio extra especial featuring our hardworking and brilliant 领导 of the 成语研究中心 in Beijing: Emma. Looking forward to seeing some of you in Hong Kong during my few days there. My deepest gratitude for listening.

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Here we commence a new series, one that will explore the history of Chinese Medicine. In this episode, we'll explore some of the basics and the lives and achievements of China's earliest physicians, the mythical and the ones we know lived. This episode is kind of a warm-up for Part 2 where we'll take a closer look at the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon (Huangdi Neijing) and Shennong's Materia Medica (or Shennong Herbal).

We're back for the seventh time this season. This time we're happy to feature once again the great Daoist philosopher who never disappoints. This story about the fish in a rut is a rather well-known one from the Outer Chapters of The Zhuangzi, or Second Book of the Dao as it's sometimes called. Zhuangzi himself stars in today's episode: Hé Zhé Zhī Fù 涸辙之鲋.

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For the second time this season, we refer to Zuo Qiuming's "Chronicles of Zuo" for another good and useful chengyu. This one takes place in the Spring and Autumn Period and concerns a haughty self-important minister from Jin State stopping for the night at an inn in Ningyi (河南宁邑). He left quite an impression on the innkeeper there but when this simple innkeeper looked more closely at this official, he saw he was Huá Ér Bù Shí 华而不实. Enjoy this ancient story and learn a new Chinese Saying too.

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Written into the ancient histories were the big-name Warring States characters Su Qin, Zhang Yi, Sun Bin, and Pang Juan. Sima Qian and others remarked that these four men were all students of Guiguzi 鬼谷子. He's like a lot of figures from Bronze Age China. Guiguzi's name is mentioned in a few important texts. But that's about it. Just his name and the barest of details. Over the centuries, scholars put some flesh on those bones, but the truth remains, there's not much to sink our teeth into as far as Guiguzi the person is concerned. But the stories associated with Guiguzi are good ones and worth a re-telling. Su Qin and Zhang Yi's Vertical and Horizontal Strategies, and the story of Sun Bin, Pang Juan and Sun Bin's Art of War. The Guiguzi is considered China's first work of rhetoric. It's interesting to see how rhetoric developed in Warring States China at the exact same time as Plato and Aristotle in Greece. Somewhere along the way though, The Guiguzi became better known as a military treatise. Thanks everyone for listening.

Hui Wu's "Guiguzi, China's First Treatise on Rhetoric, A Critical Translation and Commentary." Find it here:https://a.co/d/9RV6k8U

谋圣鬼谷子 For the Holy Guiguzi video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvDuSJ8imKg&list=PLy8WDOJkSFFz92BEhcYXmYdm0tWAZXnLw

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Lovers of all things Song Dynasty will surely recall the story of Qin Hui. He has top billing in this tale concerning the story behind Shù Dǎo Húsūn Sàn 树倒猢狲散. This one has practical applications these days when we see political and corporate leaders fall from grace. When that happens, we often get to view the spectacle of hangers-on and sycophants scattering and heading for the hills, to search once more for someone to suck up to. This Chinese Saying comes in handy when this happens. We all need someone to lean on. Make sure the one you choose has some staying power.

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Once again, by popular demand, here's another oft-requested topic. With the recent release of the Oppenheimer film, I thought this story was quite timely. Qian Xuesen is called "The Father of China's Missile and Space Program." What's not as well known is the key role he played in the late 1930s and 40s in the United States rocket and jet propulsion programs. He was there, along with Frank Malina, Weld Arnold, Apollo M.O. Smith, Jack Parsons, and Edward S. Forman, when the Jet Propulsion Laboratory was created. Under the leadership of Theodore von Karman, this team led the effort that launched America's missile and rocket programs. But come 1950 Qian's world will be upended.

Iris Chang: Thread of the Silkworm: https://www.amazon.com/Thread-Silkworm-Iris-Chang/dp/0465006787

Once again we thank The Grand Historian for giving up another good one. This one's an eight-character chengyu. The story goes back to 206 BC and the famous story of Liu Bang and Xiang Yu's meeting at The Banquet at Hongmen. Here, the two contenders for the emperorship of China, meet face to face. Only one of them could sit on that throne and beginning right here, the Chu-Han Contention begins. The chengyu for this time, 项庄舞剑, 意在沛公 Xiàng Zhuāng Wǔ Jiàn, Yì Zài Pèi Gōng comes from this slice of history mentioned in the Record of the Grand Historian from the chapter on Xiang Yu. People who have a lot to lose, especially in the world of politics and government should pay attention to this one. It's a good one to use when describing someone who may appear all nice and pleasant but who has a hidden motive to do you harm. Enjoy!

White Vengeance video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H3yXEh7KCQ

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If you're someone born in the 1940s-50s and 60s, Keye Luke was a familiar name, especially if you watched American TV. As a founding member of the Screen Actors Guild, I thought his story might be timely. Set's take a break from the wars, rebellions, and days of yore and enjoy a more light-hearted episode featuring a beloved Chinese American who left his mark on the industry he was part of for more than sixty years. For many of us, this episode will be a nice pleasant trip down memory lane. I hope you enjoy

Go check out Timothy Tau's excellent film on the life and career of Keye Luke: https://youtu.be/SqUH0-CcvOI