The China History Podcast

The 1920′s in Republican era China was anything but quiet and uneventful. In this episode we focus in on the general situation in China during the period of the early 1920′s. This was a time when the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) and KMT (Kuomintang) were in the same bed dreaming their different dreams. It was continue reading >> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This discussion features Lu Dongbin, a wise Daoist deity known for his spiritual depth, and Zhongli Quan, a revered immortal praised for his alchemical insights. They dive into the influence of the Three Pure Ones and the Jade Emperor in Daoism. The legends surrounding Liu Dongbin illuminate his transformative journey and contributions. Additionally, the unique tales of the Eight Immortals reveal their heroic exploits and rich cultural significance, showcasing the essence of Daoist mythology.

More Daoism this week. We look at Zhuangzi and trace the development of Daoism during the classical age from the Han Dynasty to the Tang Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, Laszlo tackles Daoism, a philosophy, a religion and a way of life that everyone has heard about but not everyone learned the backstory. This time we look at the history and the times that spawned this most fertile of philosophies. In later episodes, we'll dig a little deeper and look more at continue reading >> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we have some lighter fare than usual. Nine months ago we looked at one great Hong Kong tycoon, Li Ka-shing. Today we look another. In this episode we look at the life and career of entertainment mogul Sir Run Run Shaw and the Shaw Brothers organization. Born in Ningbo in 1907, along with his continue reading >> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's another oldie from 2011 that was published to coincide with the 90th Anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. This was released before Xi Jinping was made General Secretary of the Party and before the Party began insisting the naming convention of the Party be changed to CPC. CCP was seen by the Party as a Western-influenced abbreviation that carried negative Cold War–era connotations. No offense. So much of this history has gone through the propaganda regimen. However it's told, the story of the founding of the Communist Party is a great one. I hope you enjoy this one from back in the early days of the CHP.

Zhang Qian, a daring adventurer of the Han Dynasty, is the focus of this discussion. He embarked on a remarkable thirteen-year journey to forge political alliances, traversing Central Asia. Listeners learn about his crucial role in establishing the Silk Road, connecting diverse cultures and empires. The conversation also highlights the historical context of the Western Han Dynasty and Emperor Han Wudi's reign, emphasizing the lack of interaction with contemporary Rome. Zhang's legacy in trade and cultural exchange is both inspiring and fascinating.

May 4, 1919, was a historic day in modern Chinese history. The demonstration in Beijing and the subsequent movement brought seismic changes to Chinese culture, politics and literature. All the leaders of modern China who played a founding role in the establishment of the PRC were influenced by the writings and ideas that grew out continue reading >> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Qing Dynasty formally came to an end on February 12, 1912 when the last emperor Puyi abdicated. That same year the Republic of China was founded and had a very rocky start. In today's episode we look at the immediate aftermath of the Xinhai Revolution and what happened right after Sun Yat-sen handed the continue reading >> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In an effort to bring some understanding to the recent proposed call for a resolution to formally acknowledge and express regret for banning Chinese immigration and other violated rights of the Chinese settlers, we examine the history of the Chinese Exclusion Act. The resolution was introduced by L.A.'s very own Rep. Judy Chu, the first continue reading >> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices