The Master of Demon Gorge: A Chinese History Podcast
William Han
Stories from ancient China, and whatever else comes to mind.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 9, 2026 • 18min
Biographies of Some Exemplary Women
Regarding the Han Dynasty "Biographies of Exemplary Women," Queen Jiang, Zhongli Chun, Cai Wenji, and Xie Daoyun.Support the show
Apr 2, 2026 • 21min
Tan Sitong of the 100-Day Reform
One of the leading figures of the reform of 1898.Support the show
Mar 26, 2026 • 21min
Cao Xueqin
Regarding the author of "The Dream of the Red Chamber," the greatest novel ever written in the Chinese language.Support the show
Mar 19, 2026 • 23min
Mao and "Outlaws of the Marsh"
I think the Ming Dynasty novel contains in it a history of the Chinese Communist Party written centuries before the Party existed.Support the show
Mar 12, 2026 • 22min
Wu Sangui and Chen Yuanyuan
The tale of the Ming Dynasty general who switched sides and helped to bring it down and the woman whose legendary beautiful supposedly made him do it.Support the show
Mar 5, 2026 • 19min
Cai Jing: Calligrapher and Perfidious Minister
Regarding one of the greatest calligraphers who ever lived, and one of the worst prime ministers in Chinese historySupport the show
Feb 26, 2026 • 20min
Chong Family Generals
A most significant military family during the Northern Song Dynasty.Support the show
Feb 19, 2026 • 19min
“To Rise with the Cockcrow to Practice Swordsmanship”
About a classical Chinese expression and the two men behind it.Support the show
Feb 12, 2026 • 24min
Qian Qianyi: Hero or Turncoat?
Regarding the late-Ming mandarin and his ethical choices.Support the show
Feb 5, 2026 • 20min
Nanchang Uprising: Birth of the PLA
August 1, 1927: a date that lives in PRC history.Support the show
