
The Context
NewsChina explores the perspectives driving today’s China and its people with a deep dive into the histories that shaped them.
Episodes
239 episodes
Climate Special 4: Climate Science Pioneers
As we continue our Friday series on China-US Climate Cooperation, today, we will introduce pioneers in the field of climate science going back to the dawn of the Industrial Revolution and counting up the generations right up till today.&nbs...
•
13:28

Mazu: The Young Woman and the Sea
Today, we’ll talk about Mazu, the costal protector and Chinese goddess of the sea who has become a global icon of Chinese heritage, linking millions worldwide through faith, commemoration, and maritime culture.
•
15:20

Climate Special 3: Tipping Points
As we continue our series on China-US climate cooperation, we issue something of a warning, pointing out that we should see ourselves not as the victims of some future climate catastrophe, but rather we should admit that unbridled exploitation ...
•
10:28

Jiaozi: The World’s First Official Paper Money
Just over 1,000 years ago, Sichuan in southwest China issued the world’s first officially backed paper money. Today, we’ll talk about what local conditions spurred this financial revolution, and how traders were able to cash in on the innovatio...
•
14:25

Climate Special 2: We Are the Meteor
Today, we continue our series on China-US climate cooperation and we do so with a bang, pointing out that when it comes to the next extinction-level event on our fragile planet, we, that is, humans, are the meteor – unless we can collect...
•
10:37

Fujian Tulou: Ancient Architecture in Modern Spotlight
Today, we’ll talk about Fujian tulou, an iconic Hakka architectural marvel, which is globally recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, embodying a blend of historical resilience and cultural preservation.
•
18:57

Climate Special 1: Why NewsChina Puts 0ut Special Issue on China-US Climate Coop
Today, we’re launching our new series of podcasts on China-US Climate Cooperation. Our 20-episode series will feature climatology experts and policy makers from both countries and cover everything from carbon dioxide capture facilities to t...
•
9:32

Frozen in Time: How Ancient Chinese People Enjoyed Winter Games
Today, we’ll talk about the Qing Dynasty’s royal ice games which played an important role in military training and cultural celebration, generating lasting influence on China’s winter sports heritage.
•
11:43

The Legacy of Lin Zexu: Defender and Reformer
Today, we’ll continue our discussion of Lin Zexu, whose legacy is defined by his advocacy for modernization and his pivotal role as an early champion of national sovereignty and reform in 19th-century China.
•
14:22

Lin Zexu: Champion Against Opium
In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about Lin Zexu, a visionary reformer and steadfast opponent of the opium trade, who played a pivotal role in defending China’s sovereignty and shaping its policies through ...
•
13:57

From Lingnan to the World: The Legacy of Sun Yat-sen University in Shaping Chinese Academia
Today, we’ll continue to talk about Sun Yat-sen University, which has been at the forefront of higher education in China, playing a crucial role in the country’s academic development while nurturing leaders who would go on to shape the country’...
•
13:13

Sun Yat-sen University: Bridging Tradition and Modernity
In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we’ll talk about Sun Yat-sen University, which stands as a testament to the seamless integration of traditional Chinese values and modern educational reforms, shaping the intellectual...
•
20:26

Lin Yutang: A Literary Legend Who Bridged East and West
Today, we’ll talk about Lin Yutang, a celebrated writer and lexicographer, who masterfully bridged Eastern and Western cultures through his literary works and his pioneering efforts in compiling a Chinese-English dictionary, leaving an enduring...
•
17:05

Lu You: The Poet Who Fought with Pen and Sword for His Country
Today, we’ll talk about Lu You, a renowned poet of the Southern Song Dynasty, who devoted his life to the restoration of China’s northern territories, channeling his unfulfilled ambitions into over 9,000 poems that express his deep patriotism a...
•
14:34

Xu Xiake: The Trailblazing Explorer Who Redefined China’s Landscapes
Today, we’ll talk about the pioneering geographer Xu Xiake whose story chronicles his extraordinary 17th-century expeditions across China, where his detailed maps and observations greatly contributed to the country’s geographical knowledge whil...
•
15:51

From Myth to Art: The Timeless Influence of Fuxi and Nuwa on Chinese Culture
Today, we’ll talk about the Fuxi and Nuwa paintings, popular in the burial customs of the ancient kingdom of Gaochang, which reflect the deep cultural and symbolic significance of these two mythological figures in Chinese history, representing ...
•
15:32

The Spring Festival: A Tradition of Harmony, Family, and Cultural Identity
Today, we’ll talk about the Spring Festival, which has been inscribed onto UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its rich cultural traditions, social significance, and contribution to family v...
•
19:18

From Palace to Museum: The Journey of Nüshi Zhen Tu
Today, we’ll talk about the Admonitions of the Instructress to the Court Ladies, a story that traces its journey from an imperial harem teaching tool to a priceless cultural treasure, surviving looting, political turmoil, and time, ult...
•
16:40

From Fujian to Kyoto: The Legacy of Monk Yinyuan and the Obaku School
Today, we’ll talk about Zen Master Yinyuan, a prominent 17th-century Chinese monk, who has profoundly influenced Japan’s Edo-era culture, religion, and society by introducing Obaku Zen Buddhism, fostering enduring cultural exchange between Chin...
•
16:54

Phoenix Crown: From Royal Relic to Modern Trend
Today, we’ll talk about a Ming Dynasty treasure that has been re-imagined as a series of creative cultural products, including a popular refrigerator magnet. Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design, a phoenix coronet has captivat...
•
14:57

Museums: Connecting People
Today, we’ll talk about the growing popularity of Chinese museums which have attracted more visitors through innovative use of technology and providing experiences, causing some to question whether they are losing their educational purpose. &nb...
•
20:24

Kuqa: The Revitalized Oasis on the Silk Road
Today, we’ll introduce a somewhat overlooked oasis in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Kuqa, which was located in the ancient state of Qiuci, was an important stop along the Silk Road, and now residents there are revitalizing...
•
12:20

Yan Fu: Architect of China’s Modern Enlightenment
Today, we’ll celebrate the 170th anniversary of the birth of Yan Fu, a man who overcame great difficulties early in life and forged on to have a profound impact on modern Chinese thought at the turn of the last century, ultimately becoming know...
•
16:23

Pien Tze Huang: Formula for Success
Today, we’ll talk about time-honored brand Pien Tze Huang, which is expanding the global presence of TCM by exporting its flagship product to international markets, while also promoting Chinese medical culture on a global scale.
•
11:29

Wang Tao: Father of Chinese Journalism and Advocate for Reform
Today, we’ll talk about Wang Tao, a pioneering Chinese journalist and reformist, who founded the Universal Circulating Herald in 1874, marking the first major Chinese-led newspaper advocating modernization and political reform. His exposure...
•
15:03
