
The Context
NewsChina explores the perspectives driving today’s China and its people with a deep dive into the histories that shaped them.
Episodes
252 episodes
Ancient Myths Reborn: Unveiling China’s Earliest Geographical Masterpiece
Today, we’ll talk about a newly opened exhibition that rekindled interest in the earliest geographical work to have survived to the present day in China, serving as a treasure trove of the legendary mountains, seas, natural resources, and m...
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14:13

Climate Special 10: Partners in Action (II)
Today, we continue our series on China-US Climate Cooperation and discuss how the US’s second withdrawal from the Paris Agreement will affect the momentum of intergovernmental cooperation between China and the US, but we’ll also learn how t...
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11:46

Weifang Kites: Ancient Innovation Meets Modern Flight
Today, we’ll talk about Weifang’s kites which symbolize cultural heritage and craftsmanship, attracting global enthusiasts to its annual International Kite Festival, where traditional techniques and modern innovations continue to soar....
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14:27

Climate Special 9: Partners in Action (I)
On today’s podcast, we hear from China’s Special Envoy for Climate Change, Liu Zhenmin, who expresses his optimism about the future of international cooperation on climate governance, particularly between China and the US.
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16:13

Qingzhou Smiles: The Hidden Legacy of Longxing Temple’s Buddhist Sculptures
Today, we’ll talk about the discovery of Qingzhou’s buried Buddhist sculptures at Longxing Temple. Famous for their serenely smiling expressions, these statues unveil a thousand-year legacy of artistic mastery, religious devotion, and cultural ...
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17:43

Climate Special 8: Staying the Course (II)
Today, in part two of our interview with Li Gao, China’s Vice Minister of Ecology and Environment, we’ll talk about the risks and benefits of Sino-US cooperation and the possible role China will play to combat climate change.
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12:40

A Moving Tribute: Yongle Palace and its 700-Year-Old Murals
Today, we’ll talk about the Yongle Palace which stands as a testament to ancient artistic mastery and religious devotion, while its mid-20th-century relocation highlights China’s remarkable efforts in cultural heritage preservation.
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17:49

Climate Special 7: Staying the Course (I)
Today, as we continue with our Climate Cooperation series, we’ll hear from China’s Vice Minister of Ecology and Environment who says China will fulfill its international responsibilities on climate issues not only because it’s the right thi...
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14:29

The Hanging Temple: A Testament to Architectural Ingenuity and Cultural Harmony
Today, we’ll talk about the Hanging Temple, a remarkable architectural marvel built into a cliff in Shanxi Province more than 1,500 years ago that embodies a unique blend of religious, cultural, and engineering significance, earning global ...
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14:02

Climate Speical 6: Positive Breakthroughs
Today, we continue our series on China-US Climate Cooperation with the second of a two-part episode on the history of climate deals between China and the US. And we’ll lead off with some positive breakthroughs that occurred over the past do...
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15:29

From Sacred Rituals to Silver Screens: The Enduring Allure of the Boshan Censer
Today, we’ll talk about a 2,000-year-old gilt-bronze incense burner known as the Boshan Censer from the Western Han Dynasty, which is currently bridging ancient history with contemporary storytelling due to its connection to the recent bloc...
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15:40

Climate Special 5: Climate of Trust
Today, we continue our series on China-US Climate Cooperation with the first of a two-part episode on the history of climate deals between China and the US. And although these deals have previously weathered political storms, the question i...
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12:42

Tracing the First Fliers: What China’s New Jurassic Bird Fossil Tells Us About Evolution
Today, we’ll talk about the recent discovery in Fujian, China of the oldest confirmed Jurassic bird fossil that pushes the timeline of avian evolution further back by 20 million years, providing new insights into the transition from dinosau...
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17:03

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...
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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.
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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.
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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 ...
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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’...
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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...
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20:26
