(陆上丝路贸易) 7 min read For nearly two thousand years, China was the world’s largest trading nation. This series of articles presents a broad-stroke overview of that history in three parts: Silk Road trade, maritime trade, and the opium trade. The establishment of the ancient Silk Road (古丝绸之路) is generally dated to around 130 […]
China’s Trading History (1): Silk Road Trade Read More »
(中国何以统一) 5 min read “The empire, long divided, will unite, and long united will divide” (话说天下大势, 分久必合, 合久必分), declares the opening line of the 14th-century historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms (三国演义). Toward the waning years of the Han Dynasty (汉朝, 206 BCE–220 CE), China entered a century-long period (169–280 CE) of chaotic
How China Became United Read More »
(历久不衰的语录) 6 min read Many historical quotations have stood the test of time and continue to offer wisdom today. They remind us that, despite technological and social changes, many fundamental human concerns remain unchanged, fostering an appreciation of the continuity of Chinese culture across millennia. Three themes are explored below: personal conduct, learning, and
Ancient Wisdom for the Modern World Read More »
(管仲—古代中国开拓性经济学家) 4 min read “Guan Zhong (管仲) served as chancellor to Duke Huan of the State of Qi (齐桓公), helped him rise to dominance among the feudal lords, and brought order to the realm. People continue to benefit from his contributions to this day” [1], Confucius (孔夫子) observed in the Analects (论语). Guan
Guan Zhong—Trailblazing Economist of the 7th century BCE Read More »
(太史公 司马迁) 6 min read Shiji (史记, aka Records of the Grand Historian, 91 BCE) is one of the most influential works of Chinese historical records. Covering 2,500 years up to the reign of Emperor Wu of Han (汉武帝, 156–87 BCE), it transformed history-writing from simple chronicle into a multidimensional narrative of human experience and became the
Sima Qian, the Grand Historian Read More »
(心系百姓的詩人—杜甫) 7 min read The distinct poetic styles of Du Fu (杜甫, 712–770) and Li Bai (李白, 701–762)—the two towering figures of Tang poetry (唐诗)—are often contrasted. Their works embody sharply different artistic temperaments and philosophical sensibilities. Deeply shaped by social conscience, historical awareness, and Confucian moral commitment, Du Fu’s voice is empathetic, observant,
Du Fu—Poetry’s Moral Conscience Read More »
(以史为鉴的司马光) 5 min read More than a thousand years after Sima Qian (司马迁) completed the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji, 史记) in 91 BCE, an equally groundbreaking work of historiography was produced during the Song Dynasty (宋朝). In 1084 CE, Zizhi Tongjian (资治通鉴, Comprehensive Mirror to Aid Governance) was completed by Sima Guang
Sima Guang’s “History as Mirror” Read More »
(中国古代对社会公义的看法) 5 min read Social justice lay at the heart of governance in ancient China. It was seen as essential to preserving the state, preventing rebellion, and upholding a ruler’s legitimacy. The goal was not equality in the modern sense, but harmony and stability within a hierarchical order. Rather than “justice” defined by individual
Social Justice in Ancient China Read More »
(中国历史上的文化融合) 6 min read China has been shaped by a complex process of ethnic integration characterized by periods of conquest, assimilation, and cultural exchange with neighboring groups. These processes broke down barriers and compelled different peoples to coexist, producing profound and lasting syntheses. This history has been interspersed with cycles of unity, fragmentation, collapse,
Cultural Integration in Chinese History Read More »
(中国的佛教) 4 min read The introduction of Buddhism to China is shrouded in mystery. The Book of Later Han (后汉书), compiled in the 5th century, records that Emperor Ming of Han (汉明帝) dreamed of a “golden man” in 64 CE, prompting him to send envoys westward in search of this figure. In 68 CE,
How Buddhism Became Chinese Read More »
