(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 »
(何謂君子) 5 min read Chinese often use the term junzi (君子) to describe a person of good character. Before the time of Confucius (孔夫子, c. 551–479 BCE), junzi referred to princes or aristocrats. Confucius and his followers redefined the term to mean a person of exemplary ethical qualities and high learning. Although the term—in
What Makes a Virtuous Person—According to Confucius 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 »
(半部论语何以治天下) Many historical figures have profoundly shaped Chinese civilization through their political, philosophical, military, cultural, and technological influence. Defining Figures is an open-ended series of profiles of individuals whose actions and ideas left transformative, lasting legacies in the development of Chinese civilization, spanning three millennia. While countless others made significant contributions, those featured in this
Confucius on Governing 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 »
