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All Episodes

The Context — 322 episodes

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Title
1

Mulan: The Invented Hero Who Has Endured for 1,500 Years

2

When Tigers Ruled the Wild: The Story Behind the Tiger-Devouring-Man Bronze

3

One Hundred Horses: An Italian Master in Imperial China

4

A Grain in the Sea: Liu Haisu and the Birth of Modern Art in China

5

A Bronze Beast’s Journey: The Dowry That Traveled a Thousand Miles

6

Hall of Mental Cultivation: The Restored Heart of China’s Last Empire

7

Luoyang Museum: Amplifying An Empire’s Eternal Echo

8

Niuheliang: The Ancient Discovery That Pushed China’s Civilization Back 1,000 Years

9

Climate Pressure, Bronze Innovation: The Story of the Lotus and Crane Vessel

10

Crossing the Impossible River: Mao Yisheng and China’s First Modern Bridge

11

Wuwangdun: Rising from Ruin

12

Painted on Stone, Scattered Abroad: The Fate of China’s Ancient Cave Murals

13

Sacred Walls, Common Hands: The Art of Pilu Temple

14

Painted for Eternity: The Murals That Survived Six Centuries

15

A Hydraulic Engineer’s Warning: Power and Accountability in Two Horses

16

A Palace of Paint and Faith: How Yongle’s Murals Defied Time

17

Yuegang: Crescent of Silver and Silk

18

Dunhuang’s Murals: Where Time, Faith, and Art Converge

19

China’s Murals: A Fragile Legacy Painted on Walls

20

Siku Quanshu: Lost and Bound

21

Tang Architecture: Modern Science Illuminates Ancient Craftsmanship (II)

22

Tang Architecture: Modern Science Illuminates Ancient Craftsmanship (I)

23

A County’s Pride: Discovering Liao-Era Architectural Masterpiece (II)

24

A County’s Pride: Discovering Liao-Era Architectural Masterpiece (I)

25

Jiaohe Ruins: The Carved City

26

Shifting Targets: The Evolution of Archery Rites in Ancient China

27

Houguan Culture: Grounds for Genius

28

Xiao Qian: Across Frontlines and Cultures

29

Empire in Exile: Rediscovering Southern Song Burials

30

Zhaozhou Bridge: China’s Timeless Stone Miracle

31

Empress Dowager Feng: The Woman Who Shaped a Dynasty

32

King Gesar: Dreaming Legends

33

Museum Reveals Austronesian Roots in China

34

The Timeless Genius of Dujiangyan: Taming a River Without a Dam

35

The Eagle-shaped Ding: China’s 6,000-year-old Cultural Ambassador

36

From Heaven to Hell: The Cultural Evolution of Owls in Ancient China

37

Xizang Prehistoric Sites: Unravel the Mystery of Ancestors

38

Zhu Xi: Wisdom Without Borders

39

Treasures of Pingyao: Architecture, Finance, and Culture

40

Saving the Forbidden City: Ma Heng’s Legacy in Protecting Cultural Heritage

41

A Century of Change: The Forbidden City’s Journey to the Palace Museum

42

Western Xia Imperial Tombs: Echoes of a Forgotten Civilization

43

Aniko: The Nepali Artist Who Bridged Himalayas and Empires

44

Yan’s Urban Life and Final Days: From Prosperity to Decline

45

Xiling Seal Art Society: Stamps on Culture

46

Liulihe Excavations: Tracing the Birthplace of the Yan State

47

Four-Ram Square Zun: Masterpiece of Ancient Chinese Bronze Art

48

Four-Ram Square Zun: War, Destruction, and Renewal

49

Potala Palace: Where History, Religion, and Architecture Converge

50

Bilingual Education: More than Words

51

Weaving a New Story

52

Tibetan Opera: The Masked Singers

53

Past Forward: Heritage Meets Innovation

54

Guan Yu: The Immortal Legend of Loyalty and Righteousness

55

Climate Special 20: Steady States (II)

56

Climate Special 19: Steady States (I)

57

Eyes Wide Shut: A Statue’s Missing Gaze

58

Climate Special 18: Greener Blueprints

59

Climate Special 17: Plugging the Leaks

60

Yungang’s Five Caves: The Intersection of Faith, Power, and Survival

61

Climate Special 16: Emission to Earth

62

Climate Special 15: Care of the Wild

63

The Pagoda of Fogong Temple: A Timeless Sentinel of Chinese Architecture

64

Climate Special 14: Clean Competition (II)

65

Marquis Yi of Zeng’s Fridge: How Ancient Chinese Made Life Cool

66

Climate Special 13: Clean Competition (I)

67

Zhang Zhongjing: The Medical Sage Who Revolutionized Ancient Chinese Medicine

68

Climate Special 12: Cooler Relations (II)

69

Between Ink and Rebellion: The Life of Zheng Banqiao

70

Climate Special 11: Cooler Relations (I)

71

Ancient Myths Reborn: Unveiling China’s Earliest Geographical Masterpiece

72

Climate Special 10: Partners in Action (II)

73

Weifang Kites: Ancient Innovation Meets Modern Flight

74

Climate Special 9: Partners in Action (I)

75

Qingzhou Smiles: The Hidden Legacy of Longxing Temple’s Buddhist Sculptures

76

Climate Special 8: Staying the Course (II)

77

A Moving Tribute: Yongle Palace and its 700-Year-Old Murals

78

Climate Special 7: Staying the Course (I)

79

The Hanging Temple: A Testament to Architectural Ingenuity and Cultural Harmony

80

Climate Special 6: Positive Breakthroughs

81

From Sacred Rituals to Silver Screens: The Enduring Allure of the Boshan Censer

82

Climate Special 5: Climate of Trust

83

Tracing the First Fliers: What China’s New Jurassic Bird Fossil Tells Us About Evolution

84

Climate Special 4: Climate Science Pioneers

85

Mazu: The Young Woman and the Sea

86

Climate Special 3: Tipping Points

87

Jiaozi: The World’s First Official Paper Money

88

Climate Special 2: We Are the Meteor

89

Fujian Tulou: Ancient Architecture in Modern Spotlight

90

Climate Special 1: Why NewsChina Puts 0ut Special Issue on China-US Climate Coop

91

Frozen in Time: How Ancient Chinese People Enjoyed Winter Games

92

The Legacy of Lin Zexu: Defender and Reformer

93

Lin Zexu: Champion Against Opium

94

From Lingnan to the World: The Legacy of Sun Yat-sen University in Shaping Chinese Academia

95

Sun Yat-sen University: Bridging Tradition and Modernity

96

Lin Yutang: A Literary Legend Who Bridged East and West

97

Lu You: The Poet Who Fought with Pen and Sword for His Country

98

Xu Xiake: The Trailblazing Explorer Who Redefined China’s Landscapes

99

From Myth to Art: The Timeless Influence of Fuxi and Nuwa on Chinese Culture

100

The Spring Festival: A Tradition of Harmony, Family, and Cultural Identity

101

From Palace to Museum: The Journey of Nüshi Zhen Tu

102

From Fujian to Kyoto: The Legacy of Monk Yinyuan and the Obaku School

103

Phoenix Crown: From Royal Relic to Modern Trend

104

Museums: Connecting People

105

Kuqa: The Revitalized Oasis on the Silk Road

106

Yan Fu: Architect of China’s Modern Enlightenment

107

Pien Tze Huang: Formula for Success

108

Wang Tao: Father of Chinese Journalism and Advocate for Reform

109

Echoes of Resilience: The Stories of Weihsien Concentration Camp

110

From Ginling to the Global Stage: Wu Yifang’s Journey of Resilience and Leadership

111

Wu Yifang: A Trailblazer in Women’s Education and Peace Advocacy

112

Jinhou Bird Zun: A Phoenix Rises from the Ashes to Tell the Story of an Ancient State

113

Sanxingdui’s Bronze Wheel: A Puzzle Connecting Ancient Worlds

114

Wu Zetian’s Lasting Imprint: Empress, Innovator, and Controversy

115

Wu Zetian: The Rise of China’s Only Empress

116

The Exquisite Legacy of Northern Wei Lacquer Screens

117

A New Relationship with New Audiences

118

Tech Meets Heritage: Mural Museum and its Modern Makeover

119

Cultural Relics: Collect Calls

120

Cultural Relics: Unanswered Prayers

121

The Man Who Changed the Game: King of Asian Football

122

Searching for Sunken Ships of the Beiyang Fleet

123

The Sinking of Beiyang Fleet Warships

124

Tan Kah Kee’s Enduring Educational Legacy

125

Tan Kah Kee: Bridging Hope Amid China’s Turmoil

126

Han Qi and the Hall of Daytime Elegance

127

From Myth to Mission: The Inspiration Behind China’s Space Exploration

128

Preserving Excellence: Top Scorer Exam Paper at Qingzhou Museum

129

Preserving the Past: The Art and Science of Ancient Book Restoration

130

Kong Yingda: Great Scholar of a Prosperous Age

131

Tu Shou’e: A Visionary in China’s Aerospace History

132

Intertwined Joys and Sorrows: The Tale of Master Hong Yi

133

Kuliang: Echoes of Harmony

134

Peking Opera Maestro Whose Art Transcended Borders

135

Iconic Actor Mei Lanfang: A Tale of Courage and Artistry

136

Xu Beihong: Master Painter of Equine Elegance

137

Xu Beihong: A Journey Through China’s Artistic Heritage

138

Qi Baishi: A Journey Through the Colors of Tradition

139

Qi Baishi: The Carpenter-turned Master Painter

140

Master of Ink: The Unraveling Legacy of Zhang Daqian

141

Zhang Daqian: The First Person in Five Hundred Years

142

Luban Workshop: In the Spirit of the Master Carpenter

143

Traveling Through Yinxu: A Glimpse into China’s Ancient Past

144

Yinxu Ruins Museum: Reviving the Shang Dynasty

145

The Altered Life Trajectory of Zhou Chu

146

Zhou Chu’s Quest to Eliminate the Three Evils

147

Chiang Yee: Searching for Panda Man

148

Hsiung Shih-I: The Legendary Life of Chinese Shakespeare

149

Lin Huiyin: Restoration of an Icon

150

Quanzhou: The Rise and Fall of China’s Maritime Trade Center (II)

151

Quanzhou: The Rise and Fall of China’s Maritime Trade Center (I)

152

The Warrior Queen: The Legendary Life of Fu Hao

153

White Stupa Temple: Friendship Across the Himalayas

154

Saint John’s University: Echoing Through the Ages

155

Setting a Course: How Saint John’s University Became the ‘Harvard of the East’

156

Li Gonglin: The Best Painter of the Song Dynasty

157

Su Shi: The Incorrigibly Optimistic Proto-Renaissance Man

158

Along the River During the Qingming Festival: The Original and the Best

159

Along the River During the Qingming Festival: Stand the Test of Time

160

Du Fu: The Wandering Poet Sage

161

Torrent of Genius: The Story of Guo Shoujing, the Greatest Hydraulic Engineer

162

Dazu Rock Carvings: The Last Monument of Chinese Rock Art

163

Joint Archaeology: Uncovering the Silk Road’s Lost Civilization

164

Flying Tigers Veterans: Heights of Friendship

165

Chinese Students in the US: an Unaccomplished Mission

166

Pu’er Tea Forests: Into the Deep Green

167

Grand Canal: Changing the Course of History

168

Dragon Boats on Grand Canal: The Rule of Water

169

Tigers: Lost in the Wild, Lasting in Culture

170

Elderly Care in Ancient China: the Honor of Being Old

171

Ancient Migration: Wars and Walls

172

Ancient Population Policy: Baby Boom Prosperity

173

Heritage Conservation: Treasures at Stake

174

A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains: Unraveling Centuries-old Mysteries

175

A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains: Unrivaled Masterpiece of All Ages

176

Tomb Robbery: Grave Situation

177

Tomb Robbery: Catch Me If You Can

178

Indomitable Spirits: The Life and Seminal Work of Pu Songling

179

Captivating Vistas: Grazing by the River

180

Creation of the Gods: The Wronged King Zhou of Shang

181

White Crane Ridge: The Great Underwater Wonder

182

Poet Li Bai: The Banished Immortal

183

The Night Revels of Han Xizai: A Spy Report-Turned Masterpiece (II)

184

The Night Revels of Han Xizai: A Spy Report-Turned Masterpiece (I)

185

Liang Qichao: Between the Old and the New

186

Robert Morrison: Man on a Mission

187

Li Shizhen: Father of Traditional Chinese Medicine

188

Sanxingdui: The Lost Civilization

189

China’s Titanic: The Forgotten Wreck

190

A New Chapter in Deep-sea Archaeology

191

Zhang Qian: Pioneer of the Silk Road

192

Cao Cao: Warlord of the Three Kingdoms

193

Chien-Shiung Wu: The First Lady of Physics

194

Dunhuang Grottoes: Multicultural Oasis on the Silk Road

195

Robert van Gulik: The Dutch Mandarin

196

The Story of the Tomb of Southern Yue King

197

Yang Jiang: The Story of a Literary Legend

198

Jiahu Bone Flute: Echoes of Prehistoric Civilization

199

Interesting Chimes: The Story of the Zenghouyi Bells

200

Lu Yu: The Story of the Tea Sage

201

Sword of Goujian: The Weapon that Defies Time

202

Zhan Tianyou: From Qing’s Fortunate Son to Father of China’s Railroad

203

Dean Lung: Founder of Chinese Studies at Columbia University

204

Dean Lung: The Legend of a Chinese Valet

205

Changxin Palace Lamp: The First Lamp of China

206

Jade Burial Suits: Dreams for Eternity

207

Diaoyucheng: The Siege that Stalled an Empire

208

Yue Fei: The Revived Historical Hero

209

Bronzeware: The Story of Taibao Ding

210

Central Axis: Midtown Makeover

211

Central Axis: Core Interest

212

Traditional Painting: Golden Palace amidst Myriad Pines

213

The Story of Zhouqiao Bridge

214

Wang Yangming: The Only Perfect Human Being in History

215

Kicking Things off: The Chinese Origins of the Global Game

216

Traditional Painting: Playing Chess before a Double Screen

217

A Chinese University in War and Revolution

218

Traditional Painting: Five Old Men of Suiyang

219

Joseph Rock: Father of Naxiology

220

The Great Shipwreck Rescue

221

The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru

222

A Picture of Dedication: The Tale of The Five Oxen

223

Xu Guangqi: The Torchbearer of China’s Enlightenment

224

Xuanzang: Return of the Pilgrim

225

Xuanzang: The Solitary Pilgrim

226

Lion Grove Garden: Between Reality and Illusion

227

Ming Admiral Zheng He: Seven Epic Voyages

228

Ming Admiral Zheng He: Mysteries Behind the Exploits

229

Bunian Tu: Emperor Taizong Receiving the Tibetan Envoy

230

The Great Relic Relocation: An Historic Migration

231

Origins Project: All Points of Origin

232

Origins Project: Truth from Legend

233

Tang Monk Jianzhen: Journey to the East

234

Tianqi Explosion: The Mystery of Beijing’s Big Bang

235

Mazu: Chinese Goddess of the Sea

236

Chalice of Eternal Stability: Rise and Fall of an Empire

237

Houmuwu Ding: A Great Reputation

238

Bronze Water Basin: Awash with Love

239

Ancient Trade Root: How the Sweet Potato got to China

240

Spring Excursion: Unrolling the Epic Journey of a Chinese Treasure

241

Shaolin Warrior Monks: Larger than Life

242

Jade Dragon: The Origin of a Chinese Totem

243

Ancient Tea-Horse Road: Heroic Chapter

244

Ancient Tea-Horse Road: Road Warriors

245

Small Seal, Grand History

246

Tea Contest: Steep Competition

247

Tea Culture: From the Same Seeds

248

Jataka of the Deer King: A Buddhist Tale Told the Chinese Way

249

Ten Ceremonial Utensils: Gaining Legitimacy

250

Ten Ceremonial Utensils: Cultural Continuity

251

Luodian Bronze Mirror: Witness to the Belt and Road

252

Luodian Bronze Mirror: A Reflection of History

253

Liangzhu Culture: Rewriting History

254

Liangzhu Jade: Dawn of Civilization

255

Tea Trade: A Thief’s Fortune

256

The Ten-Thousand-Mile Tea Road: A Brewing Trade War

257

The Ten-Thousand-Mile Tea Road: Taking a Leaf from the History Books

258

Soul Searchers: the Legend of An Ancient Vase

259

Ancient Bronzeware: In the Name of China

260

Eggshell Pottery: Turning Dust into Glory

261

Frozen in Time: Ancient Winter Games

262

Cash or Crash: Inflation in Ancient China

263

Coal and Petroleum: Vital Resources Long Ago

264

Trade in Ancient China: Foreign Moguls and Maligned Merchants

265

Roots of Chinese Identity: Shanxi

266

Business People: From a Lost Kingdom

267

Old Takes on Giving: Charity in Ancient China

268

Hidden Dreams of Hermit Scholars: Behind a Crazy Life

269

The Hidden History of Hermit-Scholars

270

Farming and Learning: Food for Heart

271

Mythical Qilin and Bloody Horses: Ancient Animal Ambassadors

272

Cultural Lions: Ferocious but Cute

273

Cockfights, Strange Stones and Pampered Cranes: Obsessive Pursuits in Ancient China

274

Zhongyuan: the Center of the Chinese Culture

275

Epigraphy: Ancient Markings and Enduring Love

276

Magic Oxen: Containing Floods

277

A Short History of Archaeology in China: Digs and Dreams

278

Ancient Sports: Off Target Archery

279

Grand Canal: Changing the Course of History

280

Dragon Boats on Grand Canal: The Rule of Water

281

The Apprentices: Opportunity and Discrimination

282

Academic Success: A Country Pig Chasing City Cabbage

283

Public Museums and Private Collectors: Historical Seals

284

Forgotten Heroine

285

Ancient Population Policy: Baby Boom Prosperity

286

Ancient Fathers: Absent, Far

287

Ancient Migration: Wars and Walls

288

Nowhere Left to Retreat: Elephants, Trees and Capitals

289

Changing Capitals and Canal Course: Xi’an and Luoyang

290

Tigers: Lost in the Wild, Lasting in Culture

291

Sanxingdui Hair: Unbalanced Power

292

Sanxingdui: Silk for Sacrifice

293

Ancient Global Supply Chain: Made-in-China in Maritime Silk Road

294

Translation: Ancient Bridges Between Cultures

295

Women’s World in Ancient China: In Rule Books and In Reality

296

Masculinity Education in China: Making ‘Manly’ Boys

297

Tales of Antiques: Worship, War and Women

298

North vs South: A Historical Pivoting

299

Bright Lights, Big Party: Lantern Festival

300

Early China-West Exchanges: A Short Honeymoon

301

Early China-West Exchanges: Spring Festival

302

Chivalry (II): Dreams of Martial Arts Magic

303

Chivalry (I): A Humble Beginning in Ancient China

304

Open Doors to Isolation: A Merchant’s Tale

305

China’s Ancient Maritime Trade: Small Dynasty, Big Business

306

Baby Booms in Ancient China: Families and Beyond

307

Elderly Care in Ancient China: the Honor of Being Old

308

Mr Dongpo: Of Poems and Pork

309

Money and Lending in Ancient China: Copper Talks

310

A Venture with Reasons: Or Without?

311

To Be Rich is Glorious: A Short History of Showing off Wealth in China

312

Food Security in Ancient Times: Power of Dinner Tables

313

Ancient Chinese Villages: An Illusion of Shangrila

314

Child Education in Ancient China: Gentlemen and Scholars

315

Chinese Students in the US: an unaccomplished mission

316

Chinese Students in Japan: Revolutionaries

317

Astronomy in Ancient China: Science & Humanity

318

Gold, Silver, Wealth and War

319

Wuhan: Rediscovery, Restart

320

Floods Made China’s Early Civilizations

321

A Pandemic, A European Missionary and Two Chinese Dynasties

322

Imperial Exams and Testing Times