The Context

Latest Episodes:

The Spring Festival: A Tradition of Harmony, Family, and Cultural Identity Jan 28, 2025

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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 values.

From Palace to Museum: The Journey of Nüshi Zhen Tu Jan 21, 2025

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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, ultimately finding its place in the British Museum where it continues to captivate global audiences.

From Fujian to Kyoto: The Legacy of Monk Yinyuan and the Obaku School Jan 14, 2025

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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 China and Japan.

Phoenix Crown: From Royal Relic to Modern Trend Jan 07, 2025

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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 captivated consumers and brought the rich history of the crown closer to the public.

Museums: Connecting People Dec 31, 2024

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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.

Kuqa: The Revitalized Oasis on the Silk Road Dec 27, 2024

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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 its outstanding legacy.

Yan Fu: Architect of China’s Modern Enlightenment Dec 24, 2024

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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 known as the Architect of China’s Modern Enlightenment.

Pien Tze Huang: Formula for Success Dec 17, 2024

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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.

Wang Tao: Father of Chinese Journalism and Advocate for Reform Dec 10, 2024

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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 to Western ideas profoundly shaped his journalism, leaving a lasting impact on China’s media landscape and reform movements.

Echoes of Resilience: The Stories of Weihsien Concentration Camp Dec 03, 2024

Show notes

Today, we’ll talk about the Weihsien Concentration Camp, where over 2,000 Allied civilian prisoners were interned by Japanese forces during World War II. The site now stands as a vital memorial to the anti-fascist war.

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