The Context

Latest Episodes:

Lu Yu: The Story of the Tea Sage Apr 11, 2023

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Today, we are going to talk about how a little orphan boy who lived during the Tang Dynasty rose to become the most renown tea master in Chinese history as well as author of the world’s first comprehensive written account on cultivating, preparing, and drinking tea.

Sword of Goujian: The Weapon that Defies Time Apr 04, 2023

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Today, we’re going to talk about a remarkable bronze sword that not only echoes the history of China with its story of political turmoil but also speaks to the amazing skill of ancient craftsman as the national treasure still looked brand new after spending two millennia underground.

Zhan Tianyou: From Qing’s Fortunate Son to Father of China’s Railroad Mar 28, 2023

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Today, we’ll introduce you to the “father of China’s railroad”, Zhan Tianyou, who was chief designer of the first railway designed and built exclusively by Chinese engineers and brought advanced engineering to China by designing 14 railroads during his 31-year career.

Dean Lung: Founder of Chinese Studies at Columbia University Mar 21, 2023

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Today, we will continue to talk about Dean Lung, the 19th-century Chinese immigrant who donated his life savings to establish Columbia University’s well-known Chinese Studies program as well as his persistent efforts to bridge the two cultures.

Dean Lung: The Legend of a Chinese Valet Mar 14, 2023

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In the first installment of what will be a two-part feature, we are going to talk about a legendary Chinese immigrant to the west coast of the US in the era of the Gold Rush and how he turned from the servant of an arrogant tycoon into his close companion.

Changxin Palace Lamp: The First Lamp of China Mar 07, 2023

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Today, we’re going to talk about the dazzling beauty and complicated story behind a Han Dynasty bronzeware from more than 2,000 years ago that was praised by Henry Kissinger as the world’s earliest eco-friendly lamp for its ingenious design.

Jade Burial Suits: Dreams for Eternity Feb 28, 2023

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Everyone knows “You can’t take it with you,” but that doesn’t keep some people from trying as we’ll learn in today’s podcast that talks about insanely expensive jade burial suits that were sewn with gold thread and found in the largest royal tombs excavated so far from early imperial China over two thousand years ago.

Diaoyucheng: The Siege that Stalled an Empire Feb 21, 2023

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Today we are going to talk about a fortress in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality. With an area of just two and a half square kilometers, it may have saved the European and Arab civilizations due to its resistance against the Mongol Empire in China’s Southern Song Dynasty about 800 years ago.

Yue Fei: The Revived Historical Hero Feb 14, 2023

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Today, we’re going to talk about the latest blockbuster that debuted during the traditional Spring Festival holiday, which has evoked interest in and admiration for a national hero who lived during the Southern Song Dynasty about 1,000 years ago.

Bronzeware: The Story of Taibao Ding Feb 07, 2023

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Today, we’re going talk about a 3000-year-old piece of bronzeware from the Western Zhou Dynasty that distinguishes itself with its delicate design and fascinating story of survival through a peasant uprising and the tumultuous warlord era.

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