The Context

Latest Episodes:

Yungang’s Five Caves: The Intersection of Faith, Power, and Survival Jul 15, 2025

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Today, we’ll talk about how five monumental Buddha statues modeled after Northern Wei emperors were created to protect Buddhism during times of persecution and ensure the dynasty’s legacy endured well into the future.

Climate Special 16: Emission to Earth Jul 13, 2025

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Today, we continue our series on China-US climate cooperation and look at how the world’s two largest emitters are including carbon capture and storage in their overall strategy to combat climate change. But will their decade-long cooperation unlock solutions or spark new controversies?

Climate Special 15: Care of the Wild Jul 11, 2025

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Today, we’ll continue our series on Sino-US climate cooperation and introduce how that partnership has entered a new chapter as China embraces one of America’s greatest contributions to ecological and biodiversity protection – the establishment of national parks.

The Pagoda of Fogong Temple: A Timeless Sentinel of Chinese Architecture Jul 08, 2025

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Today, we’ll talk about the Pagoda of Fogong Temple, a towering masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture, where whispers of history, craftsmanship, and spirituality intertwine, standing resilient against centuries of wind, rain, earthquakes, and wars.

Climate Special 14: Clean Competition (II) Jul 04, 2025

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Today, we continue our series on climate cooperation and hear more from climate economist Zou Ji. In this installment, he shares a hopeful outlook on how China and the US can use their unique characteristics to prevent a climate catastrophe while pursuing sustainable development.

Marquis Yi of Zeng’s Fridge: How Ancient Chinese Made Life Cool Jul 01, 2025

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Today, we’ll talk about an ancient artifact that served as Marquis Yi of Zeng’s “refrigerator.” Yes, you heard me right. It was a bronze cooling device from the Warring States period, and demonstrates early Chinese cooling technology using ice and clever design to chill food and drinks.

Climate Special 13: Clean Competition (I) Jun 27, 2025

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As we continue our series on climate cooperation, we hear from climate economist Zou Ji. Today we’ll share with you his insights on how China and the US must reach consensus on the opportunities presented by low-carbon development and what healthy competition can accomplish in tackling the climate crisis.

Zhang Zhongjing: The Medical Sage Who Revolutionized Ancient Chinese Medicine Jun 24, 2025

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Today we’ll talk about Zhang Zhongjing, a pioneering physician of the Eastern Han Dynasty who overcame such challenges as war, famine, and personal adversity to become the “Medical Sage” of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Climate Special 12: Cooler Relations (II) Jun 20, 2025

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Today, we continue our series on China-US climate cooperation with the second half of NewsChina’s interview with Former US Climate Envoy Todd Stern. This time, he explains how cross-cultural friendship helped push the Paris Agreement forward, and he brings us up to date on the Sunnylands Statement that was announced in 2023.

Between Ink and Rebellion: The Life of Zheng Banqiao Jun 17, 2025

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Today, we’ll tell the story of Zheng Banqiao, a legendary artist and poet known for his humor and unique life philosophy. He used his wit and creativity to inspire generations, demonstrating that a heart full of passion for life can transcend challenges and leave a lasting legacy.

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