Discover the turning point in Southeast Asian trade with the Portuguese conquest of Malacca in 1511. Explore the rise of the Johor Sultanate and its impact on regional dynamics. Unearth the colonial ambitions of Sir Stamford Raffles and William Farquhar in founding Singapore in 1819. Delve into their conflicts and strategic negotiations with local rulers that shaped the city's identity. The effects of the opium trade and geopolitical shifts further illuminate Singapore's colonial history.

Discover the captivating history of Singapore, from its beginnings as Temasek to its significance in Southeast Asia's trade networks. Explore the legendary founding in the 14th century and the dramatic fall of Singapura to the Majapahit Empire. Hear about the maritime legacy shaped by indigenous seafarers and the impact of the Yuan dynasty as trade dynamics shifted. Learn how Portuguese colonization altered the region's trajectory and set the stage for future colonial interests. A rich tapestry of intrigue awaits!

In this enlightening discussion, Hugo Wong delves into the rich history of Chinese immigrants in Mexico, sharing his own ancestry from Guangdong. He recounts the fascinating journey of his ancestors, including Wong Fook Chun's notable role in the past. The conversation touches on the initial acceptance and eventual discrimination of the Chinese community under Porfirio Diaz, as well as the tragic Torreon massacre of 1911. Wong also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the contributions of Chinese migrants throughout Latin America, shedding light on their often-overlooked legacy.

Discover the intriguing world of 'paper sons,' Chinese immigrants who navigated U.S. citizenship claims during oppressive laws. Uncover the little-known 1957 Chinese Confessions Program, set against the backdrop of 1950s Red Scare America. Explore the historical roots of immigration reform and the resilience of the Chinese community amidst challenges, including the aftermath of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. This journey through history highlights both personal struggles and the impact of discrimination on a community seeking opportunity.

Exploring the Grand Canal reveals a rich tapestry of trade and cultural exchange that shaped China. Its construction was far from straightforward, involving the merging of existing rivers and canals. The engineering feats, particularly by Yuen Kai in the Sui Dynasty, are celebrated for overcoming natural challenges like the Yellow River's sediments. Spanning over a thousand miles, its historical significance continues to echo through time, marking a crucial artery for economic and military maneuvers throughout China's dynasties.

Scott Crawford, an author based in Yokohama known for his insights on the Han Dynasty and the Silk Road, dives into the complexities of the Han-Xiongnu relations. He discusses the rise of the Xiongnu, their leaders, and pivotal battles that shaped their legacy. The conversation also touches on the intricate ties between the Xiongnu and Rome. Additionally, Scott shares his journey in blending fiction with history, revealing how storytelling can bridge cultural heritages and inspire future generations.

David Leffman, a travel writer with a knack for uncovering hidden stories, shares the fascinating life of Jiang Zonghan. From his beginnings as an indentured servant to becoming a revered general and tycoon, Jiang’s journey is remarkable. Leffman discusses his military exploits and his crucial role in diplomatic negotiations with the British. He also highlights Jiang's legacy, particularly the impactful bridge he constructed over the Yangtze River, cementing his importance in trade and infrastructure.

Uncover the fascinating traditions surrounding the Hungry Ghost Festival, a unique celebration observed by both Daoists and Buddhists. Discover how this festival, celebrated on the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month, connects the living with their ancestors. Explore intriguing stories like that of Mulyan, highlighting themes of respect and kindness. Learn about rituals that prevent malevolent spirits and the rich cultural practices from the Tang Dynasty. Plus, experience how these traditions come alive in community events in Los Angeles.

Once dubbed "the richest man in the world" back in his day, the first half of the 19th century, Wu Bingjian 伍秉鉴 was a leading figure in the pre-Opium War world of foreign trade. He's best known as someone who epitomized the "bad old days" of The Canton System. He's a well-known name from this period in Chinese history. but like many prominent names, little is known about his life story. He was quite a fascinating character in his day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It must have been three or four years ago that I started bouncing this idea off Janie about a discussion regarding historical fiction rooted in Chinese history. Janie, being a successful writer of this genre, was perfect to have this discussion. Today the historical fiction genre is quite substantial and new authors are publishing new content online and in print every day. Many of these novels are set against the backdrop of Chinese history (in China or Overseas). The way historical novelists present this history to life can be very engaging and relatable. I hope you enjoy this CHP Special episode as much as I did. This is such a huge topic to discussJanie's list of books & Buy links at her website: https://janiechang.com/books/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JanieChangWriter | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janiechang33/TIME Magazine article: The Risky Journey That Saved One of China’s Greatest Literary Treasures: https://time.com/5852229/saving-chinese-encyclopedia/RACE THE RISING SUN: A CHINESE UNIVERSITY’S EXODUS DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR by Chiao-Min Hsieh and Jean Kan Hsieh https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/race-the-rising-sun-chiao-min-hsieh/1123966361 or https://www.amazon.com/Race-Rising-Sun-Chinese-Universitys/dp/0761841482TEACHING IN WARTIME CHINA: A PHOTO MEMOIR 1937 – 1939 by Edward Gulick: https://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Wartime-China-Photo-Memoir-1937-1939/dp/0870239120Amitav Ghosh – Opium War Trilogy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibis_trilogy  https://amitavghosh.com/Lisa See Author Page -- https://lisasee.com/Yangsze Choo -- https://yschoo.com/about/Weina Dai Randel -- https://weinarandel.com/Barry Hughart series -- https://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/barry-hughart/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices