The Master of Demon Gorge: A Chinese History Podcast
William Han
Stories from ancient China, and whatever else comes to mind.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 13, 2025 • 18min
Fan Zhen: On the Annihilation of the Soul
On the North and South Dynasties philosopher who argued against the immortality of the soul.Support the show
Nov 6, 2025 • 20min
Jia Sidao: Hero, Villain, Entomologist
The late-Song prime minister with a terrible reputation.Support the show
Oct 30, 2025 • 22min
Zhengde, the Emperor with an Alter Ego
Zhengde or Wuzong of Ming, a most perplexing ruler.Support the show
Oct 23, 2025 • 21min
Hai Rui, Mad Mandarin
The Ming mandarin who helped, 400 years later, to start the Cultural Revolution.Support the show
Oct 16, 2025 • 24min
General Qi Jiguang of the Ming
The most successful military commander of the mid-to-late-Ming Dynasty.Support the show
Oct 9, 2025 • 19min
Zhang Zai, Philosopher
The major Song Dynasty philosopher who began to formulate Neo-Confucianism.Support the show
Oct 2, 2025 • 21min
Chen Tuan, the Sleeping Immortal
The Daoist hermit who supposedly lived to 118 years old and profoundly influenced Confucian philosophy.Support the show
Sep 25, 2025 • 22min
The Yellow River, Changing Course
In recorded history, the Yellow River has flooded 1,593 times and changed course 26 times.Support the show
Sep 18, 2025 • 24min
Di Qing: Soldier Out of Time
One of the great heroes of the Song Dynasty, born into the wrong time.Support the show
Sep 11, 2025 • 20min
Liu E and "The Travels of Lao Can"
The late-Qing author and his famous novel.Support the show
