The Master of Demon Gorge: A Chinese History Podcast
William Han
Stories from ancient China, and whatever else comes to mind.
Episodes
Mentioned books
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
Sep 4, 2025 • 23min
Shen Gua, Scientist
Shen Gua or Shen Kuo of the Song Dynasty is one of the most significant figures in the history of Chinese science.Support the show
Aug 28, 2025 • 22min
Xie Jin of the Yongle Encyclopedia
The early-Ming Dynasty mandarin and editor of one of the greatest literary undertakings ever performed.Support the show
Aug 21, 2025 • 22min
"Discourse on the Lamas" and the Golden Urn
In 1793, Emperor Qianlong of Qing decreed a new process by which to select future Tibetan spiritual leaders like the Dalai Lama. And he wrote an essay about it.Support the show
Aug 14, 2025 • 21min
Wu Jingzi and "The Scholars"
Regarding the great Qing Dynasty novel and its unfortunate author.Support the show
