The Master of Demon Gorge: A Chinese History Podcast

Regarding the Tang Dynasty writer and his most famous essay.Support the show

The greatest travel writer in Chinese tradition, the late-Ming figure Xu Xiake.Support the show

Regarding the great Yuan Dynasty playwright and his most famous play.Support the show

Regarding the historian of institutions Du You and his grandson, the poet Du Mu.Support the show

The legend of "a dead cat for a prince" and the true story of the career of Empress Dowager Liu of the Song Dynasty.Support the show

On the great Song Dynasty philosopher who redefined Confucian thought.Support the show

Regarding the major Qing Dynasty historian Zhang Xuecheng (1738-1801).Support the show

Explore the provocative ideas of Zhuangzi as they challenge Confucian ideals through the lens of a notorious criminal. Delve into the life of Liu Xiaohui and the rich tapestry of historical figures in ancient China. Witness the intense clash between Confucius and the general Robert Zhi, where moral philosophy collides with raw power. Experience a fictional dialogue that scrutinizes the depths of Confucian morality, revealing that even those with questionable ethics possess their own moral reasoning.

Huang Zongxi, a pivotal figure in Chinese democratic thought, discusses his esteemed work, 'Waiting for Dawn'. He critiques despotism and advocates for a Confucian-based political reform strategy. The conversation unveils his remarkable journey through the Ming to Qing Dynasty transition, highlighting his intellectual defiance and contributions across multiple disciplines. Furthermore, Huang's insights foster a dialogue between traditional Chinese values and Western democratic philosophies, emphasizing the essential role of people's authority in governance.

Until the advent of modern scholarship, the earliest definitive date in the chronology of Chinese history was 841 B.C. What happened that year that so marked the calendar?Support the show