History, Arts & Traditions
Can a pattern tell a family’s story?
Li textile patterns from Hainan carry stories as well as colour. The people who make them know things a photograph cannot explain.
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History, Arts & Traditions
Beyond the terracotta army postcard
The famous ranks of figures are part of a much larger burial landscape near Xi'an.
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Places & Regions
Could a whole family live in one round house?
Fujian's tulou are large earthen buildings made for communal living. From outside, they can hide a whole little world.
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History, Arts & Traditions
Why do terracotta soldiers have different faces?
The terracotta army near Xi'an is astonishing in a photograph. Look closer and its sculptures become a lesson in craft, not just size.
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History, Arts & Traditions
The Great Wall was built in chapters
The Great Wall was built and changed over many centuries. The famous brick sections are only part of a much bigger story.
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History, Arts & Traditions
Can one instrument sound like a whisper?
The seven-string guqin rewards close listening. Its quieter sounds make a very different kind of musical room.
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History, Arts & Traditions
How can a flame change a bowl?
Longquan celadon is known for its glaze. Getting that colour and surface means watching a kiln with extraordinary care.
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History, Arts & Traditions
Could you print a book with wooden letters?
In one part of Zhejiang, makers arrange reusable wooden characters to print family histories by hand.
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History, Arts & Traditions
Paper made slowly on purpose
In Anhui, traditional Xuan paper takes patience on a scale that makes a quick sketchbook page feel very different.
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Chinese food
Can tea have six different families?
Tea is not one flavour in six packets. Chinese tea makers work with different leaves, methods and places, producing far more variety than a single mug suggests.
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History, Arts & Traditions
How many people move one shadow?
Chinese shadow puppetry can look like a simple silhouette show. Behind the screen, there may be music, singing, carving and several pairs of hands.
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History, Arts & Traditions
An emperor’s handwriting on a fizzy-drink can
A Shanghai museum put old handwriting on a fizzy-drink can. Is that a clever invitation to history or an odd souvenir?
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