The Search for Authenticity in Travel
Travelers often seek authenticity as an end in itself without ever wondering just how authentic is their idea of "authenticity"? [Read More...]
Archives
NYT 1913: Yuan Shikai expels KMT from Parliament
A strong Chinese leader takes a bold stance against constitutionalism and Western-style democratic institutions and the foreign community…high fives him for it? [Read More...]
New areas of the Forbidden City open to visitors
This month, as part of the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Palace Museum, four new areas of the Forbidden City opened for visitors. [Read More...]
“The Fetishization of Legitimacy”
In an article on censorship in the PRC published in the LA Times, historian Tim Brook argues China fetishizes signs of legitimacy, it's a fun phrase and worth considering. [Read More...]
Plenums, Plans, Centenary Goals, and the Chinese Dream
What do the centenary goals in this week's plenum session and the 13th Five-Year Plan tell us about the China Dream? [Read More...]
A man, his dog, and the sinking of the Beiyang Fleet
Statue in Weihaiwei of the captain of the Chih [Read More...]
Planning on seeing China’s most famous painting? Be prepared to wait.
One of China's most famous paintings is on display at the Forbidden City this month. It's an incredible opportunity to see one of the world's greatest art treasures, just be prepared to share that experience with a lot of other people. [Read More...]
The Mountain Spirits are Laughing
I am barely surviving Shangri La. In fact, at 15,000 feet above sea level it is taking a very specific act of concentration not to lavishly soil myself. [Read More...]
The short reign of Zhu Changluo
On August 28, 1620, Zhu Changluo took power as the Taichang Emperor. Less than a month later, he was dead, apparently having pooped himself to death. [Read More...]
Forbidden City to close from August 22-September 3
Just heard from a reliable source that the [Read More...]
Large Mammals Crossing: Jogging in Beijing
I'm a large mammal in a country of mostly smaller mammals. But this summer I have resolved to lose weight and get healthy...even if it kills me. [Read More...]
Chinese Academy of Social Sciences throwing shade at The New Qing History
Why did the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences launch an attack on Qing historians Mark Elliott, James Millward, and Pamela Crossley? It seems they had the temerity to challenge long-cherished tropes of Qing history, and that Just! Won't! Do! [Read More...]
Advice to New Wai: Things I wish I learned 13 years ago about life in China
Let’s face it: It’s not easy to live [Read More...]
Kind of Online in the PRC: The New Normal?
For anybody who still thinks China is a great business environment or that China has a bright future as a research hub, intellectual incubator, or simply a good place for their next office or factory, I would strongly suggest spending 30 minutes trying to do a few routine tasks that involve using the Internet. [Read More...]
Confucian Confusion
Last week, China named Cuban strongman Fidel Castro the latest recipient of the Confucius Peace Prize, but the Peace Prize isn’t China’s only wholesale commandeering of her most famous sage, known for his philosophy of ethics and morals. [Read More...]