“Over 75 Percent of Historic Residences in Beijing Fail Preservation Standards,” The Beijinger
A recent study found less than 25% of historic residences in Beijing met official preservation standards. [Read More...]
Jottings in other places
“The Ghost of Stone Tiger Hutong: A Beijing Halloween Tale,” The Beijinger
Is it possible that even in the neon canyons of Xidan, spirits of Beijing's imperial past still lurk? A Halloween-inspired post for The Beijinger blog. [Read More...]
“Beijing Emperor and Qing Dynasty Scammer Faces Prison Time in Shenzhen,” The Beijinger
It is a twist on an old scam: A gullible patsy loses a small fortune helping a former monarch recover his royal funds. But what happens when the deposed ruler claims to be the Beijing born and raised Qianlong Emperor who last ruled China in the 18th century? [Read More...]
“Dens of Iniquity,” Here! Dongguan Magazine
Where do you go in Guangdong when you want to hang out and score good drugs? In the 1920s and 1930s, it would have been your friendly neighborhood opium den. [Read More...]
“The Empire Strikes Back: The Battle of Sanyuanli,” Here! Dongguan Magazine
For many, the Battle of Sanyuanli symbolized China's ability to finally stand up to the foreign invaders. [Read More...]
“The Barbarian and the Babe,” The World of Chinese
The story of An Lushan has been told so many times that it qualifies as Tang Dynasty slash fic. There is the aging emperor, his sensual concubine, and the exotic foreign warrior who comes between them. But this story is far more Byzantine than an 8th-century love triangle gone horribly sideways. [Read More...]
“Walking the Pearl River Delta,” Here! Dongguan Magazine
INTREPID OR INSANE, IT’S HARD TO SAY, BUT HERE!’S ROGUE HISTORIAN DECIDED TO TRAVEL FROM GUANGZHOU TO DONGGUAN TO SHENZHEN…ON FOOT [Read More...]
New Post on The World of Chinese: “Send Lawyers, Guns, and Money.”
I have a new writing gig, I’ll be [Read More...]