Empress Dowager Cixi

Eunuchs in Beijing: The Bad and the Misunderstood

Eunuchs in Beijing: The Bad and the Misunderstood

Most eunuchs were undeserving of their bad reputation and social stigma, but a few eunuchs in Beijing's past, unfortunately, lived up to their notoriety.

Story of the 'Jing: What's Behind the Name "Summer Palace"?

Story of the 'Jing: What's Behind the Name "Summer Palace"?

The Summer Palace in Beijing and its neighbor, the Old Summer Palace, are two of the city’s most beloved parks, but the English names for these popular attractions are a little more simplistic than their Chinese variations. The terms most commonly used in Chinese, 颐和园 yiheyuan for the Summer Palace, and 圆明园 yuanmingyuan for the Old Summer Palace, are a bit clearer, and it’s worth noting that nothing in the Chinese names references the relative age or seasonal preference.

Meet the Great Chinese Women Your History Teacher Forgot to Mention

Meet the Great Chinese Women Your History Teacher Forgot to Mention

If we are to celebrate famous women in Chinese history, I think it’s time we expanded the list beyond the standard starting five (Wu Zetian, the Pirate Queen Ching Shih/Zheng Yi Sao, Ban Zhao, Hua Mulan, and Pick-Your-Favorite Soong sister).

The Wire Guide to the 1911 Revolution

The Wire Guide to the 1911 Revolution

You come at the Emperor, you best not miss. Understanding the 1911 Revolution with an assist from the writers and cast of The Wire.

Changing the Guard

Changing the Guard

Coverage of China has always been a reflection of our own expectations and hopes, cast onto the tabula rasa of the high walls which surround the palace.

Not Just for Tourists: How to Make the Most of Beijing's Scenic Spots

Not Just for Tourists: How to Make the Most of Beijing's Scenic Spots

Beijing’s scenic spots are often dismissed as touristy by those of us who have called this city home for longer than, say, six months. This summer, however, you may want to pay them another visit bearing these alternative activities in mind.

The Life and Times of Edmund Trelawney Backhouse

The Life and Times of Edmund Trelawney Backhouse

I've long been fascinated with Edmund "The Hermit of Peking" Backhouse. It's time the famous Sinologist received a little love as one of the original hutong hipsters.

Lessons from China's Revolution, 100 years later

Lessons from China's Revolution, 100 years later

While this might sound less like a turning point in Chinese history and more like the plot of a really bad Jack Black/Jet Li buddy comedy, the Wuchang uprising succeeded and memories of the 1911 Revolution continue to inform how China understands political change.