wu-haiyun

The Secrets of the Shang

Contributions from individuals with unique perspectives to share. Hear from everyone, from experts and commentators to those whose voices are often marginalized.

VOICES & OPINION

Sometimes called the “holy land” of Chinese archaeology, Yinxu remains a mystery even today.

For China’s Archaeologists, All Roads Lead to Yinxu

Even after nearly a hundred years of excavations, many of the ancient Shang dynasty capital’s secrets remain buried in the earth.

What Would an Asian Pluralism Look Like?

Your questions, answered. In-depth interviews with the minds and makers shaping today’s China.

Q & A

Scholar Song Nianshen on the continent’s need to move past postcolonial theory.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Life in China’s Ancient Capital

Tombs belonging to nobles may contain more artifacts, but new finds are shedding light on what life was like for the Shang Dynasty’s 99%.

Giving Ancient Pottery a Modern Glow-Up

Can China’s museums find a better way to spotlight some of their most delicate holdings?

China’s First Suona Ph.D. Is Ready for Her Solo

Articles that cut to the core of contemporary China. In-depth, informed, and carefully crafted, every piece is carried by the voices of the story’s participants.

FEATURES

Liu Wenwen wants to make the traditional instrument — renowned for its noisiness — cool again.

Is this Light-Up Fiber the Future of Smart Clothing?

Invented by a doctoral student, it has the potential to revolutionize e-textiles.

The Scientist Trying to Change Sulfur’s Smelly Reputation

Drawing on years of sulfur research, chemistry professor Jiang Xuefeng specializes in making sulfur easier to handle in industrial and medical applications. Now he’s pioneering its use to tackle plastic pollution.

The Researcher Hunting for a Rett Syndrome Cure

Qiu Zilong spent most of the past 20 years researching Rett Syndrome, a rare, severe condition often associated with autism. Now, new gene editing technologies have him optimistic that a cure is near.

In China, the Hottest Travel Accessory Is a Tenured Professor

The country’s latest travel trend is the “study tour” — extended vacations guided by academic experts.

The Former Journalist Trying to Reinvent Traditional Chinese Culture

Chen Jia rose to fame producing holiday specials for Henan TV. Now she’s setting her sights on a global audience.

The Key to Global Warming? It’s Hidden in the Ice.

Chinese researchers are getting more involved in glacier research. Can they help unlock the history of climate change?

Da Vinci Meets the Ming Masters

Two new shows bridging Chinese and Western art have been hits with museumgoers, but does their “dialogue”-centric approach make sense?

Deciphering Dunhuang

Hao Chunwen has spent years trying to decode the thousands of manuscripts uncovered in Dunhuang. Now he wants to involve scholars from other fields in the work.

What Exactly Is the ‘Dongbei Renaissance’?

Four commentators on how — and why — the country’s northeastern rust belt reached the forefront of Chinese pop culture.

Three Books (and One Band) That Explain Northeast China

Want to know more about northeast China’s cultural revival? Start here.

What Makes a Myth?

The head of the China Mythology Society on the “Creation of the Gods” trilogy and the low status of mythological studies in China.

What Was China’s First Museum?

According to historian Xu Jian, the answer is more complicated — and more controversial — than you might think.

The Making of Yunnan

Historian Yang Bin shares his thoughts on Yunnanese history, his unique approach to the region, and how border areas shape a state.

What’s Love to a Feminist?

The feminist cultural critic Dai Jinhua shares her thoughts on intersectionality, love, and the shrinking space for alternative lifestyles in contemporary China.