Shows
The China History PodcastLaszlo and Andrew Shaw discuss the History of JadeFormer BBC reporter and master jade carver Andrew Shaw is back. What an informative interview this one turned out to be! I hope you all enjoy this discussion of the history and legends behind jade. I learned quite a bit during this brief talk. I hope you do too. Links to Andrew Shaw's books about jade: "A Jade Treasury" https://a.co/d/f2ynsRF "Jade Life" https://a.co/d/0yvYPbZ CCTV Documentary https://youtu.be/GWxFucq1o60?si=rsMeqqjMgy9Fbrg- 2025-02-1938 min
The China History PodcastLooted China Treasures, Laszlo chats with Andrew Shaw and his book, "Spoil"I welcomed Wuhan-based Andrew Shaw onto the CHP to talk about his book. It's all about the plundering of China's cultural treasures and imperial artifacts by not just the British, French, and Americans. It seems everyone got in on the act. Even the local people. It's a miracle there was anything left for Chian's museums. Many of you are familiar with the stories about looting that took place in China between the 1840s and the turn of the century. In Andrew Shaw's book, "Spoil" we'll look at the extent of what happened. And on the next episode, we'll feature...2025-02-0232 min
The China History PodcastChinese-Mexican History - Laszlo chats with Hugo WongFirst off, let me apologize for the less-than-optimal audio quality. This is a very informative interview. And for those of you who missed my very old episode from 2013 or thereabouts covering this topic, this discussion will be a real eye-opener. The history of the Chinese immigrant experience in Mexico (and Latin America) is not that well known. Hugo's ancestors emigrated to Mexico from Guangdong back in the 19th century. One of them, Wong Fook Chun was a major figure in the history of those times and he had an interesting interaction with the Qing-era reformer Kang Youwei. I hope...2024-09-1347 min
The China History PodcastLaszlo chats with author Scott Crawford about the Han Dynasty, the Xiongnu and RomeHere's another CHP Special Episode. Not too long ago I had the chance to chat with Yokohama-based Scott Crawford, author of "Silk Road Centurian", "The Han-Xiongnu Wars", and a new one coming out any day now (co-written with his wife Alexis Kossiakoff), "The Phoenix and the Firebird." Scott has also written several works of short fiction that have appeared in fantasy, mystery, and horror magazines and anthologies. We talked mostly about the Han Dynasty and two books he has written, one non-fiction and another a work of fiction, both set in that exciting time period. ...2024-08-151h 12
The China History PodcastLaszlo discusses historical novels with author, Janie ChangIt must have been three or four years ago that I started bouncing this idea off Janie about a discussion regarding historical fiction rooted in Chinese history. Janie, being a successful writer of this genre, was perfect to have this discussion. Today the historical fiction genre is quite substantial and new authors are publishing new content online and in print every day. Many of these novels are set against the backdrop of Chinese history (in China or Overseas). The way historical novelists present this history to life can be very engaging and relatable. I hope you enjoy this CHP...2024-07-1442 min
The China History PodcastThe History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 12)The introduction to the Yi Jing (I Ching) The Book of Changes continues into the Han Dynasty. We'll see how The Yi Jing is grouped with the Five Classics 五经 and how the discoveries at Mawangdui shook things up a little as far as Yi Jing scholarship went. Then we'll try and decipher Confucius's Ten Wings. Then we'll close with an intro to the practical usage of the Yi Jing and how it has been rediscovered and embraced in the West. You can buy the two books of the History of Chinese Philosophy series here: https://www...2024-05-1924 min
The China History PodcastJin Yong and the Wuxia genre. Laszlo chats with author Alice PoonI had the great pleasure to interview fellow Earnshaw Books author, Alice Poon recently. The occasion was the official release date of her new book, "The Earthly Blaze" (links below). We first discussed the life and work of Zha Liangyong, also known as Louis Cha. But he is more widely known by his pen name, Jin Yong, whose novels have been read and enjoyed by countless numbers of readers around the world. While I had Alice in the studio I also got her to talk about the greater Wuxia 武侠 genre of Chinese fiction and how it has been received in p...2024-04-1449 min
The China History PodcastLaszlo Chats with Kaiser KuoJust in time for Kaiser's birthday today, March 7th, here's a recording of a chat we had a couple of days ago. Nothing too heavy. Laszlo invited Kaiser on to the CHP for a friendly, light-hearted, and respectful conversation about the many merits of Chinese history. Happy Birthday Kaiser, 寿比南山! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-03-071h 04The China History PodcastBonus Episode, An old favorite of Laszlo'sI wouldn't technically call this a Bonus Episode. We're in between seasons right now. And while Laszlo and Emma are busy brainstorming the chengyu lineup for Season 9, here's a re-recording of one of Laszlo's all-time favorite episodes from the seven-year history of the CSP. How can anyone forget Mr. Nanguo, 南郭先生, who posed as a musician for three years without knowing how to play his instrument? He was a Làn Yú Chōng Shù 滥竽充数. He got the gig because the band only needed one more musician. And it didn't matter who it was. Mr. Nanguo was indiscriminately chosen just to make up the requir...2024-01-0710 min
The Chinese Sayings PodcastBonus Episode, An old favorite of Laszlo'sI wouldn't technically call this a Bonus Episode. We're in between seasons right now. And while Laszlo and Emma are busy brainstorming the chengyu lineup for Season 9, here's a re-recording of one of Laszlo's favorite episodes from the seven-year history of the CSP. How can anyone forget Mr. Nanguo, 南郭先生, who posed as a musician for three years without knowing how to play his instrument? He was a Làn Yú Chōng Shù 滥竽充数. He got the gig because the band only needed one more musician. And it didn't matter who it was. Mr. Nanguo was indiscriminately chosen just to make up the required...2024-01-0710 min
The China History PodcastEp. 332 | The History of Yunnan Province (Part 5)Here's the final episode in the Yunnan history series. In this episode, we pick up in 1875 in the wake of the Margary Affair and take the story through the end of the Qing and into the Warlord and Republican era. Warlords Cai E, Tang Jiyao, Long Yun, and Lu Han, all make appearances. Part 5 runs almost 49 minutes which is 15-20 minutes longer than I like these CHP episodes to be. The series concludes a bit prematurely, a hundred years later in 1975. Sorry to end on such a downer as the Cultural Revolution and the Shadian Incident of 1975. I really do...2023-08-0649 min
The China History PodcastLaszlo chats with Iron Horse Road Podcast producers Hao Huang and Micah HuangA few days ago, Laszlo sat down with good friend Hao Huang and son, Micah, at Scripps College where Hao is the Bessie and Cecil Frankel Chair in Music. In 2021 they co-produced the Blood on Gold Mountain Podcast. In a pilot episode of a new show dropping Wednesday, July 19 called Iron Horse Road, Hao and Micah explain what the show is about and the trip they took to California's High Sierras that inspired it. They visited locations where more than a century and a half ago railroad workers from Southern Guangdong built these wonders of engineering. This led to...2023-07-1831 min
The China History PodcastShanghai's Uchiyama Bookstore with Naoko KatoLaszlo welcomes Dr. Naoko Kato onto the CHP to talk about her new book: "Kaleidoscope: The Uchiyama Bookstore and its Sino-Japanese Visionaries." During one of the most fertile periods in modern Chinese literature following the May Fourth Movement, Uchiyama Kanzō operated a bookstore and cultural salon on Sichuan Road that attracted many big names among leftist writers and intellectuals. Most notable among the regular visitors was Lu Xun. Uchiyama and Lu Xun enjoyed a very special friendship that embodied Uchiyama's aspirations for friendship and understanding between the people of China and Japan. You can get the book h...2023-03-2134 min
The China History PodcastThe Great Wall, Featuring William LindesayLaszlo had the honor and pleasure to welcome Mr. William Lindesay onto the CHP to discuss The Great Wall, a topic he is most eminently qualified to speak about. Sit back and enjoy this very informative and entertaining episode introducing the history and lore behind The Great Wall. A special thanks to William for his time and for sharing his Great Wall experiences over the past 35 years. We're planning to have William and his two sons Tommy and Jimmy back on the show soon to talk about more Great Wall history. Enjoy! William Lindesay’s Amazon Page...2022-12-021h 23
The China History PodcastDiscussing the Silk Road and Central Asia With William HanSeveral years ago William Han set out from Xinjiang, following in the footsteps of Gan Ying who was tasked, in 97 AD, to seek out and establish relations with Da Qin (Rome). All the sights and experiences are detailed in William's new book, "From the Wall to the Water". It was quite an eye-opening journey from the end of the Great Wall to the Persian Gulf. Laszlo also discusses William's The Master of Demon Gorge Podcast (MODG) and the joys of China history podcasting. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B7GVCH9T/ref=dbs_a_def...2022-10-041h 00
The China History PodcastEp. 310 | The History of Taiwan (Part 1)No topic gets requested more than the history of Taiwan. In this first of a multi-part series, Laszlo looks at the geologic formation of the island and Taiwan's prehistoric past. How the indigenous Austronesian people of Taiwan migrated throughout the South Pacific, the South China Sea, and beyond is also introduced. Several encounters between native people living in Taiwan and visitors from Fujian took place during the Three Kingdoms era and in subsequent dynasties. This will also be looked at. Part 1 will take the story up to the Ming Dynasty. List of Chinese Terms Used: https://static1...2022-10-0237 min
The China History PodcastCats in Chinese History and Literature with Dr. Lee MooreFor any and all cat lovers worldwide, here's a special episode for you. Fellow cat lover (ailurophile) Lee Moore of the Chinese Literature Podcast joins Laszlo for this CHP Special Episode where they chat about cats in Chinese history and offer up a few interesting anecdotes and stories. They both recite a selection of cat poems from the Song and Ming dynasties and go all out to discuss their favorite animal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2022-09-101h 16
The China History PodcastThe Forbidden City With Dr. Jeremiah JenneFew topics have been requested more than the Forbidden City, located in the center of the great city of Beijing. To help introduce this iconic palace complex, Laszlo invited longtime Beijing resident, Jeremiah Jenne of "Barbarians at the Gate Podcast" fame onto the CHP to discuss the history of the Forbidden City from its construction in the Ming Dynasty up to the present day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2022-08-101h 03
The China History PodcastQian Xiuling, "The Belgian Schindler" With Kyle AndersonLaszlo invited Kyle Anderson onto the CHP to discuss the life of the oft-called "Belgian Schindler" Qian Xiuling 钱秀玲. Kyle is the translator of the Xu Feng book "忘记我" (Forget Me) which details Madame Qian's incredible life, growing up in Yixing, Jiangsu, and later moving to Belgium for her university studies. She married, had a family, a career, and lived a quiet life until the German occupation of Belgium in 1940. Her story and the bravery and humanity she exhibited during the Nazi occupation earned her the moniker "Belgium's Schindler". Her's was a life worth knowing about, despite her modesty and wishes t...2022-07-0145 min
The China History PodcastThe History of Guangzhou (Part 1)In this Part 1 episode of a multi-part series Laszlo introduces the most ancient history of the great city of Guangzhou. Long known as Canton in many places, this city has a history that is both fascinating and unique in China. In this installment of the series, we'll explore the early stories and legends from the Shang and Zhou dynasties. Then we'll look at the period when the Guangzhou region first appears on the China map during the Qin. The story picks up the pace during Zhao Tuo's Nanyue Kingdom, a story told before in previous CHP episodes. Finally, we'll l...2022-06-2637 min
The China History PodcastEp. 297 | Austro-German Jewish Musicians in Wartime ShanghaiLaszlo welcomes Scripps College professor of music Dr. Hao Huang onto the CHP to discuss the stories of Jewish musicians from Germany and Austria who fled Europe and ended up in Shanghai. This is a companion episode to the six-part series on the Jewish Refugees in Shanghai (Episodes 208-213). Professor Huang discusses the trials and tribulations these musicians faced, stories of their survival, and the great legacy many of them left behind in China. GREAT BIG thanks go out to: CINEVISION GLOBAL INC for allowing us to use a sample of the original Chinese version of Rose, Rose I Love Yo...2022-04-0342 min
The China History PodcastEp. 292 | Olive YangIn this episode, Laszlo introduces the story of Olive Yang, 杨金秀. She was a Kokang Chinese born and raised around the border region of Myanmar and China. Her story took place in the Shan State of Myanmar. Though she was not someone of great historical impact on the times she lived in, she was part of a lot of the drama happening around her. She mixed with many interesting parties from the 1950s to the 1980s. This included Kokang royalty, KMT remnant armies, the CIA, and drug lords. For more content and ways to support the show, visit our website: teacup.media...2022-01-2336 min
The China History PodcastEp. 291 | The History of Hainan (Part 2)This is the second part of a brief overview of Hainan history with special guest Professor Jeremy Murray. In this episode, Laszlo and Dr. Murray discuss Hainan history during the Qing, Republican, and PRC eras with some discussion of Hainanese culture. For more content and ways to support Teacup Media, visit our website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2022-01-1044 min
The China History PodcastEp. 290 | The History of Hainan (Part 1)Laszlo welcomes California State University professor Dr. Jeremy Murray onto the CHP to help introduce the history of Hainan. In this Part 1 episode, they discuss the Hainan history timeline up to the end of the Ming Dynasty. For more content and ways to support Teacup Media, visit our website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-12-2638 min
The China History PodcastEp. 279 | The Hakka Kongsis of Borneo (Part 2)Laszlo picks up in 1818 with the Napoleonic Wars finished and the Dutch returning to their colonies to put everything back the way it was when they left. The struggle between the Dutch and the Chinese kongsis of West Borneo discussed previously continues with a fight to the finish in Part 2. The legacy of this century of history that occurred in Kalimantan Barat between 1750-1884, lives on in our day with the Indonesian-Chinese descendants of these adventurous immigrants from Guangdong and Fujian provinces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-07-2635 min
The China History PodcastThe Pirate Queen Zheng Yi Sao With Larry FeignLaszlo is pleased to present an interview with longtime Hong Kong resident, writer, and cartoonist Larry Feign to discuss his new novel "The Flower Boat Girl". The story is about Zheng Yi Sao, who was one of the most feared pirates in the early 19th century, and at one point, had command of a fleet of over 1,500 ships. Her life was the subject of Episode 174 of The China History Podcast, and in this episode we take another look at her astonishing life, this time with Mr. Feign’s expertise on the subject. Larry’s book is hot off the press...2021-06-2954 min
The China History PodcastEp. 277 | Lin Yutang, with The Chinese Literature Podcast DuoIn this China History Podcast episode, Laszlo teams up with Rob Moore and Lee Moore (no relation) from The Chinese Literature Podcast to explore the life and work of the highly influential writer Lin Yutang. Though rather unknown in our day, there was a time when Lin Yutang was the most recognizable name in the West who wrote and spoke about China. This episode explores his early years and later literary and political achievements during the 1930s to 1970s. Chinese Literature Podcast Website: https://www.chineseliteraturepodcast.com/ Subscribe to the Chinese Literature Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chinese-literature-podcast...2021-06-2852 min
The China History PodcastPistols of the Warlord Era With Ian McCollumIn this CHP Special Episode Laszlo is thrilled to welcome Mr. Ian McCollum to discuss his new book, "Pistols of the Warlords: Chinese Domestic Handguns, 1911 – 1949." If you're a fan of antique and historical firearms, you already might know Ian from his Forgotten Weapons YouTube Channel. What poetry was to the Tang Dynasty, arms manufacturing, and procurement was to the Chinese Warlord Era. A special thanks to Ian for sharing his expertise on this very popular topic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-06-0646 min
The China History PodcastEp. 267 | Eunuchs in Chinese History (Part 1)This topic was coming sooner or later. Laszlo offers up another general overview of Chinese history, this time with eunuchs serving as the prism to view it all. In this episode we'll look at the story of the maybe/maybe not eunuch/official from the Qin Dynasty Zhao Gao and his antics trying to cover up the sudden and unexpected death of Qin Shihuang. Then we'll finish off with eunuchs in the Later Han including the rise and fall of the Ten Attendants. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad c...2021-02-0826 min
The China History PodcastEp. 266 | Dr. Chien-Shiung WuThis time Laszlo introduces an outstanding Chinese-American scientist who will be honored in the United States on February 11, 2021 with a new commemorative postage stamp. Dr. C.S. Wu came to America in 1936 and due to circumstances in her homeland, ended up staying in the US for good. She made many contributions in the field of physics and worked on the Manhattan Project. Dr. Wu was role model and tireless campaigner for encouraging young women to study the sciences and for equal rights. Her's was a great American success story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-01-2536 min
The China History PodcastEp. 264 | The History of the Thai Chinese (Part 6)Laszlo continues on with this light but a satisfying overview of the Thai-Chinese. With Field Marshal Phibun in charge in Bangkok, the flames of Thai nationalism are being furiously fanned and the ethnic Chinese inhabitants of Siam are feeling the heat. But with the ultimate defeat of Japan, the Chinese can finally breathe a sigh of relief....or could they? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-12-2830 min
The China History PodcastEp. 262 | The History of the Thai Chinese (Part 4)Laszlo continues on with the second half of the 18th century, a prosperous time for the Kingdom of Siam. With all this unprecedented good fortune sloshing around the kingdom thanks to free trade, the demand for labor drew waves of Chinese immigration to this western edge of the South Seas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-11-3028 min
The China History PodcastEp. 259 | The History of the Thai Chinese (Part 1)In a new series that may or may not take us to the end of 2020, Laszlo looks at the great Kingdom of Thailand and the history of the Chinese immigrants who decided to call that place home. In this Part 1 episode of the new series, we'll focus on the goings-on in the Chinese community during the Ayudhya Kingdom (1350-1767) up to the time of King Phetracha. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-10-1938 min
The China History PodcastEp. 258 | Jiang ZiyaIn this 258th CHP episode, Laszlo brings you an overview of this hero and strategist from ancient Chinese history. Jiang Ziya’s story takes place during the waning years of the Shang and the founding of the Zhou Dynasty. Consider supporting your humble narrator at https://www.patreon.com/ChinaHistoryPodcast One time PayPal Donation: https://PayPal.Me/ChinaHistoryPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-10-0232 min
The China History PodcastEp. 254 | The History of Xinjiang (Part 11)In this penultimate episode of the series Laszlo introduces some of the major happenings in Xinjiang during the waning decades of the Qing Dynasty. After a brief glance at Yaqub Beg and his time in the limelight during the turbulent 1860's and 1870's. We'll finish off with Zuo Zongtang and the Qing re-conquest of Xinjiang. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-08-1037 min
The China History PodcastEp. 253 | The History of Xinjiang (Part 10)Laszlo is back with more History of Xinjiang. The focus this time in Part 10 will be on the Qing Dynasty during the emperors Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong. The rise and fall of the Zunghar Khanate will also be explored, as well as the violent and tragic aftermath following the Zunghars defeat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-07-2734 min
The China History PodcastEp. 235 | The Warlord Era (Part 5)In Part 5 Laszlo gives the backstory to the Anhui-Zhili War and introduces another warlord, the famous Zhang Zuolin…The Manchurian Warlord. With this civil war within the Beiyang Organization, the unity that existed since the time of Yuan Shikai is smashed. We'll look at the very brief war between the forces of Duan Qirui and their Zhili opponents led by Wu Peifu as well as the aftermath up to and including the First Zhili-Fengtian War, 1922-1924. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-11-1830 min
The China History PodcastEp. 231 | The Warlord Era (Part 1)After years of requests to cover this topic, Laszlo finally gets around to the history of China's Warlord Era that lasted from 1916 to 1928 and into the Nanjing Decade. In this Part 1 episode, Laszlo gives some background into the historical developments that led to the rise of, who some call, the first warlord, Yuan Shikai. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-09-2328 min
The China History PodcastEp. 230 | Pirate and Mongol Slayer Qi JiguangIn this episode, Laszlo introduces one of the great military heroes of the Ming Dynasty. Though rather well-known to Chinese who went through the public school systems of Greater China, little is known of him elsewhere. Qi Jiguang helped to rid the China coast of pirates (Wōkòu) and through his epic Great Wall restoration engineering project he kept the Mongol menace at bay and preserved the Ming Dynasty for an additional half-century. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-09-0943 min
The China History PodcastEp. 229 | The Walled City of KowloonLaszlo finally gets around to one of the most requested topics of all time, the Walled City of Kowloon in Hong Kong. In this episode, the history behind the Kowloon Walled City is introduced from its humble beginnings starting in the Southern Song to its later demolition during the early 1990's. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-08-2636 min
The China History PodcastEp. 227 | The Seven Great Singing Stars of Shanghai (Part 2)In this second part of the series Laszlo and special guest Spun Counterguy introduce Bai Hong, Bai Guang, Gong Qiuxia and Wu Yingyin. These four superstars of that golden era of music and entertainment left behind a string of hits that still inspires feelings of reminiscence for those days gone by. Yao Li, who sadly passed away recently on July 19, 2019 as well as Li Xianglan and Zhou Xuan will be covered in Part 3. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-07-2926 min
The China History PodcastEp. 226 | The Seven Great Singing Stars of Shanghai (Part 1)In this latest CHP installment, Laszlo finally gets around to introducing The Seven Great Singing Stars of old Shanghai whose performing skills on the silver screen and on 78 records provide us with a nostalgic glimpse of long-gone and controversial era. In this Part 1 episode, we will focus on the one who made it all possible, the talented Li Jinhui. Mr. Spun Counterguy from the "In the Corner Back By the Woodpile" podcast joins Laszlo to assist in telling this story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-07-1531 min
The China History PodcastEp. 225 | The History of Tang Poetry (Part 8)Our eight-part series on the history of Tang Poetry concludes with this episode that looks at the lives of three more poets: Li He, Du Mu, and Li Shangyin. And for an encore, Laszlo will recite poems from all three of these greats. The Late Tang period of Chinese poetry was marked with all the signs of an imperial house in decline. It was a sad and melancholy time and quite a few Late Tang poems expressed the hopelessness felt during these sorrowful years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your...2019-07-0126 min
The China History PodcastEp. 223 | The History of Tang Poetry (Part 6)Laszlo finishes up the High Tang period of Chinese poetry. Wang Wei and Meng Haoran are showcased in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-06-0224 min
The China History PodcastEp. 221 | The History of Tang Poetry (Part 4)Li Bai is showcased in this fourth installment of Laszlo's not very deep dive into the history of Tang poetry. We're still in the High Tang period of Chinese poetry. This episode will focus more on Li Bai's story (and legend) rather than an in-depth analysis of his poetry. He, along with several other poets from this time are cultural icons and treasures of the Chinese people. Check the links and resources for other scholarly and biographical info on Li Bai, Du Fu and other great Tang poets. This episode is especially geared towards those CHP listeners who may have...2019-05-0527 min
The China History PodcastEp. 220 | The History of Tang Poetry (Part 3)Finally in this part 3 episode Laszlo gets to the Tang poetry part of the series. After finishing up some of the good stuff that came out of the Six Dynasties, we'll get a first look at the Early and High Tang periods. More poets and more great poetry compilations will also be introduced. A lot of names and titles of works this episode. Feel free to check the terms from the episode and read up on some of them. Plenty of links to translated works of Classical Chinese poetry. If this series is piquing your interest, even a little, there's...2019-04-2131 min
The China History PodcastEp. 219 | The History of Tang Poetry (Part 2)In Part 2 Laszlo will finish up an overview of pre-Tang poetry and show where everything went from the Classic of Poetry and Songs of Chu. Fu rhapsodies, Yue Fu poetry and the works from the Jian'an era will be introduced. Tang poetry didn't arise out of nothing. It was the collective genius and creativity of all these pre and post-Qin Chinese literati who built the foundation that the Tang masters built on. Please come back for Part 3 where we'll finally get to the early Tang (maybe). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-04-0829 min
The China History PodcastEp. 218 | The History of Tang Poetry (Part 1)In this first of a series introducing the history of the development of Chinese poetry, Laszlo focuses on the two most important works from Pre-Qin China. These were the Classic of Poetry and the Songs of Chu. Though we will not get to the Tang Dynasty in this episode, we'll look at what came prior and how each new style impacted newer emerging styles of poetry. The life of Qu Yuan and Chu Kingdom will also be introduced. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-03-2425 min
The China History PodcastEp. 217 | The History of the Hokkien People (Part 2)Laszlo continues his shallow dive into the Hokkien people with a focus on the history of the Hokkien diaspora who populated many cities and towns throughout Southeast Asia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-03-0932 min
The China History PodcastEp. 216 | The History of the Hokkien People (Part 1)We're back in ancient times once again, this time looking at the homeland of the Hokkien people. As we've done with other groups of Southern Chinese (Teochew, Toi San, Hakka) this time Laszlo provides a broad overview of the people from the south of Fujian Province, the Hokkien or Hoklo people. Before we get into the Qing era diaspora, Laszlo focuses on how Fujian developed from a land populated by Yuè people to a part of Han Dynasty China with a focus on the Minyue Kingdom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-02-2624 min
The China History PodcastEp. 213 | The History of the Jewish Refugees in China (Part 6)In this final episode of the series, Laszlo introduces the Shanghai Ghetto, the final years of WWII and the aftermath. Please check the show notes at the web site for all kinds of books and videos from this period. Thanks to everyone who made it through all six episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-01-1229 min
The China History PodcastEp. 211 | The History of the Jewish Refugees in China (Part 4)Laszlo looks at Japanese attitudes towards the Jews and how it affected their treatment in Shanghai. The focus will be on the year 1939 when the greatest wave of Jewish refugees arrived in Shanghai. Then we will look at a little-known tidbit from history concerning a plan championed by Sun Ke (son of Sun Yat-sen) to rescue Europe's Jews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-12-1723 min
The China History PodcastEp. 209 | The History of the Jewish Refugees in China (Part 2)With the story of the Harbin Jews mostly out of the way, Laszlo moves on to the smaller and less known Jewish community of Tianjin. Then as the 1930s unfold and after Hitler came to power, our story shifts to the European Jews. In this episode, we'll look at the events leading up to Kristallnacht in November 1938. In Part 3 we'll focus on 1938 and 1939. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-11-1823 min
The China History PodcastEp. 208 | The History of the Jewish Refugees in China (Part 1)Laszlo is back with a new series that looks at the history of the Jewish refugees who came to China during the first part of the twentieth century. In this episode, after a long drawn-out intro that examines a bit of background on Jewish history, Laszlo explains how many Jews made their way to China to escape hard times back home. In the next episode, the story will continue with more from Harbin, Tianjin, and Shanghai. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-10-2242 min
The China History PodcastEp. 207 | The Forgotten Chinese Labour CorpsIn commemoration of the American Labor Day Holiday, Laszlo brings you a rather forgotten tale from the annals of Chinese modern history. As discussed in previous CHP episodes, the Chinese Labour Corps played a thankless but critical role in the allied victory over Germany in WWI. Who could have predicted the series of events that would happen as a result of the story of these men and the subsequent peace treaty that didn't recognize them or their country? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-09-0139 min
The China History PodcastEp. 206 | Robert van Gulik and Judge DeeIn this episode, Laszlo introduced the great Nederlander Robert van Gulik. In his relatively short life, van Gulik made a name for himself as a scholar, diplomat, and writer. Judge Dee was based on the historical person Di Renjie, an important official and minister of state during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian. Van Gulik was fascinated with the Chinese "gong'an" detective novel genre of literature and did a lot to popularize it around the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-08-1643 min
The China History PodcastEp. 205 | Ing “Doc” Hay, Lung On and the Kam Wah ChungLaszlo presents another story from the annals of Chinese-American history. This one takes place during the Exclusion years and spotlights the Chinese colony of Eastern Oregon. This is the story of Ing "Doc" Hay and his lifelong friend and business partner Long On, two Toi Son immigrants who built their American dream on the frontier. Ing Hay was a trained Chinese herbal doctor and pulmonologist and he brought this unique skill to the American West. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-07-2052 min
The China History PodcastEp. 200 | The History of China-Vietnam Relations (Part 4)In this landmark 200th episode Laszlo carries the story of China-Vietnam forward, beginning with the three Mongol invasions of Đại Việt during the Trần Dynasty. We'll get as far as the great (Later) Lê Dynasty founding emperor and resistance hero Lê Lợi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-04-1339 min
The China History PodcastEp. 197 | The History of China-Vietnam Relations (Part 1)In this first of a multipart series, Laszlo explores the ancient relationship between China and Vietnam. In this episode, the earliest days going back to Zhao Tuo and the Nanyue Kingdom are discussed. A thousand apologies for the poor editing job splicing the Vietnamese pronunciation. I'm hoping for an A for the effort at least. The remaining episodes will go off more smoothly. Thank you for your understanding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-03-2039 min
The China History PodcastEp. 196 | The British East India Company (Part 2)Laszlo finishes off this brief overview of The Honorable Company as tea takes center stage in history. It's a very rough landing for the East India Company as their commercial rivals and political enemies gradually put an end to their winning run going back to the 17th century. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-02-2731 min
The China History PodcastEp. 194 | The History of Toi San and US ImmigrationIn this episode, Laszlo looks at U.S. Immigration during the bad old days of Chinese Exclusion. The subject will be examined through the telling of the stories of three rather plain and non-extraordinary brothers from Haiyang Village in Toi San (Taishan in Mandarin). These three Moy brothers were featured in Scott Seligman's 2013 book "Three Tough Chinamen" (Earnshaw Books). In addition to the Chinese Exclusion laws, Laszlo briefly introduces the life of another Toisanese, Ng Poon Chew. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-02-131h 03
The China History PodcastEp. 193 | Whitey Smith and Early Shanghai JazzIn this episode, Laszlo tries something new. This time we look at the life and times of Whitey Smith, an important figure in the context of not only Shanghai Jazz, but the entirety of jazz history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2018-01-2756 min
The China History PodcastEp. 183 | The Nanjing Massacre (Part 2)Laszlo finishes off the overview of the Rape of Nanking as well as the stories of John Rabe, Robert O. Wilson, Minnie Vautrin, Rev. William Magee, and others who directed the Nanjing Safety Zone during the worst weeks of the atrocities. The aftermath of the Nanjing Massacre is also examined. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2017-05-1152 min
The China History PodcastEp. 182 | The Nanjing Massacre (Part 1)This is a very emotional, controversial, and sensitive subject for a whole lot of reasons. Over the next two episodes, Laszlo will review material from past episodes to discuss the lead-up to the Massacre. Then in Part 2 the actual event itself as well as the story of the Nanjing Safety Zone and some of the foreigners who became eyewitnesses to the horrors of the Nanjing Massacre, also known as The Rape of Nanking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2017-05-1145 min
The China History PodcastEp. 177 | William Mesny (Part 1)In this first part of a two-part series, we examine the forgotten life of William Mesny. Drawing from author David Leffman's 2016 book "The Mercenary Mandarin," Laszlo discusses an unknown character from the bad old days of late Qing Dynasty China. Though he never made it to the history books, he nonetheless witnessed and took part in a lot of it. Through Mesny we can once again wander through some of Imperial China's worst years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2017-01-1037 min
The China History PodcastEp. 176 | The History of the Teochew PeopleIn this episode, Laszlo explains a little about the "Gagi Nang", the 自己人 or 家己弄, known the world over as the Teochew (Chiu Chow or Chaozhou) people. Their language and culture are unique. Their food and Chaozhou culture is celebrated in more places than Chaozhou and not just by the people from that region. There are Chaozhounese people on every continent except maybe Antarctica. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2016-11-2937 min
The Chinese Sayings PodcastWelcome to the Chinese Sayings PodcastA warm welcome to the Chinese Sayings Podcast! Since 2017 Laszlo Montgomery introduces a new "chengyu" or Chinese idiomatic expression or saying. You'll get the backstory behind these ancient sayings. Once you learn the story behind each expression, you'll be able to unlock the meaning. These Chinese Sayings are filled with history and legendary stories. No need for you to be a Chinese language speaker. These stories can be enjoyed and appreciated by everyone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2016-11-2605 min
The China History PodcastEp. 174 | The Pirate Queen Zheng Yi SaoIn this latest episode, Laszlo finally gets around to the oft-requested subject of piracy in early 19th century China. Pirates had been a fact of life going back to the most olden days. Mid to late Qing Dynasty the amount of trade being plied on the China coast attracted pirates like never before. Zheng Yi Sao ("Zheng Yi's Wife") was a tough woman from the Pearl River Delta who married the most notorious pirate of his day Zheng Yi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2016-10-1333 min
The China History PodcastEp. 173 | The Tong Wars of New York Chinatown (Part 3)Laszlo offers up the exciting conclusion to the 3-part series introducing the Tong Wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2016-09-0241 min
The China History PodcastEp. 171 | The Tong Wars of New York Chinatown (Part 1)In this episode, Laszlo explains the Tong Wars of New York's Chinatown. With the help of Scott Seligman's latest book we go back to late 19th - early 20th century America and focus on New York's Chinatown. These were terribly unpleasant days for most citizens of Chinese ancestry and especially for those immigrants who either had not begun the process or lived in the shadows illegally. For a list of terms used in this episode, check out the CHP website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2016-07-2739 min
The China History PodcastEp. 170 | The Mongol Yuan Dynasty (Part 2)Laszlo finishes up the story of the Yuan Dynasty, founded in 1271. The parts of China not yet conquered were done in by 1276 and the last holdouts went by 1279. But the Great Yuan didn't last long. This episode takes a nice little overview of the dynasty, its slow demise, and the legacy they left. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2016-06-1859 min
The China History PodcastEp. 164 | Zhou Enlai (Part 4)In this Part 4 episode of the CHP Zhou Enlai series Laszlo re-tells the always amusing story of when the Americans came around Yan'an to kick the tires of the CCP and see what they were all about. This time Zhou again proves his loyalty and devotion to Mao and as always to China. He gets a real workout as far as developing his role as the Communists (and later China's) chief diplomat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2015-12-1948 min
The China History PodcastEp. 162 | Zhou Enlai (Part 2)In this second part of what's shaping up to be a long series, Laszlo picks up at the Zhongshan Gunboat Incident and follows the life of Zhou Enlai through the challenging years of 1926-1934. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2015-11-1247 min
The China History PodcastEp. 161 | Zhou Enlai (Part 1)In today's Part 1 episode Laszlo explores the early life of Zhou Enlai, growing up in a traditional scholar-officials family that had seen better days. Zhou gets passed from relative to relative. But each step of the way there were mentors and breaks that he was able to make the most of. We can see through his early years and into his teens how Zhou was perfectly trained and tested for the larger job that lay ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2015-11-0544 min
The China History PodcastEp. 159 | Chinese American Stars and Entertainers of Old HollywoodIn this episode, Laszlo focuses on the history of Chinese Americans in the early years of Hollywood. The period will focus on the 1920s to the 1950s. During those years Asian Americans had a rough time in Hollywood trying to break away from stereotypical roles. This episode takes a closer look at the lives of Anna May Wong and Jadin Wong as a window into these times. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2015-08-3145 min
The China History PodcastEp. 157 | The Rise and Fall of the Qin (Part 1)In this first of three episodes, Laszlo offers up a nice easy overview of Qin Shihuang and the Qin State. In Part 1 we'll look at the ancient beginnings of the Qin and how they caught a few lucky breaks, establishing themselves around Gansu and Shaanxi province, after coming to the aid of the Zhou kings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2015-08-0238 min
The China History PodcastEp. 156 | Joseph Needham (Part 2)In this Part 2 episode, Laszlo continues his intro of Joseph Needham in 1943 right after Needham returned from his perilous adventure to the northwest of China to visit the sights of Dunhuang. We'll conclude the life of Joseph Needham in this episode. He truly was, as Simon Winchester called him, "The Man Who Loved China." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2015-07-0849 min
The China History PodcastEp. 155 | Joseph Needham (Part 1)In this long-awaited topic, Laszlo introduces "The Man Who Loved China", Dr. Joseph Needham. A true friend of China for most of his adult life, Needham's contribution was the epic work "Science and Civilization in China". Today this massive undertaking is spread out over 24 volumes, 17 of which were written in Needham's own lifetime. In this Part 1 episode, we only go up to 1943 and the end of Needham's first expedition in China. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2015-06-2345 min
The China History PodcastEp. 154 | The Secret Nüshu ScriptIn this shorter than usual episode, Laszlo introduces a little piece of culture taken from the southern portion of Hunan Province. Generations of illiterate women from a single county on the Hunan-Guangxi border, denied education, created their own writing script. Men never learned it and so it was used by these women to communicate with each other and to record their secret thoughts and inspirations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2015-05-2127 min
The China History PodcastEp. 153 | The History of Opium in ChinaIn this episode, Laszlo examines remarks made by distinguished UCLA Professor of Public Policy Mark Kleiman who had commented on Britain's participation in the Opium War. Opium's history in China began centuries before, at least during the Tang and maybe as far back as the Eastern Jin. The focus of this episode is on opium's history in China prior to the Opium War. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2015-04-2840 min
The China History PodcastEp. 152 | The Flying Tigers (Part 2)Laszlo finishes off the CHP overview of the story of the AVG in World War II. In this episode, the battle commences on December 20, 1941. From that point forward until the organization was disbanded on July 4, 1942, the Flying Tigers wrote their name into the history books. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2015-04-0346 min
The China History PodcastEp. 151 | The Flying Tigers (Part 1)In this Part 1 episode, Laszlo provides all the setup and background for the magnificent story of the American Volunteer Group, known more popularly as The Flying Tigers. Theirs was only an eight-month-long story but their success at a time when all seemed hopeless provided an inspiration to many and showed Japan was not invincible. For a list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the CHP website at teacup.media and go to the episode page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2015-03-2136 min
The China History PodcastEp. 150 | The History of the Hakka PeopleIn this milestone 150th CHP episode, Laszlo shines a light on the Hakka people and where they fit in Chinese history. There are no shortages of authoritative sources that all disagree as to their origins and when the Hakka’s migrated from where to where. For a list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the CHP website at teacup.media and go to the episode page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2015-02-2848 min
The China History PodcastEp. 128 | The History of American Chinese CuisineAfter a record-breaking pause in the action, Laszlo is back with one last episode to finish 2013. This time we look at the interesting and amusing history of Chinese cuisine in America, an oft-requested topic here at the China History Podcast. This is a history that goes hand-in-hand with the earliest Chinese immigration to the US. If you’re interested to learn more on the subject, I strongly recommend checking out the work of Andrew Coe and Jennifer Lee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2013-12-3042 min
The China History PodcastEp. 107 | The History of Hong Kong (Part 7)We're back with Part 7 of Laszlo's overview of the History of Hong Kong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2012-12-2437 min
The China History PodcastEp. 103 | The History of Hong Kong (Part 3)Welcome back to Part 3 of Laszlo's overview of the History of Hong Kong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2012-11-0935 min
The China History PodcastEp. 102 | The History of Hong Kong (Part 2)In part two of Laszlo’s overview of the history of Hong Kong, we look at the Canton System and the lead-up to hostilities that culminated in the Treaty of Nanjing that ceded Hong Kong in perpetuity to the British crown. In this episode, we’ll get as far as the Convention of Chuenpi of January 20, 1841. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2012-10-2739 min
The China History PodcastEp. 101 | The History of Hong Kong (Part 1)Laszlo is back after another long delay. In this shorter than usual episode, The China History Podcast presents Part 1 of a multi-part series that will explore the history of Hong Kong. In this introductory episode, Laszlo starts at the very beginning and traces Hong Kong from the Devonian Period all the way up the end of the Ming Dynasty in the 17th century. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2012-10-1424 min
The China History PodcastEp. 92 | Zheng He (Part 1)Laszlo is back after more than two weeks on the lam. This time we look at part 1 of a series featuring the great adventurer/explorer/diplomat Zheng He. Zheng He’s seven voyages to India, Persia, and the east coast of Africa created a big sensation in the early 15th century. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2012-07-2941 min
The China History PodcastEp. 85 | The Cultural Revolution (Part 3)In this third episode of Laszlo’s Cultural Revolution Overview, we only advance 18 days in August of 1966. Momentous and shocking events happen one after another, day after day. With the announcement of the 16 Points, now the Cultural Revolution has a purpose and guidelines to follow. Today’s episode will show that Mao had anything except an orderly execution of this plan to transform China. He was going to shake up the whole nation, like a snow globe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2012-05-2932 min
The China History PodcastEp. 84 | The Cultural Revolution (Part 2)This week Laszlo takes us up to August 1966 with this Cultural Revolution overview. After a nine-month hiatus down in Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Wuhan, Mao is now back in Beijing and ready to mount his attack on the party leadership and unleash the Cultural Revolution on the entire country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2012-05-2140 min
The China History PodcastEp. 83 | The Cultural Revolution (Part 1)By popular demand, Laszlo begins to trace the history of the Cultural Revolution. This week’s episode looks at the events leading up to the moment in 1966 when Mao called for the people to Bombard the Headquarters and to tear down the government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2012-05-1333 min
The China History PodcastEp. 82 | The History of China-India RelationsFirstly, Laszlo apologizes in advance for the horrific pronunciation of all Hindi terms. In this updated version of a very old episode from 2012, we look at the long history of Sino-Indian Relations. Many online writers and in the media like to frame this relationship in rather militaristic terms. There's way more to it than that. And there are limitless online resources available that can teach you about all the details and nuances. If you didn't know much beyond the negative vibes being disseminated, here's a nice big-picture two-thousand-year perspective. No question about it, whatever their differences, China and India a...2012-04-3036 min
The China History PodcastEp. 73 | The Early Years of the Silk RoadLaszlo’s back from Germany and after a long delay we pick up where we left off. In this episode we reacquaint ourselves with the background and early years of the Silk Road. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2012-02-1239 min
The China History PodcastEp. 69 | Deng Xiaoping (Part 7)After a holiday delay, Laszlo is back with the 7th and almost final episode of our overview of Ezra Vogel’s new biography of Deng. In this episode we look at the meat and potatoes of the Reform years from 1979 to 1989. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2011-12-3037 min
The China History PodcastEp. 63 | Deng Xiaoping (Part 1)Laszlo is happily back in Cali with a new episode that looks at the early years of Deng Xiaoping. Most of the narrative is based on passages gleaned from Ezra Vogel’s new biography of The Great One. Inspired by the events of May Fourth, 1919, Deng Xiaoping was a lifelong revolutionary and by the end of his days had personally seen to it that China ended up the nation it was meant to be on the world stage. In this multi-part series on the life of Deng Xiaoping, we’ll trace his life, all the triumphs as well as the tragedi...2011-11-0731 min
The China History PodcastEp. 50 | Daoism (Part 1)In this week’s episode, Laszlo tackles Daoism, a philosophy, a religion and a way of life that everyone has heard about but not everyone learned the backstory. This time we look at the history and the times that spawned this most fertile of philosophies. In later episodes, we’ll dig a little deeper and look more at continue reading >> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2011-07-2030 min
The China History PodcastEp. 31 | The Ming Dynasty (Part 1)Laszlo is back, finally, after a longer layoff than expected. This week we look at the end of the Yuan dynasty and the founding of the Ming Dynasty. We look at the first emperor Ming Taizu, a.k.a. The Hongwu Emperor. With the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, once again Chinese are in control of the continue reading >> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2011-02-1327 min
The China History PodcastEp. 30 | Chinese New YearThis week we take a break from the history to look at the background and the traditions surrounding Chinese New Year. Laszlo will be back next time to pick up where we left off after the fall of the Song Dynasty. On behalf of everyone here at the China History Podcast, we wish everyone a continue reading >> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2011-02-0224 min
The China History PodcastEp. 29 | The Southern Song DynastyIn this week’s episode Laszlo finishes off the Song Dynasty after the Jin Empire captures the royal family and sacks the capital in Kaifeng. The Song dynasty continues on with the new capital in the south of China, below the Yangzi River. Despite perilous times with hostile neighbors to the north, the dynasty enjoys continued continue reading >> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2011-01-2626 min