Chinese History & Mythology

96.Interesting Chinese Culture——What are Chinese dining etiquette?

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you are invited to a formal Chinese family dinner for the first time, you will likely have many questions. Why does everyone sit around a round tab...

95.Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-31

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After Duke Jing of Qi returned from Pingqiu, he looked calm on the surface and formed an alliance with Jin, but in his heart he could see it clearly. ...

94.Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-30

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Jin army had surrounded Biyang for twenty-four days. The city was small, but it was tough. They simply could not break it. Then heavy rain poured ...

93.Interesting Chinese Culture——Why are Chinese weddings so elaborate?

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Every year around February, during the Chinese New Year season, city hotels are almost fully booked, wedding planners work until after midnight, ances...

92.Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-29

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Xun Linfu ordered Xi Yong to hunt down the bandits. But Yangshe Zhi made a bold prediction. He said Xi Yong would not die a natural death. Xun Linfu a...

91.Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-28

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Zhong Sui and Shu Sun De Chen arrived in the State of Qi. On the surface, they congratulated Duke Hui of Qi on his accession. At the same time, they t...

90.Interesting Chinese Culture——From Chinese Kung Fu to Cyber Robots.

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

I don’t know if you’ve recently seen the news about China’s Spring Festival Gala and those robots. You probably came across that clip on your ph...

89. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-27

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

During the mourning period of Duke Xiang of Jin, the marshal Xian Zhen had already learned of Qin’s secret plan to strike Zheng. He entered the cour...

88. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-26

11 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Zhao Cui carried Duke Wen of Jin’s secret order and rode by carriage to see Wei Chou. At that time, Wei Chou’s chest wound was very serious. He la...

87.Interesting Chinese Culture——Does China Really Have 5,000 Years of History?

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered why Chinese people often say that China has five thousand years of civilization? Where does that number really come from? Five ...

86. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-25

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After executing Lü Sheng and Xi Rui in Wangcheng, Duke Wen once again bowed in thanks to Duke Mu of Qin. He then formally requested to bring Huai Yin...

85. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-24

04 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Prince Chong’er blamed Hu Yan for designing the plan and tricking him into leaving Qi. He grabbed Wei Chou’s long halberd and thrust it at Hu Yan....

84.Interesting Chinese Culture——What is the Hot Pot?

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

I wonder if any of you have ever tried a Chinese dish called Hot Pot. In recent years, Hot Pot has become one of the most beloved foods among young pe...

83. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-23

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Taking advantage of the moment when Yong Wu led troops out of the city. Gao Hu hid brave warriors inside the city tower and sent someone to invite Shu...

82. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-22

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Someone heard this and told yi ya, yi ya then went to bao shuya’s home and said, “guan zhong became the chancellor of qi because you recommended h...

81.Interesting Chinese Culture——What is the Lantern Festival?

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Is it true that Chinese people can take fifteen days off for the Spring Festival? It sounds a bit exaggerated, almost like a joke. But if you’ve bee...

80. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-21

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After Duke Xian of Jin swallowed up the states of Guo and Yu, the court officials all came to offer congratulations. Only Li Ji felt unhappy in her he...

79. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-20

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

At the Kuiqiu alliance meeting.Zhougong Kong was also present. Meanwhile, the new ruler of Song, Duke Xiang of Song, had just suffered a death in the ...

78.Interesting Chinese Culture——Chinese Valentine's Day （Qixi）

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Qixi Festival , also known as the Qiqiao Festival is a Chinese festival celebrating the annual meeting of Zhinü and Niulang in Chinese mythology....

77. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-19

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Qi, Song, and Cao camped at Niebei and did not move. They stayed there for two full months. During that time, the Di forces kept attacking Xing day an...

76. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-18

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

At the critical moment, the main Qi army arrived.The Qi general Prince Chengfu charged bravely, defeated Sùmai, and rescued Hu’er Ban. Hu’er Ban ...

75.Interesting Chinese Culture——Chinese New Year（Spring Festival）

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you ask a Chinese person, “What is the most important festival of the year?” Most people will answer without hesitation: the Spring Festival. F...

74. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-17

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In the first month of the first year of King Xi of Zhou. Duke Huan of Qi held court. After the ministers finished their audience, Duke Huan asked Guan...

73.Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-16

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On the Lu side Duke Zhuang finally understood what it meant to ignore good advice. With Qi troops right at the border he chose to give in. Prince Jiu ...

72.Interesting Chinese Culture——Why Are Dragons So Loved in Chinese Culture?

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

So when a Chinese person gets excited and tells you, look, that is a dragon pattern, it stands for good luck and strength. You might freeze for a seco...

71. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-15

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Afterward Shi Bo privately said to Duke Zhuang that from Guan Yiwu’s expression he did not look like someone who would die on the road.He was a rare...

70. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-14

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This Guan Yiwu, whose courtesy name was Zhong, was very tall and strongly built.He looked powerful and full of masculine presence.He had read many boo...

69.Interesting Chinese Culture——Why is there no so called noble bloodline race among Chinese people？

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Content Disclaimer This episode includes discussion of discrimination strictly within historical and cultural contexts and is presented solely for aca...

68. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-13

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What kind of person was he  . To put it plainly, he was indulgent, lustful, and had no respect for boundaries  . On the outside he wore the robes of...

67. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-12

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After reading the report, Duke Xiang was furious .  His first thought was, “I just made peace with Duke Zhao of Zheng, and I just agreed to this al...

66.Interesting Chinese Culture——How were the twelve zodiac animals chosen？

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A long time ago, about two thousand six hundred years ago during the Zhou dynasty, the Jade Emperor, the highest god in Chinese mythology,decided to c...

65. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-11

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When Ji Zi heard that his mother had died, his heart broke   He did not dare cry in front of his father, so he hid and wept in secret .     Even th...

64. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-10

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The content of that letter was very direct   In plain terms it was just two points .  The first was congratulations   It said, congratulations on f...

63.Interesting Chinese Culture——Do Chinese people really eat dog meat？

09 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This is a question I often had to answer and explain when I first met some foreign friends.  Many foreign friends would ask me very directly.Do Chine...

62. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-9

09 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After Duke Huan of Chen died, his younger brother, Prince Tuo, killed the crown prince and grabbed the throne for himself .   Everyone in Chen knew ...

61. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-8

07 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The moment this man took the throne, he acted like a gambler who suddenly got hooked—his favorite thing in the world was starting wars    Especia...

60.Interesting Chinese Culture——Why do Chinese people like to drink hot water?

02 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Whenever you say something like, I do not feel very well, or I feel tired, or I feel cold, or I am a bit thirsty, in most cases the response you get i...

59. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-7

02 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After reading it, Zheng Zhuanggong immediately understood he could not keep pushing forward. If he continued attacking Song’s heartland while his ow...

58. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-6

31 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Zhouyu quickly asked, “What way?” Shi Hou said, “My father, Shi Que, used to be the top minister of Wei. He held great power, and his characte...

57. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-5

29 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Duke Zhuang of Zheng was the first to speak. He asked something like, “Gongsun Hua is now leading the troops of Wei to attack us. Does anyone have ...

56. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-4

26 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The ministers were shocked. They quickly tried to persuade him, saying, “Your Majesty, Jing is a rough land. Their customs have never been very refi...

55. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-3

24 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Inside Haojing, a sudden urgent report rang through the city: the Western Rong army had already surrounded the capital and was about to attack. When K...

54. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-2

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The whole story began with a children’s rhyme that suddenly spread through the capital. It was a short chant sung by a group of kids, clapping their...

53.Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms (simplified Chinese: 东周列国志) is a Chinese historical novel in 108 chapters written by Feng Menglo...

52.The Zhou Dynasty —— Tao Te Ching & The Art of War

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we will divide the episode into two major parts In the first part we talk about the Tao Te Ching We will look at what Lao Zi was resisting and...

51.The Zhou Dynasty and its history

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After King Wu defeated the Shang, his biggest challenges were not “How do we beat the last king?” They were two much more complicated questions: ...

50.Investiture of the Gods——The Postscript

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The next morning, the official in charge of meals from the Imperial Kitchen hurried to the southern outskirts and set up a grand feast on a wide open ...

49.Investiture of the Gods——After the Investiture

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

All the generals, big and small, were startled awake. Someone ran to report to Jiang-Zi-Ya at once. Jiang-Zi-Ya stepped out of his sleeping tent, saw ...

48.Investiture of the Gods——Final Battle

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When Lu Renjie heard that the Zhou army had come, he personally led a large force to the front of the formation. He looked up and saw Jiang-Zi-Ya rid...

47.Investiture of the Gods——The Three Hermits of Chaoge

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Zhou soldiers could not withstand his strength at all. Wherever he smashed through, bodies fell everywhere and blood flowed like rivers.  That ni...

46.Investiture of the Gods——That Reveals Monsters

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The decree said: “Marshal Yuan Hong, skilled in both civil and martial arts, wiser than ordinary men, and continually victorious in battle—you are...

45.Investiture of the Gods——Snow on Deer Terrace

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As monstrous generals clash with Zhou forces at Mengjin, King Zhou of Shang sinks deeper into cruelty on Deer Terrace—testing Daji’s “powers” ...

44.Investiture of the Gods——Battle for Mianchi

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 “General, do not panic. The Son of Heaven is probably thinking that the two of us can still hold off the Zhou army for a while. Now that Yuan Hong...

43.Investiture of the Gods——Bones Beasts Mandate

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The immortals around him had been lifeless a moment ago, but now their spirits rose again. They shouted, “Teacher, we’ll follow you to get revenge...

42.Investiture of the Gods——The Myriad-Immortals Array

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Xu Fang had heard the Plague Array was gone. He was so scared he didn’t sleep all night. At first light, killing shouts shook the earth. Drums thund...

41.Investiture of the Gods——Breaking the Zhu-Xian Array

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Zhun-Ti Dao-ren said, “To be frank, I came to the southeast to seek those with ties, but found none. Then, several times, I saw a hundred red shafts...

40.Investiture of the Gods——The Blood-Melting Blade

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As they spoke, a Daoist page asked for audience.Jiang-Zi-Ya admitted him. The boy said, “I am a disciple from Qian-Yuan Mountain, Golden-Light Cave,...

39.Investiture of the Gods——The Battle at Jiameng Pass

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jiang-Zi-Ya left with Wei-Hu, Nuh-zhah, and three thousand men. After several days’ march, they reached Jia-Meng Pass. They set up camp outside but ...

38.Investiture of the Gods—— Go To The Mengjin

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

At dawn the scouts returned. Huang Tianhua was dead. Nuh-zhah and Lei Zhenzi were missing. Hwung Fay Hoo fainted with grief. Nan Gongshi advised him, ...

37.Investiture of the Gods——The True Beginning

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Zhao Ge still did not learn the lesson and kept sending troops. A new general arrived—Hong Jin. He was skilled in magic and used a trick called the ...

36.Investiture of the Gods—— Princess Longji

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Beaten, Yin Jyow fell back to camp—then met help from Luo Xuan, the Flame-Within Immortal of Fire Dragon Island, and Liu Huan of Nine-Dragon Island....

35.Investiture of the Gods——Prince Yin Jiao

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jiang-Zi-Ya sighed, “Ma Yuan ravages Xiqi. He even seized the God-Beating Whip. Yin Hong defies his teacher and fights me. If we don’t remove them...

34.Investiture of the Gods——Plague-Pox Umbrella

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

At the west gate, Li Qi drove in with three thousand and ran headlong into Nuh-zhah. The two clashed so hard the walls seemed to tilt.Yellow Dragon Je...

33.Investiture of the Gods——Pandemic

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After reading, he was secretly delighted.He kept the envoy for wine and food and sent him off with silver.Raising his cup, Su Ho said, “Unfortunate...

32.Investiture of the Gods——Get Married

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

At Deng Jiugong’s camp, night had just fallen and the lanterns flickered in the darkness.Tu Xing Sun had returned after the victory celebration, sti...

31.Investiture of the Gods——Tu Xing Sun

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Wen Taishi led his broken troops for more than twenty li.Wen Taishi recognized him at once—Yunn Jong Zuh of Yuzhu Cave on Zhongnan Mountain. He bow...

30.Investiture of the Gods——The Three Ladies

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The three ladies and the two female Daoists went to the rear camp and drew an array on the ground with white clay. “This is the starting point; tha...

29.Investiture of the Gods——Zhao Gong Ming

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Suddenly Zhao Gongming threw the Golden Flood-Dragon Shears into the air. The shears transformed into two golden dragons glowing like fire, creatures...

28.Investiture of the Gods—— Golden Flood-Dragon

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

At that moment, Yuan Heavenly Lord burst out in fury, riding his deer straight from the camp. He shouted, “Grand Preceptor Wen, hold your hand! Let...

27.Investiture of the Gods——Ding-Feng Pearl

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On Wen Taishi’s side, he and the ten Daoists returned to camp and laid out a banquet. Wen Taishi raised his cup and asked, “Fellow Daoists, what ...

26.Investiture of the Gods—— The Ten Formations

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

He climbed up the city tower and looked south. What he saw was breathtaking— across the mountains and open fields, killing intent filled the sky, ...

25.Investiture of the Gods——Wen’s March

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 Wen Taishi called upon the Four Demon Generals of the Mo Family from Jiameng Pass. The four brothers, each with their deadly treasures—Green-Cloud...

24.Investiture of the Gods——The Four Mo Brothers

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Guangfa Tianzun smiled and said, “This is the will of Heaven. It should be so. Man cannot change it.”An hour or two later, Guangfa Tianzun said to...

23.Investiture of the Gods——Death of Jiang Ziya

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jiang-Zi-Ya made his way back, someone behind him suddenly shouted his name.So who was this person calling him from behind? Let’s continue the story...

22.Investiture of the Gods——Zhou vs Shang Battle

08 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After several days, he arrived in Xi Qi, entered the Prime Minister’s residence, and dropped to his knees before Jiang-Zi-Ya: “The Prime Minister’...

21.Investiture of the Gods——A Trap Within Xi Qi

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Before long, a cloud of dust rose ahead. A column of soldiers marched forward, banners snapping in the wind, spears and blades packed tightly together...

20.Investiture of the Gods——Five Gates of Fate

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The story goes like this:Hwung Fay Hoo， a top general of the Shang Dynasty, came from a family loyal to the throne for generations. However, after t...

19.Investiture of the Gods——Huang Feihu's betrayal

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Zhou to rise against King Zhou’s cruel rule? Let’s continue today’s story.It was the first day of the New Year. After the ministers had finished...

18.Investiture of the Gods——The Death of Je Chang

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 After I die, even if the king is without virtue, never let anyone stir you to ‘a minister attacking his lord.’ If you break this, I will have no...

17.Investiture of the Gods——Grand Preceptor Wen Returns

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On the deer terrace, Dah-Gee sat drinking with King Zhou. She suddenly changed her look: no longer bright and glowing, but pale and delicate, with jus...

16.Investiture of the Gods——Demon Banquet

24 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Wu Ji ran to the stream and saw Jiang-Zi-Ya sitting alone under the willow trees, fishing rod in hand, lines drifting in the green water, his lips mur...

15.Investiture of the Gods——Lei Zhen Zi

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When the ministers heard that King Zhou had pardoned Jee-Chang, they were all relieved. But Jee-Chang was still grieving for Bo Yi Kao. He sighed, “...

14.Investiture of the Gods—— Father Ate His Son

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Then Bo Yi Kao said, “My father Jee-Chang has been locked up for seven years. I want to go to Zhao Ge City and trade our family treasures for his fr...

13.Investiture of the Gods—— Terrifying Punishments

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

One day, King Zhou of Shang drank with Dah-Gee on the tower. Half drunk, Dah-Gee danced and sang to please him. She was very beautiful—before enteri...

12.Investiture of the Gods—— Jiang Zi Ya

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We have told stories from Investiture of the Gods for a long time. There is one person who runs through the whole story:  Jiang-Zi-Ya. Today we final...

11.Investiture of the Gods—— Shrine to Ash, Lotus to Body

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Last time, we ended with Nuh-zhah giving up his own life to keep the Four Dragon Kings from flooding Chen Tang Pass. He chose to pay for the deaths of...

10.Investiture of the Gods—— The Demon Boy Descends

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

At the end of the last episode, we mentioned Li Jing, the commander at Chen Tang Pass. His wife, Lady Yin, gave birth to a strange flesh ball. Thinkin...

9.Investiture of the Gods——Shang on the Brink

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you still remember the old veteran official we mentioned earlier—Shang Rong? When Prince Yin Jyow was captured and brought back to Zhao Ge City, ...

8.Investiture of the Gods——Princes Vanish, Hero Arrives

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After narrowly escaping the palace, Yin Jyow and Yin Hong fled to seek protection from Hwung Fay Hoo.So just who is Hwung Fay Hoo? And why did the pri...

7.Investiture of the Gods——Burning the Minister, Gouging the Eyes

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In short, it’s a grand epic of war, magic, betrayal, and redemption. It lays the foundation of Chinese mythology. And if you love big fantasy worlds...

6.Chinese Mythology—— Investiture of the Gods

01 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Last time, we talked about the last king of the Sha dynasty — King Jie.He was famous — but for all the wrong reasons: cruelty, partying too much, ...

5.Chinese Mythology——Yu Controls the Floods

30 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In our last story, we mentioned that Shun—the last of the Five Emperors and the "winner of the toughest interview in history"—didn’t p...

4.Chinese Mythology—— Three Sovereigns & Five Emperors

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, let’s talk about a few heavyweight figures who influenced Chinese myth stories. Even though these stories sound like myths, just like the her...

3.Chinese Mythology——The Foundation Tales 2

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pangu created the heaven, and Nuwa created humans and mended the sky. But what happened after that? How were some common problems in people’s lives ...

2.Chinese Mythology——The Foundation Tales

27 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you know the story of Journey to the West, you should be aware that Sun Wukong was a monkey transformed from a stone. Some say this stone, which ga...

1.Welcome to Chinese History & Mythology

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dear friends, are you fascinated by Chinese history and mythology, but sometimes find it difficult to truly understand the deeper meaning behind the s...