The Chinese Door Gods

Special Bonus Episode for UN Chinese Language Day! Have you ever wondered where the world's oldest continuous writing system came from? Today, we're stepping back thousands of years to meet Cang Jie, the legendary figure believed to have created Chinese characters. Legend says hi ... Show More

Would you lose one race to win the whole match? Ancient strategist Sun Bin proved that smart matchups beat raw speed. And sometimes, what looks like bad luck… isn't. From "Tian Ji's Horse Racing" to "Sai Weng Lost His Horse," two stories about timing, patience, and perspective. ( ... Show More

From "Bo Le Discerns a Noble Steed" to "Mistaking a Toad for a Horse," two short Chinese horse-related tales tell big lessons about talent, judgment, and flexibility. (01:05) The story of Bo Le Discerns a Noble Steed (06:21) The story of Mistaking a Toad for a Horse 

<p>For Americans, the sight of pagoda roofs and dragon gates means that you are in Chinatown. Whether in San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas, the chinoiserie look is distinctive. But for those just arriving from China, the … <a href="http://99percentinvisible.prx.o ... Show More

The Bái Hǔ is a celestial deity in ancient Chinese mythology who takes on the form of the majestic White Tiger. Those who worship Bái Hǔ can count on his blessings and protection… but those who thumb their noses at him may find themselves fleeing the claws and jaws of this feroci ... Show More

The story of the twelve bronze zodiac heads that are at the center of a fight over the repatriation of Chinese cultural heritage. Most believe all such cultural artifacts should return to China, but many others argue that these objects are also serving as nationalistic propaganda ... Show More

Episode Description: When a flyer leads Max and Molly to new POG activity, Aunt M sends them to the Great Wall of China in 1601. There, they discover that what locals think is a terrifying “monster” is actually a POG transmission antenna. With the Commander eager to take credit, ... Show More

<p>A dragon is rising in the East. All around, curious faces wait to see whether it will roar or sing. In today&#39;s Chinese lesson, we&#39;ll look at some different perspectives on the rise of modern China. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1220</p> 

Why would a prince give up the secular world and pursue a religious life? Why would a king offer his flesh to save a dove? The wall paintings of Dunhuang Mogao Cave 275 have some interesting Buddhist stories to tell. 

A powerful and mischievous shape-shifter from Japanese mythology, Tengu was known as a mythological trickster. Its depiction ranges from a fierce demonic dog in Chinese folklore to a modern half-man-half-bird creature that permeates Japanese art and ceremony. Learn more about you ... Show More