How China Became China

Explore Chinese history and culture through stories, art, mythology, objects, and everyday life.

This channel introduces the ideas, images, and traditions that shaped Chinese civilization—from ancient cities and historical figures to painting, clothing, architecture, folklore, and classical literature.

Rather than presenting China as a collection of dates and dynasties, each episode begins with a question, an object, or a story, and uses it to reveal a larger cultural world.

New English-language audio essays and podcasts about Chinese history, art, mythology, and ideas.