A look at the world of male prostitution in Beijing during the late Qing and early Republican eras.

The story of Qian Xuesen, “an undisputed genius” who helped China develop rocket technology after he was shunned in the United States of America

On my death bed, I swear the most powerful sonic memory from my years in China will be that of a drill reverberating through walls and floors and burrowing its way into the reptilian part of my brain.

On August 8, 2008, China’s then Chairman Hu Jintao told a group of world leaders visiting Beijing to attend the Olympics that “the historic moment we have long awaited is arriving.” 10 years later, how do we evaluate China’s Olympic performance and legacy? 

How a Christian missionary fell foul of the Chinese Emperor.

Beijing authorities have made a bid for 15 landmarks in the Chinese capital to join the list of World Cultural Heritage sites by 2035, a move that’s not without controversy.

Amid nationalist celebrations sparked by July 4th and the World Cup, Jeremiah Jenne reflects that it’s no bad thing to honor a country but that it’s also worth rebalancing our patriotism with our responsibilities to the world.

Who will shape China’s youth narrative—millennials, or the Westerners who can’t stop writing about them? A review of Young China: How the Restless Generation Will Change Their Country and the World by Zak Dychtwald.

Paul French's latest book reconstructs Jazz Age Shanghai in sin and splendor.

Einstein’s comments about China in his 1922 travel diaries are sadly reflective of attitudes at the time, both in the West and in China.

Anthems are tricky things. They are part of state pageantry but are also played ceremonially in public settings, such as sporting events, which are outside the immediate control of the state.

In the fraught relationship between the United States and China, perhaps it is what they share in common as much as their differences that divide the two largest economies in the world.

Can foreigners “eat spicy?” A meditation on our love affair with the chili pepper.

When calling for boycotts of Chinese companies, the US is going to need the help of the EU and also should remember the history of economic nationalism in China.

Marx may be getting most of the attention this year, but we should not forget the possible pasts represented by Cai Yuanpei, the intellectual omnivore, the university president unafraid of wild thinkers.

Unearthing the history lying beneath a Beijing park

April 15th, National Security Education and Awareness Day in China, has become an annual day of whimsy for those of us living in Beijing.

US politicians score points with nativists by targeting immigrants. Chinese commercial interests collude with officials to stymie foreign competition. Diplomats try to resolve a trade dispute and avoid a broader conflict. Welcome to the world…in 1905.

When I tell my dining companions that their mighty chili is not native – is, in fact, like me a foreigner to their shores – they look at me as if wondering, is it possible that this Lao Wai is intentionally hurting the feelings of 1.5 billion people?

My review of Robert Bickers' Out of China.

My review of Harvey Thomlinson's experimental novel The Strike

What possible combination of words could be more terrifying than: “John Bolton, National Security Adviser”?

As the Party proceeds to eat the apparatus of government like some unholy cross between the Ouroboros and a human centipede, Xi Jinping steers the ship of state to a new era of "Amazing China."

One theory as to why the name “tangyuan” is more popular than “yuanxiao” today has to do with the perils of imperial politics — and has a special resonance in Beijing today

Qing emperors were no strangers to the curse of bad data—and built their own secret system to avoid it.

Looking at the trajectory of Xi Jinping, it’s hard not to think of the parallels with la Familia Corleone.*

The Ministry of Culture last month announced a crackdown on “obscene, pornographic and vulgar performances” at funerals and weddings after stories of wild send-offs involving naked women groping mourners and pole dancing at rural gatherings made headlines.

Yeah, Beijing is a tough mistress, a city that a friend once compared to living in an abusive relationship. He’s now in Bangkok. I’m still here … for as long as they’ll let me stay.

Even centuries ago, the people of Beijing were willing to help those less fortunate, and throughout the city’s recent history, there have been many institutions providing aid to the poor, the sick, and the displaced.

Zhihua Temple, one of the best-preserved repositories of Ming-era architecture and artifacts in the city, has reopened after extensive renovations.