Audio, Contemporary China
Jeremiah Jenne
What happens after a Barbarian walks away from ...

On the latest episode of Barbarians at the Gate, David Moser and I discuss new directions. We reflect on our COVID-era episodes, discuss the current situation on academic exchanges in China with cautious optimism, and outline future plans for the pod.

What happens after a Barbarian walks away from the Gate?
Beijing, Contemporary China, Audio
Jeremiah Jenne
Exile from Expat-Ville

David and Jeremiah speak with Mike Wester about running @thebeijinger, organizing the “Safe and Sane” communities during the pandemic, and the future of expats in Beijing. Also, Jeremiah surprises David and Mike with an announcement.

Exile from Expat-Ville
Book Reviews, History, Travel
Jeremiah Jenne
Marco Polo: Travel writer? Fraud? Sexpat?

‘The Travels of Marco Polo’ is often held up as the earliest Western account of China and Asia. What’s actually inside the covers might surprise you.

Marco Polo: Travel writer? Fraud? Sexpat?
Audio, Travel
Jeremiah Jenne
Art with Altitude: A Conversation with Artist, ...

On this episode of Barbarians at the Gate, we talk to artist, educator, and social entrepreneur Kristel Ouwehand of Snowland Art

Art with Altitude: A Conversation with Artist, Educator, and Social Entrepreneur Kristel Ouwenhand
Audio, History
Jeremiah Jenne
History Wars: The PRC pushes back against ...

David and I discuss what's going on with the Qing history project, a controversy about Genghis Khan in France, and how PRC continues punching back against potentially problematic pasts.

History Wars: The PRC pushes back against unsanctioned views of the past

Travel

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The Mountains are High

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The Mountains are High

On the latest episode of Barbarians at the Gate, David and I welcome back author (and friend of the podcast) Alec Ash to talk about Dali, rural escapism in China today, and his latest book, The Mountains Are High.

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Ellen La Motte: An American Nurse in Peking

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Ellen La Motte: An American Nurse in Peking

In 1916, an American activist and writer traveled to China from the frontlines of World War I. What she saw in the city delighted her; what she saw in the opium trade appalled her.

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Have Tunes, Will Travel: The Musical Adventures of DJ Bo

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Have Tunes, Will Travel: The Musical Adventures of DJ Bo

With David off on summer shenanigans, Jeremiah flies solo as DJ Bo drops by the BATG studio to talk about his adventures performing across China, what drives his passion for music, and the case for Shanghai as the birthplace of Rock n’ Roll.

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A Weekend Walks Guide to Managing the Spring Tourist Crush

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A Weekend Walks Guide to Managing the Spring Tourist Crush

Beijing travel is back, and so are the crowds. Here are a few tips for those looking to take advantage of the great weather as the city prepares for the May Day holiday crush.

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Blood on the Tracks: The Story of China’s Greatest Train Robbery

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Blood on the Tracks: The Story of China’s Greatest Train Robbery

Author James Zimmerman’s new book examines the surprising stories behind the 1923 robbery of the Peking Express, China’s most modern train at the time

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Travelers, Trains, and Tartary: China Literary Journeys To Inspire Your Next Adventure

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Travelers, Trains, and Tartary: China Literary Journeys To Inspire Your Next Adventure

Here are a few great travelogues by intrepid foreign writers who documented their own journeys through China and beyond.

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Getting Elevated in Qinghai with Entrepreneur and Mountain Guide Ben Cubbage

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Getting Elevated in Qinghai with Entrepreneur and Mountain Guide Ben Cubbage

In this episode of Barbarians at the Gate, we are joined by Ben Cubbage of Elevated Trips. Ben calls in from the lofty heights of Qinghai to talk about life on the plateau, post-COVID tourism, and running an eco-travel and guiding business in China.

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The Forbidden City with Matthew Hu

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The Forbidden City with Matthew Hu

On this episode of Barbarians at the Gate, Matthew Hu of the Beijing Cultural Heritage Preservation Center joins Jeremiah and David Moser to look at the Forbidden City's past, present, and future and the challenges of restoring and exhibiting the museum’s 1.8 million artifacts.

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Back to the Land: Author Alec Ash on escaping to Dali, rural retreats, and a return to England

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Back to the Land: Author Alec Ash on escaping to Dali, rural retreats, and a return to England

Author Alec Ash stops by the Barbarians at the Gate studio on his way through Beijing. David and I talk with Alec about Dali in a time of COVID, Alec's new book about urban refugees in the mountains of Yunnan, and his plans for the future.

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How to Explore Beijing's History and Avoid the Crowds This October Holiday

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How to Explore Beijing's History and Avoid the Crowds This October Holiday

Beijing's famous sites will be heaving from today onwards, but you can beat the crowds and find quiet spaces to explore the city's past.

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Weekend Walking with the Lamas: A Quick Guide to Visiting Yonghegong

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Weekend Walking with the Lamas: A Quick Guide to Visiting Yonghegong

Yonghegong, also known as The Lama Temple, reopened to the public last month and remains one of the city’s most fascinating religious sites.

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Weekend Walk: In the Footsteps of the Emperor

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Weekend Walk: In the Footsteps of the Emperor

The Temple of Heaven is one of Beijing’s largest – and liveliest – spaces for a weekend walk, particularly in spring. The surrounding park is over three times the size of the Forbidden City, making it the perfect place to visit on those holiday weekends when the Palace Museum and other popular destinations will be heaving with visitors.