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W2 World

Matteo Ricci: The First European to Enter China’s Forbidden City and the Legacy of Perfect Time

Introduction In the vast tapestry of human history, certain individuals stand as bridges between cultures, epochs, and ideologies. One such luminary was Matteo Ricci, a young Jesuit who, at the close of the 16th century, became the first European to step foot into the fabled Forbidden City of China. Trained in geometry and algebra, Ricci’s […]

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W2 World

Ethereal Suspensions: Unraveling the Mystery of China’s Hanging Coffins

Hidden within the rugged mountains of China’s Sichuan Province, a breathtaking spectacle awaits the curious observer. Hundreds of ancient wooden coffins dangle perilously from the cliff faces, forming a remarkable sight that has confounded experts and captivated the imaginations of visitors. The enigma of these hanging coffins provokes thought-provoking inquiries into the ancient burial customs […]

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W3 World

Caught in the Storm: Westerners’ Experiences during Mao’s Cultural Revolution

Introduction During the height of Maoism, China resembled present-day North Korea with its closed-off nature. However, amidst this isolation, a small number of Western foreigners chose to reside in the country. In the summer of 1966, they unexpectedly became firsthand witnesses to the tumultuous events that unfolded during the Cultural Revolution. Simultaneously, young leftist activists […]

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W4 World

Catholic Missionaries in Communist China: A Story of Resilience and Controversy

From 1920 to 1954, hundreds of Irish men and women served as Roman Catholic missionaries in Central China. They worked in social, pastoral, and disaster relief services during this extraordinarily turbulent but fascinating period of Chinese history. They encountered floods, famine and disease, civil war and world war, and finally persecution and expulsion with the […]

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W4 World

The Complex Legacy of Empress Wu: A Controversial Figure in Chinese History

Empress Wu, also known as Wu Zetian, is one of the most controversial figures in Chinese history. She was a lowly concubine who rose to become the only woman in all of Chinese history to hold the title of “Emperor.” However, her legacy has been tarnished by accusations of tyranny and cruelty during her reign. […]