Show Notes
This is a rather long episode, running at just about one hour. The Guangxi Massacre is one of those dark chapters from the Cultural Revolution. Down in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, it was particularly dark. I was listening to Stanford Professor of Anthropology Andrew G. Walder on the New Books Network discussing his 2023 book covering this topic. That gave me the initial inspiration. Dr. Walder's book and a few others are very disturbing to read. I didn't dwell on some of the more gory and grotesque parts of this story. Hoowever, the books are all rather free with their descriptions of some of the atrocities committed. There's one excerpt I did include in the Patreon and CHP Premium audio. But I won't be including it in the regular CHP feed. This episode is particularly interesting because it involves a province other than the usual suspects along the coast. And it stars Wei Guoqing 韦国清, someone I'm guessing doesn't ring a bell. Let me know what you think. This was a painful episode to research and present. Suggested Reading: Zheng Yi, "Scarlet Memorial: Tales Of Cannibalism In Modern China https://a.co/d/89TkvH6 Andrew G. Walder, "Civil War in Guangxi: The Cultural Revolution on China's Southern Periphery" https://a.co/d/8XWipif Yang Su, "Collective Killings in Rural China during the Cultural Revolution" https://a.co/d/5BF7C2R New Books in East Asian Studies Podcast featuring Andrew G. Walder: https://pca.st/gh0p9udt Search for The Secret Archives About the Cultural Revolution in Guangxi《廣西文革機密檔案資料》
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From the triumph of Wu Zetian to the splendor of Xuanzong’s court, the Tang reached extraordinary heights. How did it all come undone? In Part 9 of From Pangu to Puyi, we continue the story from China’s only female emperor through the Tang’s golden age and its long, turbulent decline. We follow Wu Zetian’s bold claim to the throne, the palace struggles that followed her reign, and the flourishing world of Emperor Xuanzong—where poetry, prosperity, and the celebrated romance with Yang Guifei shared the stage with dangerous political rivalries. Then comes the An Lushan Rebellion, shattering the empire and changing the dynasty’s course forever. The Tang survives, but powerful military governors, palace eunuchs, and recurring upheavals steadily weaken the throne. From the devastation of the Huang Chao Rebellion to Zhu Wen’s final seizure of power in 907, this episode traces more than two centuries of ambition, brilliance, and catastrophe—and brings one of Chinese history’s greatest dynasties to its dramatic close. Here's the list of Chinese names. I hope this has been useful to at least a few of you: Wǔ Zétiān 武则天 / Emperor Shèngshén 聖神皇帝 / Zétiān Dàshèng Huángdì 則天大聖皇帝, Lǐ Lóngjī 李隆基 / Prince of Línzī 临淄王 /Emperor Xuánzōng 唐玄宗, Ān Lùshān 安禄山, Táng Gāozōng 唐高宗, Lǐ Xián 李贤, Lǐ Xiǎn 李显 / Lǐ Zhé 李哲 / Zhōngzōng Emperor 唐中宗, Lǐ Xùlún 李旭轮 / Emperor Ruìzōng 唐睿宗, Lǐ Jìngyè 李敬业, Lǐ Zhēn 李贞, Lǐ Chōng 李冲, Lái Jùnchén 來俊臣. Zhōu Xīng 周兴, Tàipíng Gōngzhǔ 太平公主, Zhāng Chāngzōng 张昌宗, Zhāng YìzhĪ 张易之, Empress Wéi 韋皇后, Lǐ Guǒ’ér 李裹儿 / Princess Ānlè 安乐公主, Lǐ Chóngjùn 李重俊, Emperor Shāngdì 唐殇帝, Lǐ Bái 李白, Dú Fǔ 杜甫, Wáng Wéi 王维, Mèng Hàorán 孟浩然, Wáng Chānglíng 王昌龄, Gāo Shì 高适, Yáo Chóng 姚崇, Sòng Jīng 宋璟, hāng Jiǔlíng 张九龄, Lǐ Línfǔ 李林甫, Yáng Yùhuán 杨玉环 / Yáng Guìfēi 杨贵妃, Lǐ Mào 李瑁, Yáng Guózhōng 杨国忠, Gāo Xiānzhī 高仙芝, Gāo Lìshì 高力士, Táng Sùzōng 唐肃宗, Ān Qìngxù 安庆绪, Shǐ Sīmíng 史思明, Shǐ Cháoyì 史朝义, Guō Zǐyí 郭子仪, Lǐ Guāngbì 李光, Yīngwǔ Kèhán 英武可汗, Lǐ Shāngyǐn 李商隐, Dù Mù 杜牧, Emperor Dàizōng 唐代宗, Emperor Dézōng 唐德宗, Emperor Xiànzōng 唐宪宗, Hán Yù 韩愈, Emperor Mùzōng 唐穆宗, Emperor Jìngzōng 唐敬宗, Emperor Wénzōng 唐文宗, Emperor Wǔzōng 唐武宗, Lǐ Yí 李怡 / Emperor Xuānzōng 唐宣宗, Huáng Cháo 黄巢, Wáng Xiānzhī 王仙芝, Emperor Yìzōng 唐懿宗, Lǐ Kèyòng 李克用, Zhū Wēn 朱温 / Zhū Quánzhōng 朱全忠, Emperor Xiànzōng 唐宪宗, Emperor Zhāozōng 唐昭宗, Emperor Āi 唐哀帝.
Tang China’s borders are expanding, its capital is welcoming the world, and behind the palace walls, Wu Zetian is making her move. In Part 8 of From Pangu to Puyi, we follow the Tang from the reign of Taizong into the age of Gaozong and the extraordinary rise of China’s future female emperor. Along the way, we explore Christianity’s arrival in Chang’an, the enduring legacy of the Tang legal code, and the marriage alliance that linked Princess Wencheng with Tibet’s Songtsen Gampo. Campaigns against the Western Turks and the Korean kingdoms carry Tang power far beyond the capital—but holding those gains is another story. At court, the struggle is just as fierce. We trace Wu Zetian’s ascent from imperial concubine to empress and an increasingly powerful partner in government, navigating rivalries, forging alliances, and sweeping aside opponents. It’s a story of conquest, cultural exchange, and palace intrigue, as one of Chinese history’s most formidable figures takes center stage. Here's the list of Chinese names in this episode: Āluóběn 阿罗本, Fáng Xuánlíng 房玄龄, Dù Rúhuì 杜如晦, Jìngjìng 㬌淨, Āshǐnà Jiēshèshuài 阿史那结社率, Āshǐnà Jiēshèshuài 阿史那结社率, Āshǐnà Shè’ěr 阿史那社尔, Princess Héngyáng 衡阳公主, Guō Xiàokè 郭孝恪, Songtsen Gampo 松赞干布, Princess Wénchéng 文成公主, Yǒn Kaesomun 연개소문 延盖苏门, Lǐ Tài 李泰, Lǐ Zhì 李治 / Táng Gāozōng, Lady Yáng 杨氏, Wǔ Zhào 武照 / Wǔ Mèiniáng 武媚娘 / Wǔ Shìyuē 武士彟, Empress Wǔ Zétiān 武则天, Lú Qínzhāi 卢芹斋 (C.T. Loo), Lǐ Shìjí 李世𪟝 / Lǐ Jí 李𪟝, Empress Wáng 王皇后, Consort Xiāo Shūfēi 蕭淑妃, Lǐ Sùjié 李素洁, Āshǐnà Hèlǔ 阿史那贺鲁, Sū Dìngfāng 苏定方, Chǔ Suíliáng 褚遂良, Lǐ Zhōng 李忠, Lǐ Hóng 李宏, Hán Yuàn 韩瑗, Lái Jì 来济, Lǐ Yìfǔ 李义府, Xǔ Jìngzōng 许敬宗, Lǐ Cháo 李巢, Wéi Jìfāng 韦季方, Shàngguān Yí 上官仪,
How does a dynasty that reunified China fall apart so quickly—and leave the foundations for a golden age? In Part 7 of this Pangu to Puyi overview, we’ll follow the fall of the Sui and the rise of the Tang. We explore the Grand Canal and Emperor Yang’s disastrous campaigns against Goguryeo. As the empire unravels, Li Yuan and his son Li Shimin enter the struggle for power, with the decisive Battle of Hulao Pass helping secure the Tang’s future. Then we trade battlefields for the Silk Road, following the Buddhist monk Xuanzang on the extraordinary pilgrimage to India that would later inspire Journey to the West. From ambitious emperors and ingenious engineers to rival warlords and a determined seeker of sacred texts, this episode introduces the people and events that helped launch one of China’s most celebrated dynasties. And here's a listing of all the Chinese names from this Part 7 episode: Suí Wéndì 隋文帝, Yáng Guǎng 杨广 / Suí Yángdì 隋炀帝, Yǔwén Kǎi 宇文恺, Lǐ Yuān 李渊 / Táng Gāozǔ 唐高祖, Lady Dúgū 獨孤氏, Lǐ Bǐng 李昞, Lady Dòu 竇氏, Yáng Yòu 杨侑 / Suí Emperor Gōng 隋恭帝, Yáng Tóng 杨侗, Lǐ Shìmín 李世民 / Táng Tàizōng 唐太宗, Lǐ Mì 李密, Wáng Shìchōng 王世充, Dòu Jiàndé 窦建德, Lǐ Jiànchéng 李建成, Liú Hēità 刘黑塔, Liáng Shīdū 梁师都, Xú Yuánlǎng 徐圆朗, Zhǎngsūn Wújì 長孫無忌, Yùchí Jìngdé 尉迟敬德, Fáng Xuánlíng 房玄齡, Dù Rúhuì 杜如晦, Yǔwén Shìjí 宇文士及, Gāo Shìlián 高士廉, Lǐ Yuánjí 李元吉, Empress Zhǎngsūn 长孙皇后, Zhǎngsūn Shèng 长孙晟, Gāo Shìlián 高士廉, Lǐ Chéngqián 李承乾 Lǐ Tài 李泰, Lǐ Zhì 李治 / Táng Gāozōng 唐高宗, Wèi Zhēng 魏徵, Lǐ Shìjī 李世勣, Xuánzàng 玄奘, Wú Chéng’ēn 吴承恩, Huìlì 慧立, Fǎxiǎn 法显, Tǒng Yabghu Qaghan 统叶护可汗, Kumarajiva / Jiūmóluóshí 鸠摩罗什.
After centuries of division, how did China find its way back to unity? Part 6 follows the Northern and Southern Dynasties through an age of political upheaval, cultural transformation, and the flourishing of Buddhism. In Part 6, we'll also explore how the Xianbei 鲜卑 rulers of Northern Wei 北魏 blended steppe traditions with Chinese institutions, while the southern courts nurtured literature and religious scholarship amid palace intrigue and dynastic collapse. From the reforms of Empress Dowager Feng and Emperor Xiaowen to the Buddhist devotion of Emperor Wu of Liang, we meet the figures who helped shape the foundations of a new imperial age. The story culminates in Yang Jian’s reunification of China under the Sui, his formidable partnership with Empress Dugu, and his dealings with the powerful Göktürks. But a fateful choice of successor threatens their achievements, setting the stage for the reign of Sui Yangdi and the eventual rise of the Tang. Here's a list of Chinese names from this episode Fú Jiān 符坚, Tuòbá Guī 拓跋珪 / Dàowǔ 魏道武帝, Emperor Xiàowén 北魏孝文帝, Tuòbá Tāo 拓跋焘 / Emperor Tàiwǔ 北魏太武帝, Emperor Wénchéng 北魏文成帝, Empress Dowager Féng 冯皇后, Emperor Xiànwén 北魏献文帝, Emperor Xuānwǔ 北魏宣武帝, Ěrzhū Róng 尔朱荣, Liáng Wǔdì 梁武帝, Liú Yù 刘裕, Eastern Jìn Emperor Gōng 晋恭帝, Táo Yuānmíng 陶渊明, Xiè Língyùn 谢灵运, Bào Zhào 鲍照, Shēn Yuē 沈约, Jiāng Yān 江淹, Xiāo Tǒng 萧统, Liú Sòng Wéndì 刘宋文帝, Liú Shào 刘劭, Liú Jùn 刘骏, Liú Sòng Emperor Xiàowǔ 刘宋孝武帝, Liú Zǐyè 刘子业 / Qiánfèi 刘宋前废帝, Liú Yìgōng 刘义恭, Princess Shānyīn 山阴公主 / Liú Chǔyù 刘楚玉, Liú Zǐxūn 刘子勋, Liú Sòng emperor Míng 刘宋明帝 / Liú Yù 刘彧, Emperor Hòufèi 刘宋后废 / Liú Yù 刘昱, Xiāo Dàochéng 萧道成, Xiāo Yǎn 萧衍 / Emperor Wǔ of Liáng 梁武帝, Hóu Jǐng 侯景, Wáng Sēngbiàn 王僧辩, Chén Bàxiān 陈霸先 / Chén Wǔdì 陈武帝, Gāo Huān 高欢, Gāo Yáng 高洋 / Northern Qí Emperor Wénxuān 北齐文宣, Eastern Wèi Emperor Xiàojìng 東魏孝靜帝, Gāo Chéng 高澄, Gāo Zhàn 高湛, Northern Qí Emperor Wǔchéng 北齐武成帝, Yǔwén Tài 宇文泰, Yǔwén Jué 宇文觉, Yǔwén Yōng 宇文雍 / Northern Zhōu Emperor Wǔ 北周武帝, Yáng Jiān 杨坚 / Emperor Wén of Suí 隋文帝, Northern Zhou Emperor Xuān 北周宣帝, Yáng Lìhuá 杨丽华, Dúgū Qiéluó 独孤伽罗, Emperor Jìng 北周静帝, Chén Shúbǎo 陈叔宝, Bumin Khagan / Yīlìkè Hán 伊利可汗, Ishbara Qaghan 沙缽略可汗, Yáng Yǒng 杨勇, Yáng Guǎng 杨广 / Suí Yángdì 隋炀帝.
From the flames of Red Cliffs to the turmoil of the Sixteen Kingdoms, Part 5 follows China through an age of legendary heroes, fragile reunification, and renewed division. The episode explores the struggles of Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Quan, the strategies and enduring legends of Zhuge Liang, and the rise of the Sima family that brought the Three Kingdoms to an end. But reunification under the Jin dynasty proves short-lived. Palace intrigue and the War of the Eight Princes plunge the empire into chaos, sending ruling families south as new kingdoms emerge across northern China. Along the way, we encounter the decisive Battle of Fei River, the rise of Liu Yu, and the brutal rulers of Later Zhao. Amid the warfare and upheaval, Buddhism begins putting down deeper roots—a lasting transformation that helps shape China’s next chapter. Here's the usual list of Chinese names from this Part 5 episode Cáo Cāo 曹操, Liú Bèi 刘备, Zhūgě Liàng 诸葛亮, Zhūgě Xuán 诸葛玄, Huáng Chéngyàn 黄承彦, Huáng Yuèyīng 黄月英, Sīmǎ Huī 司马徽, Zhāng Fēi 张飞, Guān Yǔ 关羽, Luó Guànzhōng 罗贯中, Huáng Gài 黄盖, Cáo Pī 曹丕, Lù Xùn 陆逊, Cáo Ruì 曹叡, Sīmǎ Yì 司马懿, Mèng Huò 孟获, Cáo Shuǎng 曹爽, Cáo Máo 曹髦, Sīmǎ Shī 司马师, Sīmǎ Zhāo 司马昭, Cáo Huàn 曹奐, Jiāng Wéi 姜维, Liú Shàn 刘禅, Zhūgě Zhàn 诸葛瞻, Liáo Huà 廖化, Zhōng Huì 钟会, Dèng Aī 邓艾, Zhūgě Xù 诸葛绪, Sūn Liàng 孙亮, Zhūgě Kè 诸葛恪, Zhūgě Jīn 诸葛瑾, Sūn Jùn 孙骏, Sūn Xiū 孙休, Sīmǎ Yán 司马炎 / Jìn Wǔdì 晋武帝, Sūn Hào 孙皓, Yáng Hù 羊祜, Dù Yù 杜预, Jiǎ Chōng 贾充, Sīmǎ Zhōng 司马衷 / Emperor Huì 晋惠, Yáng Zhǐ 杨芷, Jiǎ Nánfēng 贾南风, Yáng Jùn 杨骏, Sīmǎ Wēi 司马瑋, Sīmǎ Yù 司马遹., Sīmǎ Guāng 司马光, Sīmǎ Lún 司马伦, Sīmǎ Chì 司马炽 / Jìn Emperor Huái 晋怀帝, Liú Yuān 刘渊, Liú Cōng 刘聪, Sīmǎ Yè 司马业 / Emperor Mǐn 晋敏帝, Sīmǎ Ruì 司马睿 / Jìn Emperor Yuán 晋元帝, Fú Jiān 苻坚, Líu Yù 刘裕, Huán Xuán 桓玄, Emperor An 晋安帝, Jin Emperor Gōng 晋恭帝, Shí Lè 石勒, Shí Hóng 石弘, Shí Hǔ 石虎, Shí Xuān 石宣, Shí Tāo 石韬, Fótú Chéng 佛图澄, Dào’ān 道安, Jiūmóluóshí 鸠摩罗什, Fú Shēng 苻生, Mùróng Jùn 慕容儁, Hèlián Bóbó 赫連勃勃 Support me on Patreon to hear the whole series ad-free (22 episodes already posted): https://www.patreon.com/c/TheChinaHistoryPodcast Here's the link for CHP Premium: https://teacupmedia.supercast.com/