The kings of two neighbouring kingdoms who sought King Wen’s judgment for a boundary conflict were so moved by the courtesy, mutual consideration, and gentlemanly conduct of the Zhou people that they both decided to give the disputed land to the other. (Blue Hsiao/The Epoch Times) King Wen of the Zhou Kingdom (周文王) (1152–1056 B.C.)
Lu Yu, the Sage of Tea. (Catherine Chang/The Epoch Times) When speaking of tea, Lu Yu is an important person to give thanks to. For his achievements, he has for centuries been recognized in Chinese history as the Sage of Tea. Lu Yu lived 733-804 AD in China’s Tang Dynasty. According to the records, Yu
China’s first dynasty, the Xia Dynasty, ruled for about 400 years, until 1675 B.C. The Shang became China’s second dynasty (1675 B.C. to 1035 B.C.). Xia Jie, the last emperor of the Xia dynasty, was a well-known tyrant. He and his nobles brutally oppressed the people, built many palaces, and enjoyed a very dissolute and
The most renowned ancient Chinese doctors are said to have exhibited supernormal abilities, including being able to look into a person’s body to see the cause of an illness. Here’s a look at some extraordinary doctors and their abilities. 1. Hua Tuo (140 to 208 A.D.) Hua Tuo is known as the first surgeon in
China’s moral and ethical code of conduct has a very ancient history that dates back to Emperor Shun in 2255 B.C. Many centuries preceding the teachings of Confucius in the 5th century B.C., Emperor Shun was known as the founder of China’s social rules in the family and among the various members of society. He
Emperor Yao (B.C. 2356 – B.C. 2255), was one of the later descendants of the Yellow Emperor. The most well-known story about Emperor Yao is as follows: Once, Emperor Yao was traveling the land with his ministers to see how the people were faring. On his trip he visited a small town. On the way,
After Emperor Shun, Yu became the next Emperor (B.C. 2205). Yu was one of descendants of the Yellow Emperor. Being known for his kindness and talent, Yu was recommended by many ministers as the most capable person to find ways to control flooding. He was then appointed by Emperor Shun to take the responsibility of
According to Chinese history, gods from heaven imparted culture directly to the Chinese people who Nu Wa had created. The best-known of these gods are Fu Xi and Shen Nong. They were sent down to earth to teach Chinese people basic skills and knowledge and to improve people’s awareness of nature. For a time, human
China is a nation known for its longevity. The ancient Chinese believed that there are five things that need to be done to enjoy longevity. These practices may seem cumbersome, but they are beneficial to the body and soul and can help one thoroughly relax. They can also improve the quality of sleep and enable
Yi Yin was the first prime minister of the Shang Dynasty, serving for about 50 years. He was known for his kindness, good knowledge of ruling, and great cooking skill. There was a big flood when Yi Yin was born. He was rescued and adopted by the chef of the king of the Xin Kingdom.
The rhinoceros horn was an imperial treasure, yet it might just be exactly the ingredient needed to cure the plague. So, amid the fearful disease raging across the capital city, Emperor Renzong didn’t give a second thought to ordering that his prized possession be crushed and made into medicine in hopes of saving his people.
This is the tenth in a series of articles by Epoch Times staff describing the foundations of Chinese civilization, and setting forth the traditional Chinese worldview. The series surveys the course of Chinese history, showing how key figures aided in the creation of China’s divinely-inspired culture. This installment outlines the peacetime accomplishments of Emperor Qin
This is the ninth in a series of articles by Epoch Times staff describing the foundations of Chinese civilization, and setting forth the traditional Chinese worldview. The series surveys the course of Chinese history, showing how key figures aided in the creation of China’s divinely inspired culture. This installment introduces Qin Shi Huang, the first
Zhu Xi, a 12th-century scholar whose teachings and interpretations of the Confucian texts influenced many generations of Chinese, once wrote: “The essence of the day lies in the morning, that of the year in spring, and that of one’s life in diligence.” These words were not forgotten. Centuries after Zhu’s time, the virtues of getting
This is the eighth in a series of articles by Epoch Times staff describing the foundations of Chinese civilization, and setting forth the traditional Chinese worldview. The series surveys the course of Chinese history, showing how key figures aided in the creation of China’s divinely inspired culture. This instalment covers the reign and legacy of
This is the seventh in a series of articles by Epoch Times staff describing the foundations of Chinese civilization, and setting forth the traditional Chinese worldview. The series surveys the course of Chinese history, showing how key figures aided in the creation of China’s divinely-inspired culture. Here we continue the saga of Yu the Great,
This is the sixth in a series of articles by Epoch Times staff describing the foundations of Chinese civilization and setting forth the traditional Chinese worldview. The series surveys the course of Chinese history, showing how key figures aided in the creation of China’s divinely inspired culture. This installment introduces Yu the Great, the hero
This is the fifth in a series of articles by Epoch Times describing the foundations of Chinese civilization, and setting forth the traditional Chinese worldview. The series surveys the course of Chinese history, showing how key figures aided in the creation of China’s divinely inspired culture. This installment covers the life and reign of Shun,
Conventional knowledge puts the origin of golf in 15th century Scotland. But who were the ones to first come up with this calm, focused, and scenic sport? Looking at ancient Chinese texts and paintings unravels the history of an activity that evolved over hundreds of years and which shares uncanny similarities to the Western pastime. In
This is the fourth in a series of articles by Epoch Times staff describing the foundations of Chinese civilization, and setting forth the traditional Chinese worldview. The series surveys the course of Chinese history, showing how key figures aided in the creation of China’s divinely-inspired culture. This installment introduces the Great Flood of ancient Chinese legend.
