A Thousand Whys

A Thousand Whys is tailor-made for curious minds about China and the Chinese culture.

This podcast offers fascinating facts about what this ancient civilization has to offer, covering a wide range of topics including history, philosophy, literature and arts, lifestyle, science, and the natural world.

Subscribe to learn "what are the Chinese ways and why", for free.

Recent Episodes
  • China’s evolving serpent legacy: Ferocious treasures, from rituals to households
    Jan 24, 2025 – 16:21
  • A ceramic vessel of culture, wine, and poetic spirit
    Jan 21, 2025 – 13:53
  • Greenware stationary: Creating the right ink for calligraphy and painting
    Jan 17, 2025 – 15:47
  • Cong: The jade vessel which assisted governance in ancient China
    Jan 13, 2025 – 13:48
  • China’s goddess of war and her bronze owls
    Jan 9, 2025 – 11:32
  • Tomb paintings decode ancient feasts
    Jan 7, 2025 – 12:08
  • King of bridal sedan chair: Thirty years of craftsmanship
    Jan 3, 2025 – 12:48
  • 9,000 year old music: The Jiahu bone flute
    Dec 31, 2024 – 16:08
  • Welcome to "Ancient Relics and Their Stories"!
    Dec 30, 2024 – 00:32
  • Why is the chrysanthemum special in Chinese culture?
    Oct 11, 2024 – 07:13
  • Why are Chinese people so fond of the osmanthus flower?
    Sep 14, 2024 – 08:11
  • Why has weightlifting maintained its popularity from ancient times up to the present day?
    Aug 19, 2024 – 05:44
  • Why is wrestling much more than a sport in China?
    Aug 11, 2024 – 06:50
  • Ancient swings to modern pools: The enduring spirit of diving
    Aug 9, 2024 – 07:46
  • Why did ancient Chinese shoot arrows with music playing?
    Aug 2, 2024 – 08:25
  • Welcome to Sports Fantasia!
    Aug 2, 2024 – 01:00
  • Why is the lotus flower a symbol of noble character in Chinese culture?
    Jul 22, 2024 – 07:48
  • Why is the jasmine flower a symbol of timeless elegance in Chinese culture?
    Jul 5, 2024 – 08:29
  • Why do Chinese people hang Chinese mugwort during the Duanwu Festival?
    Jun 7, 2024 – 05:29
  • Why are pomegranate flowers special in Chinese culture? 
    May 15, 2024 – 06:47
  • Why do Chinese people adore the winter jasmine?
    Apr 21, 2024 – 05:36
  • Why are peach blossoms associated with love?
    Mar 20, 2024 – 06:57
  • How do Chinese people extend Spring Festival greetings?
    Feb 8, 2024 – 03:10
  • What does loong, or the Chinese dragon, mean to the Chinese people?
    Jan 31, 2024 – 03:48
  • 24 Solar Terms: How did ancient Chinese merchants honor the god of earth?
    Jan 19, 2024 – 03:50
  • 24 Solar Terms: How did ancient Chinese people prepare for the New Year?
    Jan 5, 2024 – 04:20
  • 24 Solar Terms: Why Chinese people "count in nines" in winter?
    Dec 21, 2023 – 03:43
  • 24 Solar Terms: Did ancient Chinese build snowmen?
    Dec 6, 2023 – 04:53
  • 24 Solar Terms: How did ancient Chinese enjoy vegetables in winter?
    Nov 21, 2023 – 04:51
  • 24 Solar Terms: How do Chinese people celebrate the Start of Winter?
    Nov 7, 2023 – 04:25
  • 24 Solar Terms: Why do Chinese people love to savor persimmons on Frost's Descent?
    Oct 23, 2023 – 04:53
  • 24 Solar Terms: Why do Chinese people enjoy viewing chrysanthemums during the Cold Dew?
    Oct 7, 2023 – 04:29
  • 24 Solar Terms: Why is Autumn Equinox an important solar term in China?
    Sep 22, 2023 – 04:50
  • 24 Solar Terms: Why Chinese people love to drink White Dew tea during the White Dew?
    Sep 7, 2023 – 03:36
  • 24 Solar Terms: Why do people float river lanterns during the End of Heat?
    Aug 23, 2023 – 06:59
  • 24 Solar Terms: How Chinese people welcome the Beginning of Autumn?
    Aug 8, 2023 – 06:17
  • 24 Solar Terms: Why Chinese people drink herbal tea during Major Heat?
    Jul 21, 2023 – 06:30
  • 24 Solar Terms: How did ancient Chinese people beat the heat during Minor Heat?
    Jul 7, 2023 – 05:14
  • Why do Chinese people give fans as gifts during the Duanwu Festival?
    Jun 21, 2023 – 04:02
  • 24 Solar Terms: Why do Chinese people enjoy noodles on the Summer Solstice?
    Jun 21, 2023 – 03:59
  • 24 Solar Terms: Why is the ox held in reverence during ‘Grain in Ear’?
    Jun 5, 2023 – 07:21
  • 24 Solar Terms: Why do Chinese people worship 'Silkworm Goddess' on the 'Grain Buds'?
    May 19, 2023 – 06:28
  • 24 Solar Terms: Why do Chinese children wear egg pouches on the Start of Summer?
    May 5, 2023 – 05:12
  • 24 Solar Terms: Why is the peony also called the “Flower of Grain Rain” in China?
    Apr 19, 2023 – 06:15
  • 24 Solar Terms: Why do Chinese eat Qingtuan during the Qingming Festival?
    Apr 4, 2023 – 04:54
  • Ancestors Told Us: What makes a Chinese gentleman?
    Mar 22, 2023 – 06:32
  • 24 Solar Terms: Let’s celebrate the time of rebirth
    Mar 21, 2023 – 05:53
  • What did ancient Chinese "female officials" do?
    Mar 8, 2023 – 07:40
  • 24 Solar Terms: What do insects have to do with villains?
    Mar 6, 2023 – 06:28
  • 24 Solar Terms: Why Chinese believe “Spring rain is as precious as oil”?
    Mar 1, 2023 – 07:39
Recent Reviews
  • kobe4ever&ever
    highly recommend
    If you curious about the mysterious stories about China. This podcast is definitely a must-listen show
  • mdhduebx
    keep updating plz!!
    we really do enjoy the show!!
  • chetozmun
    made fun
    Cross cultural education made fun!
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