africa, ancient china, ancient tools, prehistoric, study

Ancient Tools in China: Did Humans Leave Africa Earlier?

Ancient tools and bones discovered in China by archaeologists suggest early humans left Africa and arrived in Asia earlier than previously thought. The artifacts show that our earliest human ancestors colonized East Asia over 2 million years ago. They were found by a Chinese team that was led by Professor Zhaoyu Zhu of the Chinese ...

Troy Oakes

An ancient rock tool.

Here’s Why Chinese Foot Binding Lasted for a Millennium

In China, up until the 20th century, many women had their feet broken in order to make it look more appealing. Known as Chinese foot binding, the practice began with the upper-class court dancers, slowly spreading to the elite, and then to the public. Where Chinese foot binding all began According to the generally accepted ...

Nspirement Staff

Dragon Boat Festival Activities

Cheered on by thousands and accompanied by the loud sounds of drums, gongs, and firecrackers, the Dragon Boat Festival features long and narrow boats decorated with colorful dragon heads, tails, and scales race in rivers around the world every fifth month of the lunar calendar. These races are held in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and ...

Armin Auctor

Two dragon boats.

China’s Most Beautiful Town, Ancient Fenghuang

Ancient Fenghuang is an exceptionally well-preserved town and sits on the western border of Hunan Province. It is in an area with exceptional natural beauty where mountains, water, and blue skies prevail. Upon arrival, you will be captivated by its air of mystery, elegance, and primitive simplicity. Located on the banks of the Tuojiang River ...

Troy Oakes

Ancient Fenghuang

Greater Than the Sky: Reflections on the Classic Sayings of Laozi

Laozi was an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer. He is known as the reputed author of the Tao Te Ching, the founder of philosophical Taoism, and a deity in religious Taoism and traditional Chinese religions. He once said: “Those who persevere have willpower.” This has become my motto. Every night, I force myself to read for ...

Armin Auctor

A 16th century Ming Dynasty ink drawing of Laozi.

The Lasting Beauty of Chinese Bronze Mirrors

Chinese bronze mirrors have a 4,000-year history in China. Not until the later period of the Qing Dynasty were they gradually replaced by glass mirrors. Producing these mirrors was an art. The reverse sides were frequently cast with exquisite decorative motifs and Chinese calligraphy. Among the various metal-based inventions in ancient China, bronze mirrors have ...

Emma Lu

A Tang Dynasty bronze mirror.

The Chinese Terracotta Warriors

The Chinese Terracotta Warriors, also known as the Terracotta Army, come from the most significant archaeological excavation of the 20th century, and one of the most sensational archaeological finds of all time. The Warriors represent a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies from the era of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. ...

Nspirement Staff