Chinese last names worked in a different way in the past than they do now. Chinese children used to get their mother's last name. That is because Chinese ancient society was matriarchal and divided into clans.

Through a detailed report of the Zhou Dynasty's history, we discover how the Chinese last name system worked and what has changed over the years and become today's practice.

This interesting discussion on the origins of Chinese last names and clan names shows how the tradition has evolved from the matriarchal to the patriarchal practice.

This interesting discussion on the origins of Chinese last names and clan names shows how the tradition has evolved from the matriarchal to the patriarchal practice.

This interesting discussion on the origins of Chinese last names and clan names shows how the tradition has evolved from the matriarchal to the patriarchal practice. This segment explores a few common family names- their origins, whether they were last or clan names, etc.

This interesting discussion on the origins of Chinese last names and clan names shows how the tradition has evolved from the matriarchal to the patriarchal practice. This segment looks into the selection of Chinese names. How can one find a good name with strong virtue?

This interesting discussion on the origins of Chinese last names and clan names shows how the tradition has evolved from the matriarchal to the patriarchal practice. This segment continues to explore Chinese names with specific attention on Jia Bao Yu, a character in the Hong Lou Meng movie.

Master Tang Han explains the importance of character meaning as well as character tone when giving names and how to revise a problematic name.

Master Tang explains the significance of the name. How does the name of a business determine its destiny?

Master Tang further explains how the name of an enterprise embodies its guiding principles and how our names must not be taken lightly.

Many people are aware of the Western philosopher, Voltaire, but behind his famous quotes are the genius of a great Chinese thinker.

China is now an economic superpower, setting off a "Chinese Fever" that is now spreading all over the world.

It is becoming an increasing trend for schools to offer Chinese programs. Why are so many people turning to Chinese?

The growing strength of China as an economic superpower is both a source of awe and concern for other countries.

Professor Cecilia Lindqvist sets out to understand Chinese people through Chinese characters.

During the Ming Dynasty, the Chinese made the voyage across the Western Pacific. But, why was the feat not acknowledged in history?

The quest to discover Asia did not stop with Columbus. What has drawn other countries to China?

The popularity of Christianity came to a peak during Matteo Ricci's time in China, but after his death, the Qing Dynasty vehemently opposed its practice in China.

Zamenhof had a plan to create a world language, an ambitious plan thwarted by the innate quality of language itself.

In 1870, Horace Carpentier hired a loyal servant from China named Dean Lung who would eventually come to teach him a lesson in loyalty and devotion rooted in Chinese culture.

Dean Lung, believing more people should understand China, made a great contribution to Columbia University.

This video tells the legend behind the Chinese firecracker.

In this episode, the origins of the Chinese characters for "illness" are explained.

This video explains how the character for illness evolved into its present form.