Let's compare the Beiqi Buddha to that of the Northern Wei! Who knew Buddha icons could represent the same ideology yet be so different visually. Take a look for yourself.

The expression that Buddha bears is one of deep peace, but where does this expression come from? What exactly is this so called, "deep peace" and how can we achieve this state of being?

Submission and acceptance of the world is something to respect. There is a phrase in Lao Tzu's "Dao De Jing", "the sage is ruthless, to them ten thousand things are but straw dogs". This phrase doesn't necessarily denounce sages or monks but rather reveres them for their ability to accept things as they are, which in it own right is a remarkable ability.

Living in the political instability of the Wei, Jin, North-South dynasties was in itself an experience of great suffering. How did people like Xiaoming survive? The Buddhist ideas of submission and acceptance may have played a part.

An older artist explains how there were no artist studios back in his day.

The artist begins by explaining his daily process of painting.

The artist tells about the intricacies of his very dull painting process. Some people say they want to come watch him painting, but he advises against it. The magic is in the tedium.

The artist describes how he first began painting oil paintings. He copied the paintings on on poker chips confiscated during the cultural revolution.

The painter describes how he would travel all over his city in his teenage years to observe all the different oil painters he could see.

The artist talks about how art progresses and how that progression has to move slowly.

The artist talks about how in his day conversation was more lively and people weren't looking at their phones all the time.

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.

The story of the entire modern city of Shanghai began with the Bund.