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Ming and Qing History 43 Burning the Old Summer Palace

Duration: 0:09:02

This Chinese historical story recounts the burning of the Yuanmingyuan (Summer Palace) in Beijing during the Second Opium War in 1860. This was a result of Western colonial powers such as Britain, America, and France forcing unequal treaties upon the Qing government, that allowed them to loot China's wealth. A Chinese ship was seized by the British under false pretences, which triggered the war. The Yuanmingyuan, which was an elaborate palace complex built over centuries by Qing emperors and interwoven with traditional Chinese and Western architectural styles, was looted and burned to the ground by the Western forces. The palace had been filled with countless treasures, artworks, and historical artifacts. The destruction of the palace is regarded as one of the greatest cultural losses in Chinese history.

Language: Chinese
Topics: HistoryYuanmingyuan

The crossover of Burberry's blogging world: Artist Wang Hua's imagination about "chains"

Duration: 0:34:26

The "1 Song Ramble" podcast episode features a discussion with artist Wang Hua, who primarily works with materials like ceramics, glass tanks, and bamboo. Wang Hua graduated from Central Saint Martins in London in 2012 and later studied ceramics at the Royal College of Art in the UK. He lived and worked in Jingdezhen, a city famous for its ceramics industry in eastern China, before moving to Beijing. During the conversation, Wang Hua shared his experiences of working and living in Jingdezhen, where he learned the traditional techniques and processes of making ceramics. He also talked about the challenges and unexpected outcomes of working with ceramics, including the high risk of failure due to factors like weight distribution and temperature control.

Language: Chinese
Topics: ArtCeramics

EP4 Can only be imagined but can’t be done - talk about the ups and downs of the innovation circle, tell me, I’m listening

Duration: 0:32:55

In this episode, the host and guests discuss the revolutionary impact of fintech on the financial industry. The fintech industry has faced many challenges, but the guests share their successes and experiences in overcoming them. Fintech Space, the first fintech innovation accelerator in China, offers a wide range of resources and support for fintech startups, including legal advice, mentorship programs, and business development opportunities. Two featured fintech startups, specializing in insurance technology and blockchain, share their services and projects that help their clients automate and streamline their processes. Overall, the fintech industry has great potential for growth and innovation, but entrepreneurs need to be willing to tackle the challenges and be open to collaboration and partnership.

Language: Chinese
Topics: TechnologyFinanceFintech

Ming and Qing History 41 The Jintian Uprising

Duration: 0:09:28

This podcast episode tells the story of the Taiping Rebellion, a peasant uprising against the Qing Dynasty that took place in the mid-19th century. The rebellion was sparked by the corruption of the Qing government and the influx of foreign powers, particularly Britain, into China. The rebellion was led by Hong Xiuquan, who founded a religious movement called the God Worshipers, which blended elements of Christianity and Confucianism and promoted equality and the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty. The rebellion quickly gained momentum, and Hong Xiuquan declared himself the Heavenly King. The Taiping rebels captured several cities, including Nanjing, and declared it the capital of their kingdom. The rebellion lasted for over a decade and resulted in the deaths of millions of people, but ultimately failed in its goal to overthrow the Qing Dynasty.

Language: Chinese
Topics: HistoryQing DynastyTaiping Rebellion

10 Song, Liao, Jin and Yuan Dynasties——128 Finance and Military System (Liao)

Duration: 0:02:25.381542

Today's haze will focus on the economic compilation. First of all, let's start by discussing the story of Lia Tai Zu in Liao Zhai. It was said that he established the knowledge of taxation by throwing ash-containing smoke. There are approximately four types of taxation: the first type is the encirclement of fields, the second is the exemption of taxation for government-run farmland, the third is the encirclement of lush land by the diplomatic government, and the fourth is emergency measures for military preparations. People need to pay a heavy burden to the nobles for the people's military and extremely general nature. There was also a reorganization of local industries, with a focus on the establishment of marketplaces and nationalized industries such as salt, iron, and wine, which were highly valued during the initial stages of the reign of Emperor Yao Yi. You belong to the crown of Guangjiu, which is considered private but very important and rich in mineral resources. However, there is also government specialization, so the government adopted the use of coins locked by the Chinese Han dynasty. Large-scale minting of copper coins began, imitating the styles of the Song Dynasty. Among them, the oil money was updated before the Taiping money was too long before the Kang, and other children's money were all included. There are five types of military forces, one of which is the Guanwei soldiers, who are stationed in the prestigious Wang Hao Palace. This sentence is the first to act as the main one, with a so-called plan, where the Han people can be regarded as the second type, similar to the central march rate of the Song Dynasty, and the Queen's formation of the triangular number and the trial of Emperor Taizong. This category includes the failure of large leaders, military tribal leaders, and the transformation of residents in the Tongxia area into non-full troops. Other ancestors have always been able to accumulate and accumulate. The fifth type is the civilian militia of Jingxiang, and the fifth type is the Shu country army, which combines the oil-rich countries. In terms of rule of law, there are two yuan of intelligence, but there are very strict penalties for the four types of death, all of which are carried out at home, especially the many types of death penalties.

Language: Chinese
Topics: Ancient ChinaTaxation and Governance in Ancient ChinaMilitary Forces and Legal System in Ancient Guangjiu

10 Song, Liao, Jin and Yuan Dynasties——133 Education, Imperial Examinations and Academics (Yuan Dynasty)

Duration: 0:04:42.890113

Today's smog disproportionately affects the academic researchers in the field of distance education technology. In the past, the educational system in China was centralized and catered to different ethnic groups, with distinct institutions for different groups such as the National School, the Nine Mongolian Schools, and the National School for Women. Additionally, there were specialized schools for medicine and nutrition, as well as for Mongolian self-study. These institutions were all part of the central government's education system, providing comprehensive education. However, there were disparities in treatment and discrimination against certain ethnic groups, with better opportunities for Mongolian and Manchurian students. Success in examinations could lead to official positions, with Mongolian students often achieving higher ranks. Despite the focus on Han Chinese education, there were also advancements in other areas such as military education. Scholars like Zhu Jia contributed significantly to the field of education, preserving Han culture and influencing the Yuan Dynasty's educational policies. The exchange of knowledge between scholars from different ethnic groups impacted the cultural landscape, with the promotion of Han studies in Mongol-controlled regions. Notably, the study of special documents and the compilation of historical texts played a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage. The development of literature, particularly in the form of dramas, further enriched the cultural scene during the Yuan Dynasty, with renowned playwrights like Wang Shifu and Guan Hanqing making significant contributions. The emergence of novels during this time period, including classics like "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and "Water Margin," signaled a new era in literary expression.

Language: Chinese
Topics: Yuan dinastyEthnic Diversity and Educational Policies in Yuan Dynasty ChinaKnowledge Transmission in Yuan Dynasty

10 Song, Liao, Jin and Yuan Dynasties——129 Finance and Military System (Jin)

Duration: 0:03:29.329297

Today's financial and Bizhi lottery is divided into two views, each with nine levels. The four days of the tribe imitated the two tax forensic certificates, showing that there is wealth but not deliberately or unable to be wealthy physically. They serve the country in different ways, either fixed on wood or 9000 differences. The former involves plants, such as anxiety disorders. It is important to understand their roles in advising and serving the agricultural industry. The latter does not involve plants and can be collected in advance before the highway is needed. This primarily becomes a property tax beyond talent, typically collected at a rate of 3%, although there are additional fees that add up. As for the official sales system, there is no mention of it. In the ninth year of the Great Knowledge, the raw materials for brewing, such as Danxi Iron, are checked in Xiangfan, among others. These essential daily items are mostly included in the coronal vein, especially during the most stringent periods. It is known that everyone needs to consume salt for healthcare, so there was often illegal trafficking of salt. Fake currency is divided into coins and old banknotes. Initially, coins were minted, followed later by copper coins, such as Zhenglong Tongbao and Da Ding Tongbao's paper currency in 17 patterns. These were very useful for travel, but eventually lost value due to financial difficulties and issuing more paper currency. However, the value still remained low, leading to financial chaos. When finances are strained and management cannot provide guarantees, paper currency loses its value. During Emperor Xuanzong's leadership, various types of paper currency were issued, but it was clear that inflation could not be reversed. This resulted in financial chaos and the worthless paper currency had no formal place. Traditional customs were based on the unknown, known as the Thousand Households, and Esquire Hu Zhang's actual index value was higher. After capturing North China, the military could be divided into four categories: the Forbidden Army in the capital, the regional militias, the border guards, and the distribution and enforcement system from Shu to Jin. At this point, the period of Emperor Xuande's reign adopted a more complete and refined approach to governing.

Language: Chinese
Topics: Financial Systems in Ancient ChinaGovernance during Emperor Xuande's Reign

Convention on Biological Diversity: Efforts to stop harming the environment

Duration: 0:11:42

The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity Conference was held in Kunming, China on November 11th with representatives from over 100 countries attending. Prior to the conference, the Kunming Declaration was passed on October 13th, which aimed to stop the destruction of life in the next decade. The conference focused on the theme of "Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth," with an emphasis on ecological civilization. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference was split into two phases and included an ecological forum with participation from international organizations, research institutions, social groups, and businesses. During the first phase of the conference, 98 ministers from 94 countries attended and passed the Kunming Declaration, which set four main goals for protecting global biodiversity until 2050, as well as ten targets for 2030 and 21 specific tasks. The declaration called for urgent coordinated action by all countries to transform all sectors of the global economy to achieve these goals.

Language: Chinese
Topics: COVID-19Biology

Cross-border e-commerce enters Japan: a dangerous shoal or a gold mine?

Duration: 0:07:01.606122

The mobile phone cannot be a constant rule, the motherland is relaxed and casual, and the latest and technological progress in the lively girls' information bureau. And it is not exclusively broadcast on Himalaya. With a serious injury to the mainstay of beauty and emotional intelligence, re-listen to today's lively girls' information bureau. When talking about Japan's internet market, what is your inherent impression? Is it a risky windstorm or a big mining site? A few years ago, the then CEO of the UCC district summarized the internationalization strategy, dividing the global market into four areas, with China as an emerging market, the US and Europe as another three overseas markets, and Japan and South Korea forming their own system. Especially in Japan, influential companies and business models have grown locally, and the entire internet industry environment is very closed. Foreign companies find it difficult to succeed. We decided to temporarily give up, which represents the views of most Chinese internet companies on the Japanese market at that time. In a long period of time, Chinese internet companies would often target Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, then Southeast Asia, India, and finally Japan. However, a trend has quietly begun to change. In the past two years, electronic brands such as Haier and Huawei have started operations in Japan, with platforms like Douyin and NetEase games entering the Japanese market. This has changed the impression of Chinese manufacturing among Japanese consumers. Low-end lifestyle service platforms have also penetrated the lives of Japanese consumers. In some areas, particularly in the e-commerce sector, Japan is worth paying attention to. It is a potential market with a large number of high-value consumers. E-commerce sales account for only 5% of total retail sales, leaving plenty of room for growth. The e-commerce sector in Japan is currently the fastest-growing channel among all retail channels, and it is difficult for Chinese cross-border players. However, the consumption trend is gradually changing. In Japan, a potential market with a large number of high-spending consumers. For Chinese e-commerce players seeking overseas development opportunities, it is time to explore the Japanese e-commerce market. However, before thinking about how to proceed, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of Japanese consumers. Unlike Chinese consumers who order directly on Taobao and JD using WeChat and Alipay for payment, Japanese online consumers have two very striking characteristics. One is the heavy use of mobile search during the shopping process. The other is the variety of payment methods due to the emphasis on privacy and security in Japan. In addition to credit cards, online payments can also be made through convenience stores, gift cards, bank transfers, etc. To better communicate with Japanese consumers, cross-border e-commerce players in China can take the following measures. Firstly, deep localization is the key to gaining consumer trust. For example, providing authentic Japanese language services and interfaces, converting payments into Japanese currency units, emphasizing product quality over price, and providing detailed product descriptions can increase customer stickiness. Chinese internet companies, especially cross-border e-commerce companies, have a great opportunity in Japan. The early bird catches the worm. Let's wait and see. That's all for this episode. See you next time.

Language: Chinese
Topics: Chinese Companies' Strategies in the Japanese Market

10 Song, Liao, Jin and Yuan Dynasties——130 Finance and Military System (Yuan Dynasty)

Duration: 0:02:49.251655

Today's guest speaker's economic and support views are generally different between the North and South regions, stemming from two different political perspectives. In the Jiangnan region, the tax system was initially based on the two-tax method but later changed to the cotton method, while the Northern region described a simple tax system. However, there is still a certain amount of water and ice taxes that must be paid separately, based on the amount of water used. Additionally, there are classifications for different levels of customers, such as full-paying customers, half-paying customers, and others. The government strictly monitors the sale of alcohol and other items. The currency used by officials is mainly based on the Song and Jin dynasties' currency, with counterfeit bills causing inflation issues in the past. This led to the devaluation of currency and more severe consequences at the end of the Yuan dynasty. The military organization known as the "drunken hooligans" was a unique group that consisted of noble children and was the core military force of the empire. In addition, the military could be divided into four types, with the Mongolian army serving as the backbone. Furthermore, there was the Han military group comprised of non-Mongolian ethnicities, who played a vital role in implementing new laws after the fall of the Southern Song dynasty. This group was known as the "volunteers" and often enjoyed special privileges in the legal system. The differences between the Mongolian and Han military groups led to unfair treatment in certain aspects of governance.

Language: Chinese
Topics: Military Organization and Ethnic Dynamics in Ancient China
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