Philosophy

Prof Daniel A. Bell: Ancient Chinese thoughts asked questions that still matter today

Professor Daniel A. Bell has spent decades studying China, its political system and philosophies. In an interview with Lianhe Zaobao video producer Audrey Jiajia Li, he shares his views about leadership, anti-corruption and Confucian principles.

Audrey Jiajia Li

01 Oct 2026

Why city living starves the soul: I left Taipei to find the earth again

Chishang in Taitung county brought Taiwanese art historian Chiang Hsun back to the land. After decades of urban life, he rediscovers dawn, dusk and the seasons — and reflects on how reconnecting with the land might help us recover something we have lost.

Chiang Hsun

04 Sep 2026

3,000 years lost, one swordsmith revives it

In a world obsessed with efficiency, Chen Shicong revived an ancient Chinese swordmaking art lost for three millennia, proving that mastery requires time, touch, and the alignment of body, mind, and spirit. Lianhe Zaobao senior correspondent Lee Geok Hoon finds out more about what it takes to craft a masterpiece sword.

Lee Geok Hoon

09 Jan 2026

Taiwanese art historian: My Aquarian friend Hualing who embraced everyone [Part 2]

Taiwanese art historian Chiang Hsun continues reminiscing about his time in Iowa, US, with Hualing Nieh Engle, as well as other prominent literary figures such as Wang Zengqi and Ah Cheng. Through ups and downs, Nieh’s Aquarian character shines through, strong and resilient.

Chiang Hsun

02 Jan 2026

Taiwan art historian: My Aquarian friend Hualing who embraced everyone [Part 1]

Taiwan art historian Chiang Hsun remembers his time in Iowa, US, with Hualing Nieh Engle, reminiscing on her ability to embrace people from all walks of life — a perfect example of an Aquarian. Such is the breadth and depth of the Aquarius’s rushing waters, endlessly flowing, with the water bearer’s energy always being given away to all living creatures.

Chiang Hsun

26 Dec 2025

A Taiwanese boy named Thomas and the faith he made his own

Taiwanese art historian Chiang Hsun reflects on his spiritual journey, from youthful devotion to quiet estrangement, contemplating the place of Catholic faith in modern life in the wake of Pope Francis’s passing.

Chiang Hsun

12 Dec 2025

Why China’s fashion boom is still searching for its heart

Runways are thriving, investors are watching — but many in China’s fashion world say what’s missing is something money can’t buy: authenticity, patience and soul. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang speaks to industry players to find out more.

Li Kang

12 Nov 2025

Offerings for the hungry ghosts: From ancient rituals to instant noodles

Chinese food offerings evolved from ancient sacrifices of cattle and sheep to everyday snacks like boba tea and potato chips. Rooted in practicality rather than taste, these rituals blend purity for spirits with what people can afford, reflecting the essence of Chinese popular religion. History professor Poo Mu-chou shares his research and thoughts.

Poo Mu-chou

05 Sep 2025

Remembering Xiaohei, the Capricorn dog of Taipei [Part 2]

Taiwanese art historian Chiang Hsun remembers the dog that he dubbed Xiaohei, or Little Black. From walks to feeding to encounters with other dogs (including potential suitors), to the day she disappeared with her puppies, Xiaohei was a stray, and yet not a stray.

Chiang Hsun

10 Jan 2025

How can China rethink its history of humiliation?

Chinese commentator Jun Ma believes that when considering a nation’s history of humiliation, we should adhere to one principle: set aside the nation in question and focus on the sin and crime involved.

Jun Ma

04 Nov 2024

Colour and culture: Why did Confucius detest the colour purple?

Cultural historian Cheng Pei-kai takes a look at the perception of the colour purple in Chinese history. Was it always deemed as the colour of the imperial royals?

Cheng Pei-kai

13 Sep 2024

[Video] How Henan’s Pang Dong Lai supermarket continues to thrive in China’s sluggish market

Amid a sluggish consumer spending environment in China, Pang Dong Lai supermarket chain in Henan has bucked the trend and even became a popular tourist attraction. Lianhe Zaobao Beijing correspondent Sim Tze Wei speaks with locals to uncover the secrets behind the thriving business.

Sim Tze Wei

10 Sep 2024