Empress Dowager Cixi, one of the most influential figures in Chinese history, ruled China behind the scenes for nearly half a century during the late Qing Dynasty. Often seen as the de facto ruler, she played a central role in shaping China’s political, social, and economic landscape during a time of great change. Her reign,…

Throughout history, the courts of royal families have been known for their lavish lifestyles, exquisite fashion, and diplomatic endeavors. However, beneath the opulence and grandeur, there were often intense power struggles that unfolded behind palace doors. Among the most intriguing and dramatic of these struggles were those that occurred between the royal concubines within the…

Throughout history, royal women have not only been recognized for their political influence, diplomacy, and leadership but also for their artistic talents, particularly in the realm of literature. Many royal women, whether queens, princesses, or empresses, used their royal status and their time in the courts to pursue literary endeavors. Their works, often imbued with…

Throughout history, princesses have occupied a unique and often influential position within royal courts. As daughters, sisters, or wives of kings, emperors, and monarchs, their lives have been marked by a blend of privilege and responsibility. While their roles may not have always been as publicly recognized as those of kings or queens, princesses were…

Throughout history, royal women have played significant, yet often underappreciated, roles in international diplomacy. While the idea of diplomacy has traditionally been seen as a domain controlled by kings, emperors, and high-ranking male officials, royal women have often acted as influential political figures in their own right, negotiating alliances, managing peace treaties, and serving as…

In Chinese imperial history, the emperor’s concubines, also known as “fei” or “pī tán” (妃嫔), have played critical and often pivotal roles in the shaping of political, cultural, and social developments. While often overlooked compared to the emperor or empress, the concubines of China’s royal courts were deeply influential in the lives of emperors, the…

Throughout Chinese history, the role of empresses has often been overshadowed by the power and influence of male emperors. However, these women have played crucial roles in maintaining dynastic stability, shaping political decisions, and sometimes even ensuring the continuity of the imperial family. From the Tang Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, empresses were not merely…

Wu Zetian, the only woman in Chinese history to officially hold the title of emperor, remains one of the most influential figures in the annals of Chinese political history. Her reign marked a dramatic shift in the structure of power in the Tang Dynasty, and her political acumen and ability to navigate the complexities of…

Yang Guifei, known as one of the “Four Beauties” of ancient China, is a figure whose life and legacy have captivated generations. Renowned for her beauty, elegance, and tragic fate, Yang’s life remains an enduring topic in Chinese history and literature. From her humble beginnings to her rise in the imperial palace, Yang Guifei’s journey…

The Lunar New Year, or Tết Nguyên Đán, is one of the most important and widely celebrated holidays in Vietnam. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year, a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and looking forward to a fresh start. Tết is not just about festivities, but also about the food. The…