Puyi’s Journey: From Last Emperor to Humble Gardener

Puyi, the last emperor of China, had lived a life of luxury where he never had to perform basic tasks such as brushing his teeth or tying his shoelaces. At the age of 44, after being placed in a communist reeducation prison program in 1950, he finally faced these mundane chores for the first time.

Once deposed, Puyi was compelled to work as a street sweeper in Beijing. On his first day, he became lost and sought help from strangers, introducing himself as the last Emperor of the Qing dynasty and explaining that he was staying with relatives but couldn’t find his way home.

In the years leading up to his reeducation, Puyi had joined forces with the Japanese after their invasion of Manchuria, becoming the ruler of the puppet state of Manchuria. Following World War II, Puyi served a 10-year prison sentence as a war criminal. Upon his release, he found work as a gardener at the very palace where he had once reigned.

Chinese Cuisine’s American Journey: From Gold Rush to Fusion

Chinese cuisine first made its way to America during the California Gold Rush, which began in 1848. With an influx of around 30,000 immigrants hailing from the Canton region in China, these new arrivals established restaurants that served not only as sources of familiar flavors for the predominantly male demographic, but also as social hubs […]

jiaozi

The first recorded use of paper currency in the world is believed to have occurred in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). The Chinese used paper money in the form of “jiaozi,” which were paper notes issued by the government that could be exchanged for gold or silver. The jiaozi were used primarily as […]

One of the craziest historical facts…

One of the craziest historical facts is that during the Tang Dynasty in China (618-907), Emperor Xuanzong had a favorite concubine named Yang Yuhuan who was renowned for her beauty and intelligence. Yang Yuhuan was so beloved by the Emperor that he is said to have neglected his duties and spent most of his time […]