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The People's Republic of China

Describes the history and development of China, one of the world's most ancient and powerful cultures, from the days of its mythical foundation to the present day.
The Fighting Monks of Shaolin Temple vs. Japanese Pirates
Throughout the 1400s and 1500s, Japanese pirate bands raided up and down the Chinese coastline. The imperial army and navy were unable to stop the pirates, so they called in the fighting monks of Shaolin and other temples.
China's Shaolin Temple

At several points in the long recorded history of China, Buddhism has fallen out of favor with the ruling classes, and temples have been shut down or even burned to the ground.

One temple that has survived relatively well is the Shaolin Monastery in Henan Province - in part because the warrior monks of Shaolin have used their kung fu (gong fu) skills to fight for different emperor…

History of the Shaolin Monks
The monks of China's Shaolin Monastery are known for their fighting prowess, particularly in their own Shaolin style of kung fu. Learn more about this ancient monastery and its inhabitants.
Why Did China Lease Hong Kong to Britain?
Why did China lease Hong Kong to Britain? Find the answer here, in the About.com Asian History FAQs.
Chinese Opera Photos
Photo gallery of Chinese Opera pictures, including Beijing and Sichuan Opera.
The Fighting Monks of Shaolin Temple
The monks of Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, China, are masters of the martial art of kung fu. See photos of Shaolin monks demonstrating different martial arts techniques here.
Profile of the People's Republic of China
Profile of the People's Republic of China, including information about its people, geography, culture, and history.
Chinese History Timeline
A timeline of Chinese History, from the lifetime of the famous fossil "Peking Man" through the modern day.
When the Monsoons Fail, Emperors Fall
New evidence shows that some of China's most powerful dynasties- the Tang, Yuan and Ming- were brought down in part by the failure of the monsoon rains.
Tibet and China: History of a Complex Relationship
History of the interaction between China and Tibet, including the unclear relationship between the two over time. Was Tibet really part of China before 1949, or was it an independent country?
The Battle of Talas River, 751 A.D.
A little-known battle between the Tang Chinese Empire and the Abbasid Arabs took place on the banks of an obscure Central Asian river in 751 A.D. This battle, however, would change world history in ways unforeseen.
History of Chinese Opera
History of the development and modern attributes of Chinese Opera, including Beijing (Peking) Opera, Shanghai Opera (Huju), Canton Opera, and Shanxi Opera.
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