Kyoto University publishes 35,000 photographs taken during Japan’s occupation of China prompting Chinese social media users to recall legacy of invasion.

Writings by the founder of the People’s Republic of China in 1945 suggest he had a vision of a free and democratic China that Xi Jinping’s governing philosophy would be at odds with.

The Legend of Hao Lan, historical drama featuring stars of previous hit series Wu Jinyan and Nie Yuan, is first such series to begin airing since Chinese state media criticised period dramas for glamorising lavish imperial lifestyles.

The mid-century scramble to stop art and artefacts falling into the wrong hands saw the collection splinter, with Nationalists transporting their treasures to Taiwan and the People’s Republic allowing Forbidden City to preserve posterity.

A Pacific route to and from Spanish America made China an economic powerhouse 400 years ago.

With the palace at constant risk of sabotage and accidental fires, it was essential to be prepared to tackle the peril.

Even today, it sounds like a near impossible task: build an earthquake-resistant wooden building, strong enough to endure several tumultuous centuries, but without using nails or glue.