
Part 1
A vivid mosaic of court life in the early Han capital unfolds page by page, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the grand architecture, elaborate ceremonies, and everyday curiosities of the imperial city. From the meticulous layout of the sprawling Weiyang Palace and the shimmering waters of the Kunming Lake to the ornate rituals of seasonal wine offerings, the narrative paints the capital as a living, breathing tableau of power and splendor.
Interwoven with these grand scenes are intimate anecdotes about royal patrons, exotic gifts from distant lands, and the personal whims of emperors and their consorts. Tales of jeweled garments that repel water, mysterious mirrors believed to ward off spirits, and elaborate feasts that blend music, dance, and poetry bring the human side of the dynasty into focus. Together they create an immersive portrait of a world where politics, art, and superstition converge, inviting listeners to wander the corridors of ancient China and hear its hidden stories.
Language
zh
Duration
~19 minutes (18K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
May 7, 2008
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

284–364
A Daoist thinker, physician, and writer from the Eastern Jin period, he is best known for works that mix practical medicine with reflections on self-cultivation and the search for transcendence. His writing opens a vivid window onto early medieval Chinese thought, where philosophy, alchemy, and everyday survival meet.
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