Kevin McSpadden
SCMP Contributor
Kevin McSpadden is a former SCMP staff writer. He is currently a freelance journalist who likes to write about archaeological discoveries in China.
Kevin McSpadden is a former SCMP staff writer. He is currently a freelance journalist who likes to write about archaeological discoveries in China.
Languages Spoken:
English
Under the rule of the King of Qin (247 BC–221 BC), severed noses accumulated like mountain peaks, and carts overflowed with amputated feet.
The two mythological creatures represent the peaceful balance created when opposing forces come into union.
Far more than a simple trade route, ancient network was a vibrant hub of cultural exchange that shaped modern culinary landscape, say scholars.
4,000-year-old cocoons found in Uzbekistan likely made their way to the region 2,000 years before the Silk Road even existed.
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New study finds Huashan rock art formations were made using a mix of lime, red clay and blood.
New analysis reveals the Shimao people were a distinct civilisation that evolved locally in a small region over centuries.
Universally loved across Western Han society (202 BC–9), Liubo grew from a children’s game into an elite intellectual sport.
Nobleman used ceremony to invoke help from ancestors, and then politics made it awkward.
Listed as national cultural heritage, these clay dolls were initially crafted by farmers for extra income and sold at temple fairs.
The sacrifice was an elaborate procedure, indicating it was of utmost importance to the highest echelons of ancient society.
Modern research reveals how imperial dragon artwork directly mirrored a regime’s strength and prosperity.
Unopened 2,500-year-old bottle of liquor contains substantial volume of liquid, allowing researchers to analyse drink’s chemical composition.
Researchers recently announced the discovery of Ming-era (1368–1644) topical anaesthetics, but how did they work.
60,000-year-old dental procedure blurs line between humans and Neanderthals.
The research unveils a more intricate narrative of innovation, intelligence, and human evolution in East Asia.
Elevated homes have been part of Chinese culture since earliest days, showcasing how intercultural interaction fuelled technology development.
Artefact was made of a particular blend of metal that would have been extremely difficult for the ancient people to create on Earth.
The bronze daggers and knives were intentionally damaged during burial as offerings to ensure deceased’s peaceful passage into afterlife.
New research paints a picture of a culture that struggled to navigate a significant increase in rainfall and slowly disappeared from history.
New study indicates Neolithic cultures in China may have separated graves of perinatal infants; different treatment than older children.
Like much of the world, China experienced a notable rise in women authorship during the 19th century, with three poets making a particularly profound impact.
Digital facial reconstructions are looking increasingly realistic, but do they add equal scientific value?
Chinese sports have existed for as long as civilisation has existed, some games were strikingly similar to today’s competitions.
China cosmetic industry during Tang dynasty was vibrant, featuring impressive diverse options with a wide range of ingredients.
Recent discovery of 800-year-old chopsticks highlights just how little the technology has changed over thousands of years.
These military geniuses transformed armies, toppled emperors, even battled pirates.
Whether they were progeny philosophers or boy emperors, their names are stamped in Chinese history.
Pattern recognition algorithm could determine if a 3,000-year-old oracle bone was written by someone left-handed or right-handed.
From invention of writing to discovery of tea, these mythological figures stand apart in the founding myth of Chinese culture.
