In the southwest corner of China, a lush tropical environment inspired the creation of a gorgeous display of artistry practiced by the Bai people of Yunnan province. Our Host James Chau tells the story of how a thousand-year-old fabric-dyeing technique is still celebrated today, and how the natural landscape has influenced its inhabitants and their shared culture.

Chinese film has delighted and intrigued international audiences for decades. With growing access and shareability across oceans and borders, Chinese filmmakers are finding their works resonating around the world. And the classics are having a comeback. The 1990s film “Raise the Red Lantern” is a tale of hidden romance and tragic endings. It portrays the complexities and traditions of ancient China– using rich visuals, elegant costume design, and an extraordinary score. Our Contributing Editor Laura De Belgique explains how the decade’s most poignant films allows us a view into the ancient world.

London’s famed Serpentine Gallery has reopened since temporarily closing in mid-March, displaying an exhibition of works by Cao Fei, a multimedia artist and filmmaker from China. Her photographs and videos explore how the world around us, and how we perceive ourselves, is continuously changing. Born in Guangzhou and now based in Beijing, this is Cao Fei's first major solo exhibition in the UK and comes at a time when all of us are reassessing our place in a rapidly changing world.