Some of the great stories of the 20th century were built in the shipping ports of America, Europe, and China. Shanghai is one example, as the world's largest unmanned terminal, and a range of 'smart' features that is supporting the global supply chain in a time of a pandemic. Our Host James Chau looks closer at what it offers.

America has many beautiful train journeys, including the overnight service from Seattle to Los Angeles that gives passengers an unrivaled view of the West Coast. The equivalent in China is the Huang-Hang Railway that allows you to see the dawn rise on Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain, and be back in time in downtown Hangzhou for sunset — tracing the footsteps of Marco Polo, the Italian explorer who traveled through China in the 13th century.

Tasmin Little has joined The China Current as Culture Contributor after a three decade career as one of the world's leading concert violinists. She will look at the music and instruments of China, but so much more — including the ideas, traditions, lifestyles that shape the lives of 1.4 billion people today. In this episode, Tasmin looks at her own story and how it connects to her videos for us.