Digitization Centre

In the rich tapestry of cultural expressions, few narratives are as quietly impactful as that of Nüshu (女書, meaning “women’s writing” in Chinese). Nüshu is a syllabic script that was primarily used by Yao women in Jiangyong County, Hunan Province, China. For generations, this unique writing system allowed women to express their thoughts, emotions, and […]

We are excited to announce the launch of a long-awaited addition to our Open Collection: the Phil Lind Klondike Gold Rush Collection! Donated to the UBC Library in 2020 by UBC alumnus Philip B. Lind, the collection is an extraordinary collection of photographs, maps, books, artifacts, and other unique materials that document the events and […]

What can poetry reveal about history, mythology, and cultural memory? In the Tang dynasty, poets not only expressed personal emotions but also engaged with historical events, folklore, and timeless legends. In our previous blog post, we explored themes of frontier life, parting, and nostalgia in Tang quatrains (read Part 1 here). This week, we continue […]

The Tang dynasty (618–907 CE) is often regarded as the golden age of classical Chinese poetry, celebrated for its exceptional cultural and literary achievements. Tang poetry remains a cornerstone of Chinese literature, attracting both scholars and enthusiasts for centuries. Among the many poetic forms of the era, the Chinese quatrain holds a special place for […]

The Negatives 5396 Larch Photo Album offers a warm and intimate look into family life in the early 20th century, capturing moments from a family residing at 5396 Larch St., Vancouver, B.C. At this time, the city’s communities were evolving amid social and economic changes, marking an era of growth and adaptation.  As part of […]