Jonathan Chatwin
@jmchatwin.bsky.social
Non-fiction writer.
Writes about travel, China, sometimes both simultaneously.
‘The Southern Tour: Deng Xiaoping and the Fight for China’s Future’ (2024).
‘Long Peace Street: A walk in modern China’ (2019)
‘Anywhere Out of the World’ (2012)
Writes about travel, China, sometimes both simultaneously.
‘The Southern Tour: Deng Xiaoping and the Fight for China’s Future’ (2024).
‘Long Peace Street: A walk in modern China’ (2019)
‘Anywhere Out of the World’ (2012)
Pinned
Jonathan Chatwin
@jmchatwin.bsky.social
· May 20
The Southern Tour: Deng Xiaoping and the Fight for China's Future a book by Jonathan Chatwin.
A History Today Book of the Year 2024On a freezing January afternoon in 1992, Deng Xiaoping, China’s former paramount leader and now a revered elder statesman, set off on a month long trip around Chin...
uk.bookshop.org
This week marks the first birthday of ‘The Southern Tour’ from @bloomsburyacad.bsky.social - a History Today book of the year 2024, which hopefully still reads well in 2025.
uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-...
uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-...
Reposted by Jonathan Chatwin
Two photographs by Sha Fei (沙飞, 1912–1950), one of China’s first photojournalists.
📷 Eighth Route Army recapturing Pingxingguan Pass, Shanxi, 1937 — University of Bristol, Historical Photographs of China, ref. ML02-d145
📷 Eighth Route Army fighting on the Futuyu Great Wall, Laiyuan, Hebei, 1938
📷 Eighth Route Army recapturing Pingxingguan Pass, Shanxi, 1937 — University of Bristol, Historical Photographs of China, ref. ML02-d145
📷 Eighth Route Army fighting on the Futuyu Great Wall, Laiyuan, Hebei, 1938
November 9, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Two photographs by Sha Fei (沙飞, 1912–1950), one of China’s first photojournalists.
📷 Eighth Route Army recapturing Pingxingguan Pass, Shanxi, 1937 — University of Bristol, Historical Photographs of China, ref. ML02-d145
📷 Eighth Route Army fighting on the Futuyu Great Wall, Laiyuan, Hebei, 1938
📷 Eighth Route Army recapturing Pingxingguan Pass, Shanxi, 1937 — University of Bristol, Historical Photographs of China, ref. ML02-d145
📷 Eighth Route Army fighting on the Futuyu Great Wall, Laiyuan, Hebei, 1938
For all those who have drunk Tsingtao out of a plastic bag in Qingdao: the logical next step.
Ladies and Gentlemen.
The Tsingtao Beer Jacket.
The Tsingtao Beer Jacket.
November 9, 2025 at 7:22 PM
For all those who have drunk Tsingtao out of a plastic bag in Qingdao: the logical next step.
Reposted by Jonathan Chatwin
Our forthcoming volume on the environmental history of China's era of high socialism has a cover.
Paul Pickowicz, who took the photo when he visited China in 1971 as part of a Committee of Concerned Asian Scholars delegation, also contributed the book's epilogue.
Paul Pickowicz, who took the photo when he visited China in 1971 as part of a Committee of Concerned Asian Scholars delegation, also contributed the book's epilogue.
October 31, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Our forthcoming volume on the environmental history of China's era of high socialism has a cover.
Paul Pickowicz, who took the photo when he visited China in 1971 as part of a Committee of Concerned Asian Scholars delegation, also contributed the book's epilogue.
Paul Pickowicz, who took the photo when he visited China in 1971 as part of a Committee of Concerned Asian Scholars delegation, also contributed the book's epilogue.
Two photographs by Sha Fei (沙飞, 1912–1950), one of China’s first photojournalists.
📷 Eighth Route Army recapturing Pingxingguan Pass, Shanxi, 1937 — University of Bristol, Historical Photographs of China, ref. ML02-d145
📷 Eighth Route Army fighting on the Futuyu Great Wall, Laiyuan, Hebei, 1938
📷 Eighth Route Army recapturing Pingxingguan Pass, Shanxi, 1937 — University of Bristol, Historical Photographs of China, ref. ML02-d145
📷 Eighth Route Army fighting on the Futuyu Great Wall, Laiyuan, Hebei, 1938
November 9, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Two photographs by Sha Fei (沙飞, 1912–1950), one of China’s first photojournalists.
📷 Eighth Route Army recapturing Pingxingguan Pass, Shanxi, 1937 — University of Bristol, Historical Photographs of China, ref. ML02-d145
📷 Eighth Route Army fighting on the Futuyu Great Wall, Laiyuan, Hebei, 1938
📷 Eighth Route Army recapturing Pingxingguan Pass, Shanxi, 1937 — University of Bristol, Historical Photographs of China, ref. ML02-d145
📷 Eighth Route Army fighting on the Futuyu Great Wall, Laiyuan, Hebei, 1938
Photos by Xu Xiaobing (1916–2009), a key photographer for the Chinese Communist Party from the 1930s–1960s.
Xu documented Red Army and PLA soldiers during the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Civil War; the third image here is of Peng Dehuai, PRC defence minister (1954–1959).
Xu documented Red Army and PLA soldiers during the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Civil War; the third image here is of Peng Dehuai, PRC defence minister (1954–1959).
October 30, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Photos by Xu Xiaobing (1916–2009), a key photographer for the Chinese Communist Party from the 1930s–1960s.
Xu documented Red Army and PLA soldiers during the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Civil War; the third image here is of Peng Dehuai, PRC defence minister (1954–1959).
Xu documented Red Army and PLA soldiers during the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Civil War; the third image here is of Peng Dehuai, PRC defence minister (1954–1959).
In a very drizzly Oxford for my talk on Deng Xiaoping’s Southern Tour- open to all!
October 29, 2025 at 11:08 AM
In a very drizzly Oxford for my talk on Deng Xiaoping’s Southern Tour- open to all!
Anyone in Oxford or vicinity: I’m talking about Deng Xiaoping’s Southern Tour at the Oxford China Centre this Wednesday. Free and open to all.
www.ccsp.ox.ac.uk/event/china-...
www.ccsp.ox.ac.uk/event/china-...
China Centre Talks: The Southern Tour: Deng Xiaoping and the Fight for China’s Future
www.ccsp.ox.ac.uk
October 27, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Anyone in Oxford or vicinity: I’m talking about Deng Xiaoping’s Southern Tour at the Oxford China Centre this Wednesday. Free and open to all.
www.ccsp.ox.ac.uk/event/china-...
www.ccsp.ox.ac.uk/event/china-...
Reposted by Jonathan Chatwin
I’m looking forward to speaking again at the University of Oxford China Centre on Wednesday 29th October about Deng Xiaoping’s Southern Tour; the event is free and open to all.
@bloomsburyacad.bsky.social
talks.ox.ac.uk/talks/id/2be...
@bloomsburyacad.bsky.social
talks.ox.ac.uk/talks/id/2be...
The Southern Tour: Deng Xiaoping and the Fight for China’s Future
Jonathan Chatwin's book, The Southern Tour: Deng Xiaoping and the Fight for China’s Future, explores Deng Xiaoping’s 1992 Southern Tour and the mythology around it. Drawing on archival sources, conte...
talks.ox.ac.uk
October 18, 2025 at 8:53 PM
I’m looking forward to speaking again at the University of Oxford China Centre on Wednesday 29th October about Deng Xiaoping’s Southern Tour; the event is free and open to all.
@bloomsburyacad.bsky.social
talks.ox.ac.uk/talks/id/2be...
@bloomsburyacad.bsky.social
talks.ox.ac.uk/talks/id/2be...
I’m looking forward to speaking again at the University of Oxford China Centre on Wednesday 29th October about Deng Xiaoping’s Southern Tour; the event is free and open to all.
@bloomsburyacad.bsky.social
talks.ox.ac.uk/talks/id/2be...
@bloomsburyacad.bsky.social
talks.ox.ac.uk/talks/id/2be...
The Southern Tour: Deng Xiaoping and the Fight for China’s Future
Jonathan Chatwin's book, The Southern Tour: Deng Xiaoping and the Fight for China’s Future, explores Deng Xiaoping’s 1992 Southern Tour and the mythology around it. Drawing on archival sources, conte...
talks.ox.ac.uk
October 18, 2025 at 8:53 PM
I’m looking forward to speaking again at the University of Oxford China Centre on Wednesday 29th October about Deng Xiaoping’s Southern Tour; the event is free and open to all.
@bloomsburyacad.bsky.social
talks.ox.ac.uk/talks/id/2be...
@bloomsburyacad.bsky.social
talks.ox.ac.uk/talks/id/2be...
From Robert Suettinger’s book on Hu Yaobang I learned that Hu, like Deng Xiaoping, preferred to live outside the confines of Zhongnanhai. Hu’s house was at 会计司胡同25号; now gated off from public view. There is apparently a reproduction somewhere in his home province of Hunan…
September 16, 2025 at 8:21 PM
From Robert Suettinger’s book on Hu Yaobang I learned that Hu, like Deng Xiaoping, preferred to live outside the confines of Zhongnanhai. Hu’s house was at 会计司胡同25号; now gated off from public view. There is apparently a reproduction somewhere in his home province of Hunan…
The Flying Tigers (American Volunteer Group) were U.S. pilots recruited in 1941 to aid China before America’s entry into WWII. Based in Yunnan, they flew Curtiss P-40s against Japan. Photos from Harrison Forman’s 1942 series show Col. Claire Chennault and pilot R.T. Smith at Kunming.
September 15, 2025 at 8:07 PM
The Flying Tigers (American Volunteer Group) were U.S. pilots recruited in 1941 to aid China before America’s entry into WWII. Based in Yunnan, they flew Curtiss P-40s against Japan. Photos from Harrison Forman’s 1942 series show Col. Claire Chennault and pilot R.T. Smith at Kunming.
“In particular, Torigian’s account of his life invites the question: why would anyone remain so dedicated to an institution that has treated you so badly?”
My review in the @asianreviewofbooks.bsky.social of ‘The Party’s Interests Come First’
asianreviewofbooks.com/the-partys-i...
My review in the @asianreviewofbooks.bsky.social of ‘The Party’s Interests Come First’
asianreviewofbooks.com/the-partys-i...
“The Party’s Interests Come First” by Joseph Torigian
Writers have long found it useful to approach the tumult of modern China through the lives of those leaders born around or shortly after the turn of the twentieth century: men whose careers stretch…
asianreviewofbooks.com
August 28, 2025 at 11:26 AM
“In particular, Torigian’s account of his life invites the question: why would anyone remain so dedicated to an institution that has treated you so badly?”
My review in the @asianreviewofbooks.bsky.social of ‘The Party’s Interests Come First’
asianreviewofbooks.com/the-partys-i...
My review in the @asianreviewofbooks.bsky.social of ‘The Party’s Interests Come First’
asianreviewofbooks.com/the-partys-i...
I love a doorstop CCP biog, and Joseph Torigian’s new book on Xi Zhongxun is a fascinating addition to the genre that offers insight into the party, his life - and of course, his son.
asianreviewofbooks.com/the-partys-i...
asianreviewofbooks.com/the-partys-i...
“The Party’s Interests Come First” by Joseph Torigian
Writers have long found it useful to approach the tumult of modern China through the lives of those leaders born around or shortly after the turn of the twentieth century: men whose careers stretch…
asianreviewofbooks.com
August 25, 2025 at 3:54 PM
I love a doorstop CCP biog, and Joseph Torigian’s new book on Xi Zhongxun is a fascinating addition to the genre that offers insight into the party, his life - and of course, his son.
asianreviewofbooks.com/the-partys-i...
asianreviewofbooks.com/the-partys-i...
Reposted by Jonathan Chatwin
Today in the ARB: @jmchatwin.bsky.social reviews “The Party’s Interests Come First” by Joseph Torigian @stanfordpress.bsky.social asianreviewofbooks.com/the-partys-i...
August 25, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Today in the ARB: @jmchatwin.bsky.social reviews “The Party’s Interests Come First” by Joseph Torigian @stanfordpress.bsky.social asianreviewofbooks.com/the-partys-i...
Reposted by Jonathan Chatwin
In March 1990, Deng Xiaoping invoked Mount Tai before Party leaders: “No matter how the international situation changes, so long as we can ensure appropriate economic growth, we shall stand firm as Mount Tai.” 1/3
August 24, 2025 at 9:21 AM
In March 1990, Deng Xiaoping invoked Mount Tai before Party leaders: “No matter how the international situation changes, so long as we can ensure appropriate economic growth, we shall stand firm as Mount Tai.” 1/3
I’ve used these archives and the BBC’s explanation of how they are changing access is just nonsense marketing speak. The only way to run an archive like this is to allow access based on specific queries.
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Historians dismayed by ‘scandal’ of BBC cutting access to...
Critics say new limit to trove of information sounds knell for independent research
observer.co.uk
August 24, 2025 at 10:48 AM
I’ve used these archives and the BBC’s explanation of how they are changing access is just nonsense marketing speak. The only way to run an archive like this is to allow access based on specific queries.
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
In March 1990, Deng Xiaoping invoked Mount Tai before Party leaders: “No matter how the international situation changes, so long as we can ensure appropriate economic growth, we shall stand firm as Mount Tai.” 1/3
August 24, 2025 at 9:21 AM
In March 1990, Deng Xiaoping invoked Mount Tai before Party leaders: “No matter how the international situation changes, so long as we can ensure appropriate economic growth, we shall stand firm as Mount Tai.” 1/3
Reposted by Jonathan Chatwin
The Great Wall at Shanxi Province, c.1923 by photographer RE Baber
August 23, 2025 at 4:55 PM
The Great Wall at Shanxi Province, c.1923 by photographer RE Baber
Reposted by Jonathan Chatwin
On 19 Jan 1992, Deng Xiaoping stepped off the train in Shenzhen. After greetings from local officials, he was driven to the Shenzhen Guesthouse. His villa had just been refurbished: cream furnishings, floral fabrics, and a large desk with inkstone + brushes laid out. 1/3
August 23, 2025 at 8:24 AM
On 19 Jan 1992, Deng Xiaoping stepped off the train in Shenzhen. After greetings from local officials, he was driven to the Shenzhen Guesthouse. His villa had just been refurbished: cream furnishings, floral fabrics, and a large desk with inkstone + brushes laid out. 1/3
On 19 Jan 1992, Deng Xiaoping stepped off the train in Shenzhen. After greetings from local officials, he was driven to the Shenzhen Guesthouse. His villa had just been refurbished: cream furnishings, floral fabrics, and a large desk with inkstone + brushes laid out. 1/3
August 23, 2025 at 8:24 AM
On 19 Jan 1992, Deng Xiaoping stepped off the train in Shenzhen. After greetings from local officials, he was driven to the Shenzhen Guesthouse. His villa had just been refurbished: cream furnishings, floral fabrics, and a large desk with inkstone + brushes laid out. 1/3
An excellent piece—and equally true of literary travel writing about China, which has all but disappeared in recent years.
Interesting piece on whatever happened to China travel guides by Thomas Bird in the China Books Review - that hat tips my old time travel mentor Carl Crow - chinabooksreview.com/2025/07/31/t...
What Happened to China Travel Guides? | China Books Review
Guidebooks for China boomed from the 1980s to the 2010s. Then the Covid pandemic hit. With fewer visitors, and travel guides going out of print in the digital age, what are we missing?
chinabooksreview.com
July 31, 2025 at 12:46 PM
An excellent piece—and equally true of literary travel writing about China, which has all but disappeared in recent years.
Yankai, Yunnan, ca 1943-45: A farmer poses with hoe in hand, wearing a well-worn leather cap unusual for the region. He was particularly proud of his beard, noted photographer Bert Krawczyk.
July 24, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Yankai, Yunnan, ca 1943-45: A farmer poses with hoe in hand, wearing a well-worn leather cap unusual for the region. He was particularly proud of his beard, noted photographer Bert Krawczyk.
Reposted by Jonathan Chatwin
Thanks to China Books Review for the chance to write about (the sadly recently passed) Jane Gardam and her excellent Old Filth trilogy about colonial Hong Kong which, if you haven't read you really should....
chinabooksreview.com/2025/07/22/a...
chinabooksreview.com/2025/07/22/a...
Jane Gardam: The Old Filth Trilogy | China Books Review
A clever skewering of British colonials in pre-handover Hong Kong became a best-seller for its portrait of imperial ruin and class jockeying.
chinabooksreview.com
July 22, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Thanks to China Books Review for the chance to write about (the sadly recently passed) Jane Gardam and her excellent Old Filth trilogy about colonial Hong Kong which, if you haven't read you really should....
chinabooksreview.com/2025/07/22/a...
chinabooksreview.com/2025/07/22/a...
Snow in Yunnan: Winter 1943–45. Locals insisted it be photographed—first snow in years. Rust-red earth, dark trees, wooden carts: a brief, surreal scene “like a Currier and Ives print,” noted US Army photographer Bert Krawczyk.
July 22, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Snow in Yunnan: Winter 1943–45. Locals insisted it be photographed—first snow in years. Rust-red earth, dark trees, wooden carts: a brief, surreal scene “like a Currier and Ives print,” noted US Army photographer Bert Krawczyk.
Precarious crossing: Frederic W. Carey, HM Customs officer, photographed life in Yunnan (1896–1902) while stationed in Szemao (Simao, in southern Yunnan).
University of Bristol - Historical Photographs of China reference number: FC01-07
University of Bristol - Historical Photographs of China reference number: FC01-07
July 21, 2025 at 7:04 AM
Precarious crossing: Frederic W. Carey, HM Customs officer, photographed life in Yunnan (1896–1902) while stationed in Szemao (Simao, in southern Yunnan).
University of Bristol - Historical Photographs of China reference number: FC01-07
University of Bristol - Historical Photographs of China reference number: FC01-07