cbdb-api

Retrieve biographical data from the CBDB API by ID, name, or Pinyin.

6|4|Updated Oct 22, 2025

Search Tags:#research #api #data #chinese #historical #cbdb #biographical

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/kltng/humanities-skills --skill cbdb-api

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: cbdb-api
Source: https://github.com/kltng/humanities-skills/tree/main/cbdb-api
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/kltng/humanities-skills --skill cbdb-api

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Easily access biographical information about Chinese historical figures by querying the CBDB API, enabling researchers to fetch consistent data for analysis and teaching.

Core Features & Use Cases

Retrieve basic details (name, dynasty, birth/death) and relationships
Query by CBDB ID, Chinese name, or Pinyin name, with outputs in JSON, XML, or HTML
Integrate CBDB data into digital humanities workflows, research notes, and visualizations

Quick Start

Query the CBDB API for a specific person by ID, name, or Pinyin and request a JSON output.

Frequently Asked Questions about cbdb-api

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I query the CBDB API for Chinese historical biographical data?▼

You can query the CBDB API for Chinese historical biographical data using a CBDB ID, Chinese name, or Pinyin. The skill handles URL encoding and returns structured biographical information including names, dynasties, and birth/death details.

What output formats are available when retrieving biographical data from the CBDB API?▼

The CBDB API supports JSON, XML, and HTML output formats for biographical data retrieval. You can request any of these formats depending on whether you need structured data for research workflows or readable HTML for display.

Can I use this to fetch Chinese biographical data for digital humanities research workflows?▼

Yes, this tool is designed to integrate CBDB biographical data into digital humanities workflows. It enables researchers to programmatically fetch consistent data about Chinese historical figures for analysis, teaching, and visualizations.

What specific biographical details can I retrieve for Chinese historical figures?▼

You can retrieve basic biographical details including names, dynasty, and birth/death information, as well as relationships. The API returns structured data that enables researchers to map out connections between historical figures.

Does the CBDB API skill handle URL encoding and error cases automatically?▼

Yes, the skill automatically handles URL encoding for Chinese characters and Pinyin queries, and manages error cases. This ensures reliable API communication when searching for historical figures by name.

What is the best way to search for a Chinese historical figure if I only know their Pinyin name?▼

You can query the CBDB API directly using the Pinyin name. The skill processes the Pinyin query, handles the necessary URL encoding, and returns matching biographical records in your chosen format.