Very interested in this region and its ancient history of this but having trouble finding any good materials. Not too interested in things focused specifically on the Vietnam war, Cambodian genocide, or other modern stuff. I like long histories.
It's not a 'favourite', but more people should read The Rape Of Nanking by Iris Chang.
Empire of the Sun (1984) J. G. Ballard.
Have you checked out our book list located in the sidebar?
The Class of 1761 by Ira Man-Cheong describes the Imperial Examinations, how they shaped and were shaped by society, the government, the throne, and philosophy. It looks at one specific graduating cadre, who received the highest degree in the empire in 1761, seeing how their careers and studies were affected by the exams.
Autumn in the Heavenly Kingdom, by Stephen Platt, is a look at the Taiping Civil War through the lens of diplomatic and political history, looking at Hong Rengan's attempts to win over the Europeans, why the west decided to stick with the Manchu in the war, and how Zeng Guofan was able to crush the rebellion. The book has a really great storytelling style, with plenty of vivid details and lively characters; one gets the sense that it would make a great novel if it was phrased differently.
The Confusions of Pleasure -Commerce during the Ming Dynasty, and how the view and role of merchants changed in society and was changed by the state.
What Remains, by Tobie Meyer-Fong -a personal look at the aftermath of the Taiping Rebellion, seeing how the civilians caught in this blood drenched apocalypse came to terms with the violence, and paints an evocative picture of life in the postwar period.