Round Table China

China's 120 years of cinematic magic

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival coincides with a major milestone—Chinese cinema's 120th anniversary. From its birth in 1905 to today's...

Decision Fatigue? Your brain needs a break!

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If someone asked you how many decisions you make in a day, would you say "a dozen?" Try 35,000. So, what happens when your brain gets overloaded with ...

Movies beyond borders at SIFF

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How far can a film take you? This week in Shanghai, the answer is: everywhere. The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) is a vibrant celeb...

Exoskeletons on the Great Wall!

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Climbing the Great Wall of China is a once-in-a-lifetime experience… unless your knees beg to differ. What if your spirit is willing, but your body'...

Shanghai International Film Festival Fever!

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The lights dim, the screen expands, and the world applauds. Welcome to one of the most prestigious cinematic celebrations on the global stage—the 20...

Child brain training: Help or hype?

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

China's booming 'child brain training' industry promises to unlock kids' potential—but experts question how much is science versus savvy marketing. ...

Crafting a '15-minute' employment service circle 

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You've heard it before: 'There are no good jobs out there.’Yet employers insist: 'We can't find the right people!' This frustrating disconnect? It's...

Discovering Guizhou: The Guitar Fanatic

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Zheng'an County, Guizhou province, a thriving guitar manufacturing industry has emerged, supplying major international brands and providing thousan...

Discovering Guizhou: The Red Hot recipe

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Guizhou Province has long been known for its rugged landscapes and ethnic diversity, but today, it's making headlines for something else: the red hot ...

Discovering Guizhou: Miao culture extravaganza

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What do spicy peppers, handmade guitars, and green cities have in common? Guizhou. In our new on-the-ground mini-series "ChinaHorizons", we invite you...

Enthusiasm through the roof for 'Su Chao'! 

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Jiangsu's Football City League (Su Chao), it's not about stardom—it's about community. Students, shopkeepers, and everyday heroes battle on the p...

All eyes on Gaokao 2025 

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's that time of year again—cities grow quieter, families hold their breath, and more than 13 million students pour their hearts into the gaokao, ...

Bikes, gear & glory

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Who knew two wheels could be this cool? The cycling scene in today's China is fierce, fashionable, and full of flex. Whether it's a high-performance b...

Restore the beauty of rivers & lakes

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this Environment Day, China sets sail on an inspiring journey—to restore rivers and lakes from shore to source. What does it take to bring vitali...

Everyone's obsessed with Labubu!

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered why quirky plush toys like Labubu and Jellycat have taken the world by storm—especially among adults? These aren't just nosta...

Why don't we recycle our old phones?

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We sleep with it, eat with it, panic if it goes missing for even five minutes. Let's face it—our smartphones are practically family. But the moment ...

Low-fat lies: Do diet meals work?

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

That 'low-fat' meal seemed like a smart choice—clean, green, guilt-free. So why are your jeans tighter? Behind the wholesome packaging lies a harsh ...

The sneaky cost of selling online

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In China's cutthroat e-commerce battleground, every 'Add to Cart' triggers a cascade of costs—layered, opaque, and ever-changing. But who ultimately...

Managing up in the office

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Your boss isn't a fire-breathing dragon, but neither is he or she an all-knowing saint. Managing up is a strategic approach to understanding your mana...

Gap year stigma?

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is a gap year simply taking a break from work? Think again. In China, taking time off can set off alarm bells with HR and turn a 'break' into a barrie...

Children's theater: The art of becoming

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

More than just play, theater unlocks confidence, empathy, and self-expression—gifts that shape young hearts and minds far beyond the stage. As Inter...

Dragon Boat Festival's traditions and treats!

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Zongzi are steaming on the table, dragon boats are slicing through the water, and this long weekend just hits different—Duanwu Festival meets Childr...

Cue sports strike back in the digital era

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Long considered a slow-paced game for older generations, snooker is shaking off its dusty image—thanks to stars like China's Zhao Xintong, whose ele...

Mobile money erases China's ATMs

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The number of ATMs in China has collapsed to just 800,000, a 25% drop in five years, as mobile payments dominate daily life. While urbanites enjoy fri...

Could the 2.5-day weekend become reality?

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Picture this: It's 2 PM on a Friday, and instead of staring at the clock, you're already free—heading home, meeting friends, or simply enjoying an e...

Free preschool for China's children?

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As China continues to prioritize education and family welfare, the idea of universal free preschool is gaining momentum. Could this be the next step i...

Shanghai's on-demand bus routes!

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine designing your own commute. In Shanghai, a crowd-sourced platform now allows riders to propose and vote on new bus routes. With sufficient dem...

Credit blacklists: Fair or excessive?

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

China's credit blacklist system serves as a legal safety net targeting willful defaulters—those who can repay but refuse. But does it strike the rig...

Resurgence of small screen phones?

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While the world went big, a few phone developers kept things small—and now the tide might be turning. Slim, sleek, and surprisingly powerful, these ...

Retirees return to school!

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Guess who are heading back to school? Retirees aged 55 and above, well endowed with time and curiosity. From China to the US, seniors are stepping bac...

The price of productivity: China's latest occupational diseases uncovered

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We often talk about careers, hustle, and performance. But here's a question we don't ask enough: What does work cost your body? Your sleep? Your peace...

Small cities big spenders

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For years, China's consumer power was synonymous with big cities like Shanghai and Beijing. But the new frontier is elsewhere. In 2025, smaller cities...

Conscious unbossing? Gen Z doesn't want the promotion. 

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

"Conscious unbossing" is emerging as the new career mantra for Gen Z in both America and China. It defies conventional career wisdom where young emplo...

Academic degrees. The longer it takes, the better? 

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today's fast-changing job market, should universities be extending programs or speeding them up instead? With more programs lengthening in China, a...

Informal adoptive kinship for eldercare?

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if family wasn't about blood, and elderly care didn’t have to come from strangers? On Chinese social media, posts have surfaced about “认干...

Chinese tea brands go public

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know the drink that comforted people in China 5,000 years ago is still soothing souls today? From humble teacups to Hong Kong Stock Exchange d...

Love, Scripted. LARP meets '520'!

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hey lovebirds and romantics! It's May 20th—China's sweetest unofficial Valentine's Day, '520,' where the numbers literally sound like 'I love you' i...

Home, quality home

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Private gardens in high-rises? China's 'fourth-generation housing' has arrived. With bigger balconies, shared green spaces, and the villa vibes, these...

Contact lenses: from practical to trendy?

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With an estimated 700 million people in China affected by nearsightedness, contact lenses have shifted from mere vision correction to a fashion essent...

School apathy. Have teens stopped caring?

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lesson after lesson, you sit in class—eyes open but spirit asleep, as if school is just background noise in a life on pause. Even chasing top grades...

International Museum Day 2025: "The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities."

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In an age of information overload where everything is a click away, museums are redefining themselves—not as static halls of artifacts but as living...

RT presents Echoes of Her, Part 2.

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Last time, we began a story that blurred the lines between memory and technology, grief and connection. We met Ranran, a young woman trying to reconne...

Spring and autumn breaks for Chinese kids?

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Guess what, on top of the usual summer and winter holidays here in China, some kids are getting spring and autumn breaks too! No wonder even some pare...

RT presents Echoes of Her, Part 1.

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode is a little different. We're pressing the pause button on our usual hot takes and heated debates to bring you something more intimate,...

More digital nomads return to their hometowns

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Some call themselves digital nomads, others joke that they're digital refugees instead—it all depends on the thickness of your wallet! But hey, if w...

The outdoor leisure boom

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The call of the wild is louder than ever. China's outdoor leisure boom is changing the way we live, spend, and even dress. So, what's driving this des...

Academic credit where credit is due

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This news story is rocking the boat in the academic world where titles have often been valued above effort. A Chinese journal says: when publishing ac...

New motorbike apps find speed in China's small cities

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Not every trip needs four wheels. In China's smaller cities, two is often just enough—faster and cheaper. We dive into the rise of motorcycle ride-h...

'Milk Tea' politics & work dynamics

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When did buying milk tea for colleagues become a stressful part of the workday? Some employees feel trapped in a cycle of mandatory generosity—regul...

International Nurses Day: More and better educated nurses in China

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

China’s nursing workforce is growing faster and becoming better educated than ever before, yet hospital wards remain short-staffed, and many nurses ...

Elderspeak: Kindness or condescension?

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's easy to mistake a warm tone and simplified words as respectful—but when we use the same style with both children and older adults, an important...

China's great delivery war

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Food, medicine, groceries, electronics—if it fits on a scooter, it’s fair game in China's high-stakes delivery wars. Tech giants like JD and Aliba...

China stiffens prepaid deal protections

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Gym memberships that vanish overnight? Salons that disappear with your cash? China's Supreme Court just slammed the door on prepaid scams. Starting Ma...

Eco-warriors: China's green-collar workforce!

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Move over, blue and white collars—China's green-collar revolution is here. With over 3.4 million eco-workers and counting, the country is sprinting ...

Does coconut water deserve a health halo?

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Move over, milk tea—this summer belongs to crisp, tropical coconut water. Gym-goers, office workers, and wellness seekers are all chasing that hydra...

The hidden fees of car subscriptions

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Heated seats, adaptive cruise—your car has it all… until the subscription ends. Welcome to the age of locked features, where convenience comes wit...

Has emotional labor gone too far?

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Across North American cafés, workers juggle espresso machines and emotional labor: remembering names, performing cheer, even handwriting pep talks on...

Spenders splash cash during May Holiday!

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Long lines at the Temple of Heaven. Packed rural B&Bs. Sold-out concerts. This year's May Day holiday wasn't just a travel surge, it was an economic p...

Women in science: progress, power, and the stories we tell

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Women in science have shattered barriers and redefined possibility—yet the path forward demands even greater strides. Join Heyang in conversation wi...

Women in music: excellence in arts and academia

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join Niu Honglin for a captivating conversation with Dr. Lin Li—a renowned Guzheng virtuoso and War Studies scholar from King's College London. Dr. ...

Women in entrepreneurship: passion, purpose, and planet

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tune in as Heyang chats with Songqiao Yao, founder and CEO of Wildbound.earth—an innovative, nature-inspired education and sustainability consulting...

Stainless steel: the new interior design star?

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Move over, minimalism—there's a new aesthetic taking over Chinese homes, and it's steel cold. Dubbed “Prison-core,” the trend embraces stainless...

Noise out, quiet communities in!

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From smarter urban design to real-time noise monitoring, the mission is clear: quieter nights, better sleep, and healthier communities. We explore the...

How to recharge the low-energy spirit?

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever feel like you're running on fumes, struggling to muster the energy for even the simplest tasks? The increasing prevalence of "low-energy individu...

Smarter toilets, smarter comfort!

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if your toilet offered more than just basic functionality? Smart toilets can adapt to your individual needs, cleans with precision, and even prov...

Highlights of the 4th CMG Forum

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

More than 300 guests from 95 countries and regions attended the 4th CMG Forum in Qufu, Shandong province with the aim to strengthen communication and ...

China's universities add 29 cool new majors!

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Major changes are reshaping higher education, and their impact on the future is significant. China recently unveiled a substantial update to its acade...

A cure for the lovesick?

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Love can make us do unexpected things, but what happens when it obscures our true selves? A payable service will give you advice on how to snap you ou...

Robo-owls to the power grid rescue!

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Perched high above the power lines, it's not just a bird—it's a robotic owl. This guardian of the grid and protector of wildlife represents the powe...

Gen Z's temple dining zen trend

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Need a break from the hustle? What if the secret to unwinding wasn't a fancy spa day or a digital detox, but something far simpler: a humble bowl of ...

Two Chinese sites named UNESCO Geoparks!

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Step into Earth's grand narrative at China's newly crowned UNESCO Global Geoparks, where ancient rock formations and sweeping landscapes whisper tales...

Is spanking a parenting right?

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Spanking remains a divisive discipline tactic—while some dismiss it as harmless, others condemn it as damaging. Its effectiveness is fiercely debate...

Pages to pixels: Livestreams elevate book sales!

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

April 23rd marks World Book and Copyright Day, and in China, the celebration has gone digital. Bookstores and sellers are embracing the trend, ramping...

The problem with people pleasing

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever agreed to something you didn't want to do—just to avoid disappointing someone? If this sounds familiar, you might be stuck in the people-pleasi...

Where can cleaners rest?

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Step into any shopping mall, school, or hospital in China, and you'll find gleaming floors, spotless halls, and perfect order. But behind that immacul...

Beijing Film Festival: Lights, Camera, Action!

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We recommend one film from the 15th Beijing International Film Festival: the compelling Chinese movie, Better Me, Better You (《好好的》). / Smar...

Exotic fruits revitalize South China

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hainan—China's breathtaking tropical paradise—is famous for its pristine beaches and idyllic climate. But now, the island is making headlines for ...

Data centers on the Moon?

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lunar data centers promise extreme cooling and cosmic isolation—but are they worth the astronomical costs and logistical challenges? With Earth-base...

China's young shoppers chase emotional fulfillment

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The way young people shop in China is changing rapidly. A new report reveals that over 40% of young consumers now prioritize emotional value and perso...

Could potato rice dethrone rice? 

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the West, potatoes are known as the comfort-food king—mashed, fried, or baked. But in China, they've traditionally played second fiddle to rice a...

China's ACG street party!

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Anime, manga, and gaming used to be dismissed as mere pastimes for kids and 'nerds.' But that fantasy world? It's exploded into the mainstream. ACG is...

China's picnic trend: Back to basics!

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Over the past five years, outdoor activities like biking and camping have seen remarkable growth, driving expansion across related industries. Now, as...

Health products shine at Consumer Products Expo

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Many of us scroll through applications on our phones when we shop. But imagine a tropical island where you can explore hundreds of thousands of produc...

Tech powers rescues in China's outdoor boom

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

China's outdoor boom has more hikers venturing into remote areas, leading to increased rescues. Now, NGOs, rescue teams, and tech companies—includin...

Are smart farmers' market makeovers necessary?

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

China's traditional farmers' markets have shed their messy past for a high-tech makeover, complete with self-checkout kiosks and digital systems. The ...

Bot-driven scalping kills fair ticket access

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You queue for tickets—gone before "Buy" loads. You try booking dinner, a tee time, a campsite visit… same result. Scalping has gone digital, paras...

Dawn of robots in elderly care

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We are living longer than ever, a cause for celebration. However, as societies age at an unprecedented rate, we have to wonder how the growing demand ...

World Expo 2025

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The curved pavilion is designed to evoke an unrolled ancient scroll, its form embracing visitors in warm bamboo hues. Poetry, etched in scripts evolve...

Educational app rules for schools

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Once, "forgot homework" meant a left-behind textbook. Now, in China's digital classrooms, it's a syncing error, a password expiry, or an AI glitch. Bu...

Are probiotic claims justified?

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Probiotics are all the rage, promising a happy gut and a host of other health perks. But with so many yogurts, pills, and potions boasting these live ...

China's e-bike insurance gap

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

China boasts over 400 million e-bikes, yet surprisingly few are insured, leaving owners vulnerable after accidents. How can e-bike safety improve? And...

The power of profanity?

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

That familiar headphone knot, the unexpected slice of paper – and bam! Out comes that satisfying, slightly naughty word. But scientists are saying t...

Birding takes flight in China!

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This spring, a trend is captivating nature, photography, and travel enthusiasts across China: birdwatching. It's about capturing the perfect shot of a...

The quiet drama of passive aggression

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The passive-aggressive often mask their displeasure with phrases like "I'm fine," yet their underlying resentment is palpable. We explore the complexi...

Passenger drones get commercial green light

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Buckle up! The future of transportation is soaring as autonomous passenger drones are officially cleared for takeoff in China. City walks might be the...

The toll of workplace isolation

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Surrounded by the workday bustle and familiar faces, you navigate the usual workplace interactions. A nod here, a smile there, brief words exchanged. ...

Healthy moms, thriving babies: World Health Day

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The aspiration is clear: healthy mothers and thriving babies. Achieving this vital outcome, however, requires a multifaceted approach. Today, we delve...

Time affluent vs. Time poor

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the rush of modern life, we all tick to the same clock. But what if time isn't the issue? What if the way we feel about our time is the true measur...

Qingming Festival: Honoring ancestors, embracing renewal

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Qingming Festival is a day of remembrance, but also renewal. We discuss its modern twists, from green memorials to the call of the open road! On the s...

Vintage tech, premium price: The nostalgia boom

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Once worthless, now priceless? CCD cameras and flip phones sell for exorbitant prices, sometimes more than new tech. There seems to be a certain allur...