Timely reports on issues and events from across China. Drawing on a vast range of sources, these succinct articles provide insights into the significance of each issue in a wider context.

NEWS

Rising Tones

The Chinese Restaurant That ‘Didn’t Want Fame’ and the Internet That Wouldn’t Listen

Netizens have become fascinated by the restaurant owner’s claims that his chicken causes diarrhea and that he doesn’t want to become too popular, as crowds flock to the restaurant from around the country.

He Qitong

Chinese Supplement Brand Falsely Claiming to Be Australian Ignites Scandal

Spurred by netizens, a domestic investigation found that the company’s listed overseas production address was linked to an unrelated Australian auto shop.

Li Xin

China’s Tomb-Sweeping Day Now Includes Pets

Online demand is rising for hologram boxes, wool-felt replicas and paper offerings as some owners fold pets into tomb-sweeping traditions.

Chen Yiru

From Repair Shop to World Podium: Chinese Biker Goes Viral After Historic Win

A former rural repair apprentice has headed the first-ever Chinese motorcycle brand to win the Supersport World Championship.

Jiang Xinyi

Chinese University Cuts Arts Majors, Citing an AI-Driven Future

An explanation from the university’s top official led to debate on social media. But students say they’re not surprised by the cancellation.

China’s Tech Giants Are Recruiting High Schoolers

Citing insufficient talent in universities, tech companies are increasingly seeking out high schoolers to fulfill research and internship roles.

Yang Yang

Are China’s 8-Person University Dorm Rooms on Their Way Out?

Heilongjiang is the latest province to begin phasing out the living quarters, as the nation seeks to upgrade its student housing and eliminate crowding and dormitory shortages.

Don’t Hit Paws: Chinese Tech Giant Launches 24/7 Channel for Pets

The channel is the latest instance of companies capitalizing on the nation’s 300-billion-yuan pet industry.

In Hangzhou, a Dying Photographer Plans His Goodbye

A man who spent decades photographing others now becomes the subject.

Hu Jiani

In National First, Beijing Launches Dedicated Self-Driving Car Insurance

The new policies provide vehicle coverage for a range of autonomous driving levels, supporting consumers and delivering legal benefits for automakers.

High Rankings of China’s ‘Pursuit of Jade’ Draw Skepticism

The show’s popularity on international and domestic streaming services, combined with polarized comments online, has led some to doubt its true popularity.

China to Offer Expanded Legal Assistance to Vulnerable Groups

Minors, domestic violence victims, and people with disabilities, among others, may now seek procuratorial support in filing civil cases at no cost, lowering barriers to legal counsel and evidence collection.