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

Hainan to Ban Sales of Gas-Powered Vehicles From 2030

The province is China’s first to implement such a ban, bolstering its status as a leader in EV adoption.

Jiang Xinyi

China’s Scenic Spots Chase Views. Travelers Want the Real Ones.

For years, scenic spots and historical sites have capitalized on online trends and “check-in” culture, leading to what tourists describe as “tacky” aesthetics. After the backlash, sites are changing their tune.

Fan Yiying

Li Rongxuan

All-Women ‘Shaolin Soccer’ Tribute Scores Big, Divides Fans

The film drew large audiences but disappointed those hoping for the heights of the Hong Kong action star’s past kung fu comedies.

He Qitong

Scan Scam: Criminals Redirect China’s Public QR Codes to Porn

Government-registered codes whose associated web domains have expired are being rerouted by criminals to scams or pornographic websites, making scanning everything from street lamps to public vehicles a potential risk.

Four Dead, Eight Missing as Typhoon Maysak Batters Guangxi

The province’s jasmine fields have been inundated after the onslaught of the typhoon this week, ruining the region’s peak tea harvest.

Chen Yiru

China’s ‘Magic Mike’ Show Tests the Line Between Dance, Spectacle

A viral all-male dance production has packed theaters and flooded Chinese social media, while critics question its flirtatious choreography.

Social Media Bans Alone Won’t Protect Kids, Chinese Report Finds

In recent years, countries around the world have rolled out policies to curb minors’ social media usage. A recent Chinese university report assesses their efficacy.

Bot for Profit: Can China’s Top AI App Convince Users to Pay?

China’s most popular chatbot has announced new subscription plans, marking a turning point for the country’s AI industry as companies look to convert massive user bases into revenue.

Costumes, Classes, Catwalks: China’s New Retirees Join the Club

After decades in secure jobs, a new generation of Chinese retirees is entering later life with pensions, spare time, and an appetite for new experiences.

Peak Performance: Mountain in China Hires Influencer

Laojun Mountain, one of China’s most famous peaks, is seeking a content creator to boost tourism by posting short videos about its “sea of clouds” phenomenon.

China Sees Shift in Cancer Types as Cases Continue to Rise

A recent review of nationwide and global medical data links the shift to an aging population and better detection, with the country's cancer profile changing alongside rising case numbers.

No Woo: At China’s Top Anime Convention, Love Takes a Back Seat

For more than a decade, the niche, female-focused nüwu genre has attracted a cult following through web novels. Now, fans are taking it offline.