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

China Tests Pausing Countdowns for Delivery Riders at Red Lights

Three delivery platforms announced they will stop factoring in time riders spend stopped at traffic lights into overall delivery time to decrease platform penalties.

Chen Yiru

A Chef Caught in a Middle East War Is China’s Latest Hit

“Once Upon a Time in the Middle East,” one of China’s top-grossing films this summer, centers on a Chinese restaurant owner who saves local orphans during a war in the region.

Li Xin

‘Just So Easy’: Why China’s Gen Z Prefers Credit Without the Card

Credit card ownership is plummeting across China, but young consumers are still borrowing, increasingly through food-delivery, shopping, and payment apps.

Fan Yiying

Xu Ruishuo

Lost, Looted, Crumbling: The Vanishing Temple Murals of Yu County

The county is known for its hundreds of ancient temple murals. An investigation has revealed that most specimens no longer exist or are in disrepair.

An AI Actress Sold Contact Lenses. China Isn’t Buying It.

The ad, featuring breakout AI character Fang Taozi, sparked heated discussion online over whether avatars can and should be used to endorse products meant for humans.

He Qitong

Targeted Online by Classmate’s Father, Shanghai Student Wins Damages

After his son’s middle school classmate hit his son with a tree branch, the father verbally attacked the boy in an online group chat, violating the student’s right to reputation.

Jiang Xinyi

China’s Henan Province to Enforce Paid Annual Leave

A notice requiring employers to ensure workers take leave sparked widespread discussion online, causing it to be retracted shortly after publication. Authorities say it is being revised for later reissuance.

Yang Yang

Too Many Cooks: China’s Culinary Titles Face a Credibility Test

From chefs and restaurants to entire cities and towns, prestige titles have become a powerful branding tool. Now authorities are tightening rules around who can award and use them.

Video Game Accounts Can Be Inherited, Chinese Court Rules

The case marks a major instance of a domestic court ruling that game accounts can be inherited, overriding user agreements with gaming companies.

Chinese Rafting Park in Hot Water Over ‘Female Companion’ Service

The attraction, which has since been ordered to suspend operations, had advertised women who would kiss and hug customers, depending on price, as customers river raft.