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

Chinese Tech Firms Want LLM Experts. AI Majors Need Not Apply.

A recent survey found postings for AI-related technical positions increased by more than a fifth in the first two months of 2025, but nearly half the positions require a postgraduate degree. 

Li Xin

China’s Latest Marketing Craze? Rent-a-Robot

After a hit Spring Festival Gala show, Chinese merchants are renting out robots for thousands of yuan a day.

Fan Yiying

Chinese Home Repair Giant Promises Fix for Business Practices

Woodpecker, the country’s biggest home repairs platform, was dinged for price gouging during the consumer rights-focused “315 Gala.”

Ding Rui

Baidu Exec Tries to Diffuse Doxxing Controversy

Baidu vice president Xie Guangjun issued an apology after his daughter was accused of publishing social media users’ private data.

China Unveils Consumption ‘Action Plan’

The 30-point plan aims to boost consumer confidence and increase spending.

He Qitong

After Five Years, Chinese Travel Agencies Eye a Return to North Korea

The country briefly reopened to non-Russian tourists for the first time in five years in February, only to suspend entry again in March.

Chen Yiru

Chinese City Offers Families $13,800 for More Kids

Hohhot, in North China, says it will pay up to 100,000 yuan per child to families with three or more kids. 

China’s Latest Health Trend? TCM Cocktails.

Bars are adding ingredients from traditional Chinese medicine to their drinks. But not all of their creations are safe — or legal.

Zest for Zen: Brands Tap Spiritual Shift in Young Spenders

As young Chinese turn to mysticism for luck and protection, companies are capitalizing with brand tie-ins and metaphysical products and services.

Li Miaoran

A Star Actor Tried His Hand at Teaching English. The Reviews Are Mixed.

The Hong Kong-based martial artist and actor Daniel Wu launched a spoken English course. Some fans aren’t buying it.