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

Who Let the Dogs In? Chinese Universities Open Dorms to Pets

At least seven universities around the country now permit students to have pets, with some institutions creating animal-friendly dorms.

Fan Yiying

China’s Beloved Beef Noodles Are Getting a Rebrand

Lanzhou pulled noodles, a beloved food across China, are often sold by people from Qinghai, not Gansu, as the name suggests. Now, their branding is changing to fit reality.

Li Xin

Chinese Mother Buys Daughters Extra Train Seat, Sparking Debate

What seemed like two teenagers buying extra space for themselves turned into a discussion on the absence of support for minors traveling alone — and the difficulties in long-distance family relationships.

Chen Yiru

China’s First Booster Landing Marks Leap Toward Reusable Rockets

The country has landed an orbital rocket booster on solid ground for the first time, heralding a future of reusable rocket parts.

Jiang Xinyi

Chinese Supermarket Chain Recruits Ex-Cons for 2nd Consecutive Year

Pangdonglai, known for its comparatively healthy working conditions and benefits, has announced it will recruit 20 former convicts who have served at least five years in prison.

China’s Post-Gaokao Teens Are Spending Big Before College

This summer, 18-year-olds who have just completed the nation’s grueling college entrance exam are spending tens of thousands of yuan on vacations, electronics, and new hobbies before they start university.

After Nolan Interview Fame, Chinese Scholar Accused of Plagiarism

Zhuge Yiyang was catapulted to international academic stardom for her viral interview with Christopher Nolan. Now, Chinese social media users say they’ve found evidence she plagiarized others’ works.

Cash Cow: China’s Most Mocked Cartoon Is Suddenly a Viral Hit

The film, made by a mother-son duo with no industry experience and without the use of AI, is projected to earn tens of millions of dollars at the box office.

He Qitong

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.

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.