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

RisingTones

A Chinese City Offers Free High School Tuition for Third Child

Weifang hopes the policy will encourage couples to have more children, while critics say it risks creating inequality.

Li Xin

Int’l Luxury Brands Embrace E-Commerce to Attract Chinese Buyers

Sales of high-end products online have dramatically increased compared to offline shopping.

Sixth Tone

University Expels Student Accused of Selling ‘Deepfake’ Porn 

The male student is said to have been making sexually explicit content using photos of women from his personal social media account.

Yang Caini

In Sichuan Park, Monkeys Keep Visitors Wary, Staff on Their Toes

At Mount Emei, staff follow monkeys around the whole day to prevent them from harassing tourists.

Citing Privacy, Wuxi Deletes 1 Billion Pieces of COVID-19 Data

The city also shut 40 apps, including a health code used to monitor travel history across public venues.

Ye Zhanhang

Chinese Boss’ Call to Work Weekends Sparks Discussion on Overtime 

An automobile executive’s remarks have once again highlighted long hours at some companies, even though they’re illegal.

From Cosplay to Viral Videos, New Tourism Ads Are a Sight to See

Hoping to capitalize on renewed travel interest, officials in lesser-known destinations hope social media campaigns will lure more visitors.

To Spur Growth, Shanghai’s Districts Bank on Digital Economy

Key plans include accelerating digitization, improving hi-tech enterprise clusters, and better technical support.

Shanghai District Discourages Overusing Facial Recognition Tech 

The city’s Putuo District is urging private businesses to stop collecting unnecessary consumer data.

Eating Disorder Awareness Campaign Gains Momentum in China

Many young Chinese have never heard of eating disorders, and this lack of awareness makes the conditions even more dangerous. But a grassroots campaign is starting to put the issue on the public agenda.

Fan Yiying

Young Chinese Embrace Temple Visits to Evade Life’s Pressures

Online travel platforms are seeing a surge in bookings to religious sites from young people seeking a “heart-cleansing experience.”

Tired of Cafeterias, Students Go for Lunch at Construction Sites

School cafeterias have often been called out for substandard and drab meals.

Chinese University Offers Course to Excel in Civil Service Exam

Young graduates are increasingly vying for public sector jobs amid the country’s rising unemployment.

Chinese Coconut Drink Known for Sexist Ads Turns Its Gaze to Men

The strategy, however, hasn’t yet worked entirely in the company’s favor.

Hong Kong’s ‘Daigou’ Trade Is Back. But This Time, It Has Reversed.

For years, Chinese “daigou” made money by bringing hard-to-find luxury products from Hong Kong to the mainland. Now, as the city’s borders reopen, they are ferrying goods in the other direction.