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

news

Lights Out: Foshan’s Metro Cuts Power to Slash Operating Costs

Low ridership has pushed the city’s metro to scale back air conditioning, lights, escalators, and service hours in a bid to cut costs.

Chen Yiru

China Bans Alcohol and Lavish Banquets Among Government Staff

In an attempt to rein in bureaucratic excess and promote frugality, the government has renewed guidelines taking aim at conspicuous consumption and glut.

He Qitong

Wu Yufei

Play to Win: China Bets on Esports With $2 Million Tournament 

Held in Shanghai for the first time, the Asian Champions League drew thousands of players and fans from around the world.

Fan Yiying

Fast Feud: China’s Regulator Summons Delivery Giants Over Turf War

As tensions heat up between JD.com, Meituan, and Ele.me to corner China’s lucrative food delivery market, the government steps in once again to mediate.

Li Xin

AI Translation Is Helping Chinese Literature Go Global

As translation technology improves, companies are cashing in on a boom in Chinese web literature worldwide, but the trend poses concerns for human editors and copyright protections.

Jiang Xinyi

Scroll Locked: Why Rural Teens in China Struggle to Disconnect

A new national survey links rising phone addiction and depression among rural youth to parental absence and limited mental health support.

Fun Factory: Why China’s Tourists Are Queuing Up at Assembly Lines

From car plants to breweries and even robot labs, companies are looking to capitalize on the growing interest in industrial tourism.

Fu Xiaoqing

Chinese Hospitals Issued Health Certificates Without Exams: CCTV 

State broadcaster investigation found agencies sent stand-ins, health certificates were sold online, and restaurants knowingly accepted unverified or forged documents.

Ding Rui

‘Paper Moutai’: Young China Is Obsessed With a Dead Photo Format

Fueled by influencers, collectors, and the thrill of rarity, high-priced peel-apart analog film is having a very 2025 revival.

Qian Yi

Bus Stops Here: Shanghai Lets Riders Design Their Own Routes

A new crowd-sourced transit platform allows riders to propose, vote on, and activate new bus lines in as little as three days.