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

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China Expands Work Injury Insurance for Gig Workers Nationwide

Coverage will apply to food delivery workers, rideshare drivers, and other platform-based flexible workers, even without formal labor contracts, with companies paying all premiums.

Jiang Xinyi

How a Panda Rumor Became a Model Defamation Case in China

A case involving a couple who falsely claimed staff had harvested bone marrow and brain tissue from live pandas has been added to the Supreme People’s Court’s official reference case database.

He Qitong

China’s Answer to Disney Is Smaller, Cheaper, and More Social

From VR drama worlds to Labubu photo spots, Chinese companies are turning online fandoms into offline theme park-style attractions.

Li Xin

Liu Haowen

China’s ‘Magic Mike’ Show Tests the Line Between Dance, Spectacle

A viral all-male dance production has packed theaters and flooded Chinese social media, while critics question its flirtatious choreography.

Bot for Profit: Can China’s Top AI App Convince Users to Pay?

China’s most popular chatbot has announced new subscription plans, marking a turning point for the country’s AI industry as companies look to convert massive user bases into revenue.

Fan Yiying

Li Rongxuan

Robot, Giant, Ha Baby: China’s Many Versions of Erling Haaland

The Norway and Manchester City striker has become an online obsession in China, with fans creating memes and remixes exaggerating his size, expressions, and on-field feats.

Famed Chinese Sci-Fi Writer Sparks Debate Over AI-Written Books

Hao Jingfang admitted that she had used AI to produce her children’s science fiction series.

String Theory: Yarn Crafts Find a New Generation in China

From weaving to knitting, yarn crafts are back in vogue in China. Young professionals and university students are using them to find peace and community, and to connect with family.

Guangdong Proposes Tighter Rules on Cancer-Linked Betel Nut

The province has set out plans to assess the current state of the industry surrounding the naturally occurring but addictive and cancer-causing stimulant before proceeding with legislation.

Investigation Uncovers China’s Underground Height Surgery Market

The cosmetic procedure has been banned in China for two decades. But underground, a market has continued to flourish.

As Europe Swelters, Chinese AC Sales Heat Up 

Sales of portable air conditioners manufactured by Chinese companies have skyrocketed this summer, with most products out of stock in Western European home appliance stores.

Chen Yiru

Death Becomes Her: China’s New Hit Game Finds Fans in Failure

A live-action game about China’s only female emperor is finding devoted fans among people who have never played it themselves. Instead, they watch streamers struggle, die, and try again.

Gaokao Results Trigger Wave of College Admissions Scams

Worried that their children may not apply to the right schools, parents are enlisting application consultants for help — and getting scammed.

Hit Chinese Otome Game’s Werewolf Is Too Scary, Fans Say

The game’s developer believed a rugged, muscular werewolf could become its next virtual heartthrob. Many players, however, disagree.

Floods Hit Northwest and Southern China After Record Rainfall

As extreme weather events continue to rise, experts warn that the return of El Niño may partly be to blame.