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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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.

Li Xin

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.

Jiang Xinyi

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.

Chen Yiru

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.

‘Just So Easy’: Why China’s Gen Z Prefers Credit Without the Card

Credit card ownership is plummeting across China, but young consumers are still borrowing, increasingly through food-delivery, shopping, and payment apps.

Fan Yiying

Xu Ruishuo

Lost, Looted, Crumbling: The Vanishing Temple Murals of Yu County

The county is known for its hundreds of ancient temple murals. An investigation has revealed that most specimens no longer exist or are in disrepair.

An AI Actress Sold Contact Lenses. China Isn’t Buying It.

The ad, featuring breakout AI character Fang Taozi, sparked heated discussion online over whether avatars can and should be used to endorse products meant for humans.

Targeted Online by Classmate’s Father, Shanghai Student Wins Damages

After his son’s middle school classmate hit his son with a tree branch, the father verbally attacked the boy in an online group chat, violating the student’s right to reputation.