Articles that cut to the core of contemporary China. In-depth, informed, and carefully crafted, every piece is carried by the voices of the story’s participants.

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Deep Tones

Tech Addiction is Leaving China’s Rural Youth Wired for Distraction

Studying far from home and without parental supervision, millions of “left-behind” students in rural China are staring at an escalating tech addiction crisis that demands urgent attention.

Ni Dandan

In China, AI-Generated Fashion Models Are Hugely Popular — and Sexist

China’s fashion models are rapidly being replaced by doe-eyed, big-breasted, AI-generated bots. Women are horrified.

Shu Xinrou

Russia Hoped for a Chinese Tourist Boom in 2023. It’s Still Waiting.

In Russia, many believed that China’s exit from “zero-COVID” restrictions would provide a shot in the arm to the country’s flatlining inbound tourism sector. Those hopes are now fading.

Li Pasha

China Is Getting Seriously Worried About Student Anxiety

In 2021, China made reducing the academic pressure on students a top policy priority. But anxiety disorders in schools are still a severe problem — and appear to be affecting more children at younger ages.

Beyond Saving: In China, Young Shoppers Are Locked Out of Luxury

Over a period of four years, the price of luxury goods has almost doubled. But with their salaries stagnant, young consumers are now forced to decide between indulgence and financial stability.

Wang Lianzhang

How a Tibetan Village Became a Giant Factory for Buddhist Art

China’s growing obsession with Buddhist paintings has transformed life in the historically Tibetan village of Wutun — and sparked local soul-searching about the trade-offs between economic progress and religious faith.

Wu Peiyue

In China, an Unseen and Dangerous Foe Takes Root: Lethal Fungi

The fungal apocalypse portrayed in “The Last of Us” may be fiction. But between climate change and habitat loss, the threat from adapting fungi is real.

How China’s Silk Road Ambitions Are Reshaping the World of Archaeology

Until a decade ago, Chinese archaeologists had never conducted major excavations overseas. Now, as China pours funding into Silk Road research, they are quietly transforming our understanding of the ancient world.

Wu Haiyun

In China, Women Are Defying ‘Beauty Duty’ — With a Bold Haircut

Buzz cuts are on the rise in a country where long hair is revered. Some women do it to reject the status quo, while others simply find it practical.

Li Wei

Young Chinese Love Everything About Sweden. Except Living There.

Young Chinese are moving to Sweden in record numbers, seeking better labor conditions and a more tolerant society. Many are underwhelmed by what they find.