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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DeepTones

Zut Alors! The Ambience of Paris Streetlife Is Creating a Popular New Wave in China

Long a tradition of French daily life, bistros have found a niche in cities like Shanghai, but with a Chinese twist.

Fan Yiying

Liu Shuhuan

For China’s ‘Good Students,’ 2023 Has Been a Wake-Up Call

For years, young Chinese were told that if they kept their heads down and studied hard, money and success would naturally follow. Now, many are realizing that things aren’t so simple.

Wang Zihan

Li Xin

Across China, an Unseen Rural Workforce Is Shaping the Future of AI

Data labeling jobs in rural areas are empowering women and the marginalized while also aiding poverty alleviation. But as advanced AI begins to eclipse traditional methods, the future demand for such human-driven jobs faces uncertainty.

Tired of Being ‘Warm and Soft,’ China’s Women Step Into the Boxing Ring

Young Chinese women are increasingly seeking to break out of traditional gender norms. For many, that starts with building a muscular physique — and learning to kick some butt.

Yang Caini

The Bookstore Giving Shanghai’s Women a Room of Their Own

When Wang Xia opened Shanghai’s first “female-friendly” bookstore in 2020, she just wanted to create a safe space for women to express themselves. She had no idea how successful — or potentially sensitive — the business would become.

As Cyberbullying Persists, China Seeks Remedies in Law and Tech

For years, China’s content creators tackled online harassment largely on their own, through individual efforts or the rare police complaint. But now, new laws promise a broader shield against cyberbullying.

Xu Cen

Ni Dandan

How a Red-Haired Chatbot Became China’s New Favorite English Tutor

The ChatGPT-based video app Call Annie has unexpectedly found a large user base in China, where parents are sharing tips on how to turn the chatbot into a makeshift language tutor.

Shu Xinrou

The Chinese Burger Startups Vying to Take a Bite Out of KFC

Armed with beefy venture capital investments, Chinese fast-food brands are winning over consumers with a combination of aggressive price cuts and patriotic marketing tactics.

In China, Life Coaches Are Seeing Booming Demand From Gen-Zers

Just a few years ago, life coaching was a tiny industry in China. But the profession is now rapidly going mainstream.

Olympic Stage Set, Young Chinese Dance to the Breaking Beat

In China, Olympic aspirants usually emerge from structured state systems. Yet, the recent addition of breaking has inspired a grassroots surge, with young enthusiasts setting their own pace and direction in the dance scene.