Contributions from individuals with unique perspectives to share. Hear from everyone, from experts and commentators to those whose voices are often marginalized.

VOICES & OPINION

Broad Tones

Inside Shenzhen’s High-Tech Version of the Food Bank

China’s tech hub has developed a discreet, high-tech system where vulnerable residents can pick up free groceries. Now, it faces a tougher task: building a steadier pipeline of donations by giving companies more reason to participate.

Li Xueshi

The Enthusiasm and Anxiety Behind China’s OpenClaw Craze

While plenty of Chinese AI users see the new technology as a tool for creativity and convenience, others use it just to not fall behind.

Zhan Beibei

The Earth Between Us

After the loss of her grandfather, Zhang Yashu struggled to process her grief. Then, swept up in the rush of ritual and family, she discovered how the physical customs of bidding a loved one farewell could be a powerful act of remembrance.

Zhang Yashu

The Quintessential Tea Missing From ‘Chinamaxxing’

Limitations in time and place mean China’s best tea can only be enjoyed in China.

Wang Huimin

Why Men Who Don’t Do Chores Will Have Sons Who Bully

A global study of over 50,000 adolescents reveals an unexpected link between household chores and aggressive behavior at school.

Zheng Junyao

In China’s Tech Industry, Success Is All About ‘Cognition’

The new buzzword explains why Chinese tech workers believe they have stayed ahead of layoffs and other turbulence — and why others have failed.

Zhou Zihuan

Love in the Time of Algorithms: What Chatbot Romances Reveal About Connection

When OpenAI announced that it would retire its ChatGPT model GPT-4o, it sent shockwaves across the internet and an outpouring of grief. Yet the real question is: What void was 4o filling to begin with?

Gong Xin

If AI’s Native Language Is English, Where Does That Leave China?

Because most high-quality texts are written in English, AI models perform best in that language. Can languages like Chinese ever catch up?

Wesley Wu-Yi Koo

Going Viral in China: Cultural Heritage Turned Into Spectacle

Influencers who give a patriotic tinge to cultural heritage topics are quickly growing their fanbases on Chinese short video platforms.

Han Li

The Thoughtful Side of Chinese Cinema Was on Display — in Berlin

A new generation of filmmakers debuted at one of the world’s biggest festivals with works that were refreshing, profound, and artistic.