Translations, cross-publications, and collaborative projects from Sixth Tone’s external partners. 

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A Privet Matter: Why a Farmer Hacked Down China’s ‘Lonely’ Tree

When a social media trend ruined her crops, one villager grabbed an axe and decided to do something about it.

The  Beijing News

Fatal Crossing: China’s Villagers Risking Their Lives for Seasonal Work

Flooded roads, surging rivers, overcrowded vehicles — the drowning of 10 casual laborers in southern China reveals dangerous work practices.

The Paper

Lost Bird Becomes a Shanghai Celebrity — Then a Cautionary Tale

A vagrant bunting charmed Shanghai before flying into a glass wall, igniting debate over how urban greening efforts can prevent fatal bird-window collisions.

Original (Jiefang Daily)

Boy in the Frame: The Chinese Filmmaker Who Captured Luigi Mangione

A documentary director who set out to explore the lives of Chinese and American teens revisits unreleased footage of the murder suspect when he was 16.

Fir  Record

The Rage, Love, and Loneliness Behind China’s Toxic Sports Fandom

Shippers, solo stans, and spreadsheets — Chinese authorities step in as online attacks and arguments engulf the world of elite table tennis.

White Night Workshop

Before We Vanish: The Painter Preserving Shanghai’s Old Buildings

Amid rapid change, artist Hong Jian has ensured Shanghai’s distinct architecture and hidden stories are not forgotten.

Jiefang Daily

How Private Gardens Are Giving ‘Neglected’ Persimmon Trees a Fresh Start 

As social media fuels a growing passion for persimmon trees, wealthy urbanites in eastern China are paying thousands to ship prime specimens from distant villages.

After ‘Malatang’ Craze, Grimacing Chef Finds Reasons to Be Cheerful

When hordes of foodies descended on a small shop in northwestern China, one cook’s exhausted expression broke the internet. Now his focus is flavor, not fame.

Why Jay Chou’s Viral Lookalike Is Sticking With Pancakes

Street food vendor Bai Xianying’s resemblance to the “King of Mandopop” made him an overnight hit — but he prefers flipping pancakes to chasing fame.

How Viral Fame Strained a Noodle Seller Almost to Breaking Point

For 15 years, Chinese farmer Cheng Yunfu had sold cheap hand-pulled noodles at a local fair — then a trending video sent his life spinning out of control.