economy

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

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.

FEATURES

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

Power Concerns Loom As Demand Hits Record High in Southern China

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

Experts warn that droughts may jeopardize hydropower plants, which account for a significant portion of the country’s power generation.

Li Xin

Amid Recovery Push, Street Vendors Make a Comeback Across China

Once widely regulated, local governments are now embracing micro businesses to revitalize the economy and boost jobs.

Ye Zhanhang

Bordering on Recovery: Life on China’s Russian Frontier

Visual stories that get up close and personal with contemporary China. A mix of short videos, documentaries, photography, and data visualization.

MULTIMEDIA

Xue Haolin

Lü Xiao

China’s Music Fests Hit All the Right Notes, But Fans Want More

The country’s thriving music scene has made its way to smaller cities, but some are calling for better quality, management, and variety.

Fan Yiying

May Day: As Millions Hit the Road, China Braces for Travel Frenzy

From extended hours at tourist sites to warnings instead of penalties for minor traffic violations, Chinese cities are rolling out the red carpet.

In Hainan’s FTZ, China Lets Foreign Universities Operate Solo

To diversify higher education and attract international students, foreign universities no longer need a Chinese partner in Hainan’s Free Trade Zone.

As China’s Hiring Season Kicks Off, Thousands Flock to Job Fair

With a record high of 236,000 students graduating in Shanghai this year, authorities say they will continue organizing similar job fairs, along with online and livestream events.

Wu Huiyuan 

Hong Kong-Shenzhen Border: Back to Business, But Not as Usual

Three years of strict border restrictions disrupted the lives of thousands who depend on commuting between the two cities. More than a month after the border fully reopened, travel is still gradually returning to normal.

Ni Dandan

Li Wei

As Tourism Bounces Back, China’s Travel Bloggers Ride the Rebound

Most had no place to go while restrictions were in place. But as China looks past the pandemic, travel influencers, on whom many increasingly depend to make decisions, may hold the key to a quick revival.

After 3 Years of Lockdowns, a Chinese Border City Struggles to Rebuild

Ruili faced some of China’s strictest virus-control measures during the height of the pandemic. Now, local people are gradually picking up the pieces.

Li Pasha

Bordering on Recovery: Ruili, the Jade Town on the China-Myanmar Frontier

A Key Plank of China’s Planned Economy Is Making a Comeback. Why?

Your questions, answered. In-depth interviews with the minds and makers shaping today’s China.

Q & A

The revival of grassroots supply and marketing cooperatives has raised fears of a backslide. But the real reason for their return has gone largely ignored.

Cai Yineng

In a Chinese Factory Town, Migrants ‘Lie Flat’ for a Better Deal

As China moves on from the pandemic, garment factories in Guangdong province are desperate to return to business as usual. Migrant workers, not so much.

Wu Peiyue

On The Table at Two Sessions, Employment, Cross-Border Trade

China’s top political meeting of the year, which will set the tone for the government’s economic and political agenda, begins this weekend.

Sixth Tone

A Chinese Village Bet Its Future on Tourism. Then, COVID Hit.

Hebian was one of many Chinese villages that escaped poverty by transforming into a tourist resort. But when the pandemic struck, the village was forced to reinvent itself once again.

As City Bus Service Teeters in Henan, Local Government Steps In 

The bus company said it was unable to run buses from March 1 and pay staff, citing a cash crunch.

Yang Caini

To Spur Growth, Shanghai’s Districts Bank on Digital Economy

Key plans include accelerating digitization, improving hi-tech enterprise clusters, and better technical support.

Staring at a Property Glut, Banks Tap Middle-Aged Home Buyers

Banks are extending the age cap for borrowers, meaning a 50-year-old home buyer can now apply for a 30-year mortgage term.