economy

China Launches Policy Blitz to Tackle Unemployment

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

The central government has issued its first package of job creation measures since 2012, as concerns rise over China’s high youth unemployment rate.

Jiang Xinyi

China Rolls Out Major Stimulus, Cuts Mortgage Rates to Spur Growth

The plan reduces mortgage rates by 0.5 percentage points, lowers down payments for second homes, and injects 1 trillion yuan in liquidity.

‘Flying Cars’ Are Part of China’s New Economic Growth Plan

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

China is targeting a new economic growth driver by opening up the skies to drones and helicopters.

Li Xin

Li Miaoran

Extreme Weather Sends Food Prices Soaring in China

Vegetable prices have spiked over 40% after a summer blighted by heat waves and severe flooding.

He Qitong

Food Fight: The Competitive World of ‘Last-Mile Runners’

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

SIXTH TONE ×

Banned from parking outside skyscrapers, food delivery riders in Shenzhen have come to rely on a group of self-employed, mostly middle-aged couriers to complete their orders.

White Night Workshop

Should China Develop Manufacturing or Services? It’s Not Either Or 

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

VOICES & OPINION

Industry and policymakers must do away with overly simplistic assumptions about the economy as China enters a new stage of development, writes a leading Chinese economist.

Lu Ming

Mainland Families Make Their Move After Hong Kong Relaxes Housing Measures

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

MULTIMEDIA

The Paper

Fare Game: Why China’s Ride-Share Boom Is Leaving Drivers Behind

As oversaturation hits the world’s largest ride-hailing market, drivers are struggling to cope with low earnings, long hours, and increased health risks. Despite government efforts to regulate the industry, experts call for a more comprehensive approach.

Ye Zhanhang

For China’s Workers, 2024 Is the Year of Staying Put

Luo Yahan

Looking Good: China’s Cosmetics Appeal to Overseas Markets

Chinese brands are taking advantage of growing cross-border e-commerce to win consumers across Asia with low-price products.

Property to Virtual Assets, More Young Chinese Drafting Wills: Report

The report shows that the average household assets of individuals making wills have increased over the past three years, rising 18.8% between 2021 and 2023.

Fan Yiying

Scratch-Off Lottery Tickets: Is Big Money Really at Your Fingertips?

The popularity of instant games is growing fast in China, especially among young people, but what are the chances of winning big money?

Save the Day: How Young Chinese Are Role-Playing Their Way to Wealth

As living expenses rise, more young Chinese are turning money management into role-playing games. On social media, participants craft and share imaginative stories and fantasies to inspire better saving habits.

Huang Yang

Room to Maneuver as Shanghai’s Rental Market Steadies

Lower income expectations and the growing supply of subsidized housing are affecting prices, but fluctuations mostly reflect traditional seasonal trends.

Shanghai Observer

In Northeast China, Tourists From the South Spark a Winter Boom

Following a surge in travelers from southern China, Harbin emerged as the top destination this New Year holiday season, outshining traditional favorites like Chengdu and Chongqing.

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.

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

After Delayed Winter, China’s Ski Resorts Swing Into High Gear

Online ticket sales for skiing trips and winter sports in north China have surged in November, a sevenfold increase compared to 2019.

Ding Rui

Has the ‘Double Eleven’ Shopping Festival Lost its Luster?

The annual online shopping festival has continued to falter as an overabundance of sales seasons and opaque pricing strategies cause fatigue among consumers.

Homebuyers Biding Their Time as Second-Hand Prices Continue to Fall 

The second-hand housing market is crucial for overall market confidence and liquidity, especially in major Chinese cities.