entertainment

Chinese Women Cheer Michelle Yeoh’s Oscar Win

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 60-year-old’s achievements have led to discussion on the plight of China’s middle-aged actresses struggling to get work due to their age.

Ye Zhanhang

In a New Play, Women Take Center Stage

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

VOICES & OPINION

“When We Two Parted” retells the story of two pioneering physicists who were never allowed to forget their marginalized status.

Wen Fangyi

The Mixed Signals of China’s New-Look Dating Shows

Alone on Valentine’s Day? These expert panelists promise they can fix you.

Bai Meijiadai

China’s Supporting Actors Want Jobs

Amid dwindling production, TV and film actors are resorting to street vending and livestreaming to make ends meet.

Li Xin

Another ‘Three-Body’ Animation Wins Praise From Sci-Fi Fans

The two episodes released so far have gained more than 100 million views combined on streaming platform Bilibili.

Pop Idol Ouyang Nana Slammed for Expensive Clothing Line

Despite criticisms, items from the 22-year-old’s new collection are almost sold out.

‘Rock and Roast’ Gets Roasted

The latest season of the hit stand-up comedy show bombed with audiences.

Kids’ Role-Playing Games: New Learning Tool or Tutoring in Disguise?

The new genre is attracting parents wanting to indulge their children in largely prohibited extracurricular lessons.

Almost Real: The Fleeting Fame of Hunan’s Imitation Idols

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

SIXTH TONE ×

Campy knockoff bands offering cheap fun echo the discontent associated with China’s billion-dollar music industry.

Oh! Youth (36Kr)

China Bans Celebrities From Endorsing Tutoring, Tobacco, and Others 

The new guideline demands artists to be “fully” aware of the products they’re recommending and the companies behind them.

More Than ‘Sisters’

The third season of the popular all-women reality show “Sisters Who Make Waves” inspired a wave of fan-based ships, as audiences challenged longstanding assumptions about female intimacy.

Alison Xinyi Guo

Dance, Dance, Revolution? China’s Stage Shows Get a Makeover

Skin-deep portrayals of traditional aesthetics have helped producers to balance commercial success and political messaging, but there are signs the act is wearing thin.

Chengdu Sets Stern Rules for Role-Playing Mystery Games 

Content in the offline games has been accused of distorting reality and “confusing” minors.

Luo Meihan

‘Poor Timing’: A Subdued First Anniversary for Universal Beijing 

China’s once bustling theme parks have been affected by the country’s stringent virus control policies.

In China, Even Movie Stars Just Want a Stable Gig

From celebrities to white-collar workers, seemingly everyone wants the security of a state job.

Xu Yuan

iQiyi Allows Its Reedited Content To Be Shown on Douyin 

The streaming giant’s founder says the “milestone” partnership will better protect the intellectual property rights of video creators.

A Star is Born, If You Don’t Mind the Silver Spoon

The National Theater said it was looking for fresh talent. Instead, it hired nationally recognized, if young, stars.

The Real People Behind China’s Virtual Idols

“Virtual Youtubers” like Vox Akuma and the girl group A-SOUL have built huge followings in China. Often, these fandoms are as much or even more about the performer behind the digital mask as the character they play.

Gong Xin

China’s Silver Screens Lose Their Luster as Pandemic Grinds On

After years of disruption to theater operations and filmmaking, the country’s movie industry is nearing the brink.

Caixin Global

Chinese Actors No Longer to Receive Paychecks in Cash

Two top industrial associations announced regulations on actors’ employment contracts in a bid to stem tax evasion.