gender

For China’s ‘Good Students,’ 2023 Has Been a Wake-Up Call

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

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

Li Xin

Girls’ Education Biopic Courts Controversy Over Depiction of Women

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 film adaptation of the life of popular girls’ educator Zhang Guimei has ignited a social media storm after viewers questioned its portrayal of its female characters, including an alcoholic mother. The film’s female screenwriters have hit back.

Ye Zhanhang

Tired of Being ‘Warm and Soft,’ China’s Women Step Into the Boxing Ring

Young Chinese women are increasingly seeking to break out of traditional gender norms. For many, that starts with building a muscular physique — and learning to kick some butt.

Yang Caini

The Bookstore Giving Shanghai’s Women a Room of Their Own

When Wang Xia opened Shanghai’s first “female-friendly” bookstore in 2020, she just wanted to create a safe space for women to express themselves. She had no idea how successful — or potentially sensitive — the business would become.

Fan Yiying

Liu Shuhuan

‘Kayan’: The Beauty Buzzword Sparking Debate on Chinese Social Media

Social posts related to the buzzword ‘kayan’ have surged in recent months, with users sharing tales of being denied entry to nightclubs for not meeting beauty standards.

Amid Uproar, Trip.com Pulls Plug on Women-Only Train Compartments 

While the new service has garnered attention among Chinese travelers, it has also sparked controversy over gender equality implications.

He Qitong

Yang Keyi

Despite Slow China Start, ‘Barbie’ Sets a Benchmark — For Dating

Since its release last Friday, “Barbie” has grossed around $7 million, far behind domestically produced titles.

Chinese State Media Slams ‘Hot Kids Style’ in Children’s Fashion

The trend, which promotes microskirts, backless shirts, and crop tops among young children, has sparked concerns about the sexualization of minors.

The ‘Old Dough Sticks’: Life Among Beijing’s Least Eligible Bachelors

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

VOICES & OPINION

They’re greasy, over thirty, and looking for love in all the wrong places.

Zhao Shanni

Cinderella’s Glass Slipper: Why China’s Women Can’t Marry Down

Contrary to stereotypes of female “gold diggers,” it is men and their families, not women, who enforce female hypergamy.

Ji Yingchun

A Chinese Coconut Drink Company Bets Big on Female Desire

Long known for its racy ads featuring large-breasted women, Coconut Palm now wants to use the same tactics to win over female consumers. Will it work?

Chen Yaya

Chinese Women Turn to DIY Gynecology as Fears and Misinformation Abound 

From testing pads to vagina cleansers, women are opting for alternative products to diagnose and treat their gynecological issues.

In China’s Weight Loss Camps, a Dangerous Obsession With Numbers

Following the death of a young influencer, experts are raising serious concerns regarding the safety, effectiveness, and long-term impact of such camps.

Student’s Accusation of Upskirting Contradicted by Own Video

The woman has been roundly criticized online for accusing the migrant worker of taking upskirt photos without evidence and revealing his identity.

Chinese Influencer Dies at Weight Loss Camp, Spurs Safety Debate

The 22-year-old influencer had promoted such camps since last September and aimed to document her attempt to lose 100 kilograms.

In China, Male Mermaids Are Making Waves

Defying gender stereotypes, male mermaids are making themselves seen on Chinese social media.

In China, AI-Generated Fashion Models Are Hugely Popular — and Sexist

China’s fashion models are rapidly being replaced by doe-eyed, big-breasted, AI-generated bots. Women are horrified.

Shu Xinrou

To Flip the Script on Harassment in China, Grease is the New Word

In a new viral online challenge, women are imitating the personas of “greasy middle-aged men” to provoke introspection.

Game Overpriced: Honor of Kings’ Fashion Line Leaves Fans Fuming

Priced at 1298-1680 yuan ($185-$238), the game’s new limited edition clothing brand targets women, who account for more than half its player base.

Vincent Chow

China’s Surrogacy Debate Extends to Women’s Toilets 

From universities to hospital toilets, women are finding themselves surrounded by small ads recruiting surrogacy candidates as well as customers. They, and some companies, are hitting back.