internet

Young Chinese Are Signaling Burnout — With Quirky Profile Photos

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

Using memes and anime, profile photos have become the new canvas for Chinese youth, serving as both an outlet for their frustrations and subtle resistance against the pressures of work culture.

Ye Zhanhang

He Qitong

As Viewers Fret, China Vows to Streamline Fees for OTT Content 

In recent months, netizens have voiced frustration about subscribing to multiple video streaming platforms with overlapping content and additional fees for mobile subscriptions.

Jiang Zuer

Torn in Two: Balancing Motherhood and a Career in China

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

SIXTH TONE ×

A 36-year-old mother and career woman describes her struggle in balancing these two roles in China in the new nonfiction book “A Room Facing South” that shares memoirs by 22 women.

China 30s

China Unveils New Rules for AI Content, Softens Earlier Stance

Experts believe the new rules, effective Aug. 15, attempt to strike a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring oversight.

In China, ‘Reverse Parenting’ Is Turning the Tables on Unruly Kids

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

The post-’90s new generation of Chinese parents is shunning traditional parenting methods. Instead, they are turning to a more radical, and untested, approach to discipline, where parents mirror their children’s behavior.

Wang Lianzhang

Tech Giants Race to Incorporate AI in China’s Offices

AI integration is fueling fierce competition among tech giants like Kingsoft Office, Baidu, and Alibaba, who are developing their own ChatGPT-like models.

To Boost Revenue, Bilibili Shifts Focus From Views to Watch Time

The platform’s new viewership display is aimed at boosting commercialization and enhancing revenue for long-video content creators.

A Fictional University Takes China by Storm — One Meme at a Time

Over the course of just one week, Shanhe University, an imaginary institution born from online wisecracks, united students from four provinces.

Li Xin

WeChat Pay Service Fee Triggers Backlash and University Bans

While the introduction of new service fees by WeChat Pay sparked widespread debate, the company apologized and said it was a “communication blunder.”

As Travel Resumes, WeChat, Alipay to Support Foreign Bank Cards

To register on such apps and use mobile payments in China, foreign travelers previously had to set up a Chinese bank account or have a local phone number.

He Claimed to Be a Soldier in Ukraine. Except, He Was in Henan.

Using deepfake tech, a Douyin content creator posted fabricated content about the Ukraine war. Doubts arose when users found his IP address was in Henan, China.

‘Tears of the Times’: The Demise of China’s First Major Online Community 

A group of Tianya’s former employees and loyal fans are trying to revive the once high-flying discussion forum, but raising funds and attention is proving difficult to do.

Tech Addiction is Leaving China’s Rural Youth Wired for Distraction

Studying far from home and without parental supervision, millions of “left-behind” students in rural China are staring at an escalating tech addiction crisis that demands urgent attention.

Ni Dandan

In Wuhan, Mother Takes Own Life Days After Son’s Fatal Accident

Her tragic death has triggered outrage after reports surfaced online that she had been subjected to cyberbullying.

Are China’s Vloggers on Strike?

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

VOICES & OPINION

Organizing a strike is hard. Getting independent content creators to see themselves as workers, rather than entrepreneurs, may be even harder.

Zheng Guanghuai

Fujian District Punishes Relatives to Deter Scams, Sparks Debate

Officials have announced that family members of individuals involved in online fraud will be ineligible for government subsidies.

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.

Yang Caini

Tipping Livestreamers ‘Out of Control’: China State Broadcaster

Following a series of high-profile cases that have sparked public concern, CCTV is targeting internet platforms for neglecting their duty.

Scammers Dupe Man of Millions Using AI-Cloned Voice and Face

Mimicking his friend in a video call, con artists convinced a tech company owner to transfer money to their own account.

In China, Panda Superfans Want More Than Just Bear Necessities 

Panda fans have grown beyond sharing adorable videos. Their intense passion and online influence can even impact park management and policy.