social media

social-media

Scammers Are Targeting China’s Content Creators for Ransoms

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 practice, known as “account striking,” targets short-video creators, falsely accusing them of platform violations to extract ransoms.

Fan Yiying

Eye of the Storm: Viral Podcaster Breaks Silence Over Plagiarism Scandal

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

SIXTH TONE ×

A Chinese podcaster famed for grilling filmmaker Christopher Nolan takes shelter from claims she lifts content from overseas sources.

Jiefang Daily

Chinese Mother Buys Daughters Extra Train Seat, Sparking Debate

What seemed like two teenagers buying extra space for themselves turned into a discussion on the absence of support for minors traveling alone — and the difficulties in long-distance family relationships.

Chen Yiru

After Nolan Interview Fame, Chinese Scholar Accused of Plagiarism

Zhuge Yiyang was catapulted to international academic stardom for her viral interview with Christopher Nolan. Now, Chinese social media users say they’ve found evidence she plagiarized others’ works.

Jiang Xinyi

Too Many Cooks: China’s Culinary Titles Face a Credibility Test

From chefs and restaurants to entire cities and towns, prestige titles have become a powerful branding tool. Now authorities are tightening rules around who can award and use them.

Li Xin

Chinese Village’s Viral Cicada Harvest Comes Under Fire

Scientists say that the uptick in cicada nymph collection, popularized by livestreaming, could damage local ecosystems.

Game Changers: China’s Female Football Commentators Take Their Shot

Sports broadcaster Liu Chang on her road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final and why she refuses to shy away from gender-based criticism.

Fir  Record

Peak Performance: Mountain in China Hires Influencer

Laojun Mountain, one of China’s most famous peaks, is seeking a content creator to boost tourism by posting short videos about its “sea of clouds” phenomenon.

He Qitong

Social Media Bans Alone Won’t Protect Kids, Chinese Report Finds

In recent years, countries around the world have rolled out policies to curb minors’ social media usage. A recent Chinese university report assesses their efficacy.

A Privet Matter: Why a Farmer Hacked Down China’s ‘Lonely’ Tree

When a social media trend ruined her crops, one villager grabbed an axe and decided to do something about it.

The  Beijing News

China’s Internet Finds Its Mascot: A Tired Opossum

A picture of the animal, known for playing dead, has been spreading online, with users attaching captions riffing on life’s hardships.

Yang Yang

The Rage, Love, and Loneliness Behind China’s Toxic Sports Fandom

Shippers, solo stans, and spreadsheets — Chinese authorities step in as online attacks and arguments engulf the world of elite table tennis.

White Night Workshop

A Blind Chinese Woman Was Hit by an E-Bike. It Was Staged. 

The woman, along with a 26-year-old man, has been placed under criminal coercive measures to await the conclusion of the police investigation.

China’s Internet Finds Its Dream Job: Herding 3,000 Sheep 

In comments sections beneath the job posting, young Chinese voiced their interest in leaving “cutthroat” cities and paying off debts, saying they could withstand the position’s potential loneliness.

How Private Gardens Are Giving ‘Neglected’ Persimmon Trees a Fresh Start 

As social media fuels a growing passion for persimmon trees, wealthy urbanites in eastern China are paying thousands to ship prime specimens from distant villages.

Brands Allegedly Ban E-Sales in Hangzhou’s Livestreaming Hub

Customers with addresses in the neighborhood, known for its livestreaming community, reported being unable to order items from various luxury brands online for several days.

Song Dynasty: Ancient Poets Find New Fans on China’s Music Apps

Multiple domestic music platforms have updated the credits for modern songs to reflect the original writers, drawing netizens’ attention.

After ‘Malatang’ Craze, Grimacing Chef Finds Reasons to Be Cheerful

When hordes of foodies descended on a small shop in northwestern China, one cook’s exhausted expression broke the internet. Now his focus is flavor, not fame.

The Paper

One Chinese Town’s Fight Against the Desert Attracts Thousands

Launched by a local man, an anti-desertification initiative in the country’s arid northwest went viral after being featured on a popular show.

Why Jay Chou’s Viral Lookalike Is Sticking With Pancakes

Street food vendor Bai Xianying’s resemblance to the “King of Mandopop” made him an overnight hit — but he prefers flipping pancakes to chasing fame.