subculture

Before the Dawn: Young Chinese Reimagine the Last Goodbye

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

A growing number of young Chinese are challenging long-held taboos around death, turning farewells into personal, creative acts of remembrance.

Chen Yiru

Golden Oldies: Aging Fans Fuel Pop Singer’s Comeback

After a decade away from the spotlight, musician Dao Lang has struck a chord with middle-aged and elderly fans for his grassroots style.

Jiang Xinyi

What Drives China’s Tree Huggers?

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

VOICES & OPINION

For some young Chinese, happiness is a stout tree.

Wu Ennan

China Slams AI-Generated Memes for ‘Desecrating’ Traditional Culture

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

Netizens are using AI video tools to spoof all manner of Chinese classics. The authorities are not amused.

How China’s Love for Cute Collectibles Spiraled Into a Mania

Chinese teens are spending big money to collect cards, badges, and toys based on popular anime characters — and sparking chaos on the stock market.

Fan Yiying

Throwing Shapes: The Rave Experience for Deaf Clubbers

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

SIXTH TONE ×

BassBath is a clubbing experience in Shanghai designed to be deaf-friendly while promoting knowledge of sign language.

Ding  Jiayue

Jeff Han: The Pioneer of Chinese Skateboarding

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

MULTIMEDIA

Lü Xiao

Catching the Curl: Inside China’s Quiet Surfing Revolution

Despite losing in the round of 16, Yang Siqi’s Olympic debut marks a significant moment for China’s fledgling surfing scene. Her journey, though cut short, highlights the challenges Chinese surfers face, from inconsistent training conditions to limited global exposure.

He Qitong

Not All Fun and Games: Collectible Card Craze Grips China’s Youth

As a new collectible card trend sweeps the country, there are concerns that the hobby is fueling addictive tendencies among children.

Li Xin

Lin Liuhan

China’s Grassroots Hip-Hop Youth and the Power of “Abstract” Culture

The Paper

Why China’s Hottest New Drama Is Dividing Female Viewers

Many in China are hailing “The Tale of Rose” as a step forward for female representation on screen. Others are dismissing it as out of touch.

It’s China’s Biggest New Sitcom. It’s Also 5 Minutes Long.

The new comedy “Take Me Home” has become a smash hit by reinventing premium TV for China’s version of TikTok.

In Shanghai, a Café Blends Life, Death — and Coffee

At the Ferryman café, operated by a Shanghai funeral service company, patrons share personal stories about mortality over coffee. The café seeks to break down societal taboos and encourage open dialogue about life and death.

Ding Rui

Li Dongxu

The Man Who Accidentally Created TikTok’s Biggest Meme

Your questions, answered. In-depth interviews with the minds and makers shaping today’s China.

Q & A

Animator Yang Zikuang’s “Chinese beaver” clip became a global viral sensation this year. He’s more surprised than anyone.

Yang Caini

Jiang  Lüyue

Why Chinese Are Studying Solo, Together

Young professionals are booking out study rooms well into their 20s as they try to stay ahead of the competition.

Chen Changwen

Not Just Toys: How Young Chinese Are ‘Parenting’ Dolls 

As more young Chinese women “raise” plush cotton dolls like children, researchers find a link to loneliness and a desire for belonging.

White Night Workshop

The Cross-Dressing, Eye-Rolling Star Sending Up China’s Office Culture

The antics of “Sister Cynthia” — the world’s most reliable HR manager — offer the country’s frustrated office workers a much-needed catharsis.

Wu Haiyun

What’s So Funny About China’s Rust Belt?

A short history of the country’s unlikely comedy capital.

Yang Liu

As China’s Economy Wobbles, Its Rust Belt Is Having a Moment

At a time of unusual economic uncertainty, northeast China is back in the spotlight.

Nie Zinan

China’s Youth Are Hooked on a New Outdoor Sport: Lure Fishing

Also known as water golf, this fishing technique is drawing in youngsters with its hands-on approach, with anglers having to mimic movements to entice aggressive fish.