technology

Shanghai District Discourages Overusing Facial Recognition Tech 

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 city’s Putuo District is urging private businesses to stop collecting unnecessary consumer data.

Li Xin

How an Army of Elderly Influencers Took Over China’s Instagram

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 pandemic led to a surge in the number of Chinese seniors using a range of mobile apps. Now, retirees are migrating onto an unexpected platform: the lifestyle app Xiaohongshu.

Fan Yiying

The Men Who Set the Rules in Chinese Tech

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

VOICES & OPINION

The masculine ideal in China’s tech world is no longer an entrepreneur, but an “entrepreneurial employee.”

Li Xiaotian

Hanzi, From Print to Screen

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

MULTIMEDIA

Xue Haolin

People’s Daily Uses AI Anchor to Answer ‘Two Sessions’ Questions

Though several media outlets have introduced virtual presenters in recent years, not all viewers are convinced.

Yang Caini

Us and STEM: The Collective Paving The Way for Women in Tech 

In an industry rife with challenges, Jill Tang offers a platform for women looking to pivot to a career in science, technology, engineering, or math.

In China, Copycats are Trying to Cash in on ChatGPT Hype 

On social media, over a dozen accounts have offered chatbot services; some are free, while others charge annual fees of up to 999 yuan ($147).

Ye Zhanhang

In a First, Chinese City Unveils Law for Internet of Vehicles

Wuxi, in the eastern Jiangsu province, has ordered officials to adopt the technology for public transport, traffic monitoring, logistics, and deliveries.

Metaverse 101: What Will the Future of Chinese Education Look Like?

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

SIXTH TONE ×

To keep abreast of the times, Chinese universities see the metaverse as an opportunity to expand their programs.

The Paper

Five Games That Sum Up China’s 2022

“Do religious androids dream of electric Buddhas?” and other questions from China’s year in games.

Kong Degang

China’s Consumer Watchdog Demands More Age-Friendly Apps

Nearly two-fifths of the 104 apps in a survey didn’t include specific features for older users.

China’s Online Classrooms Have a ‘Bomber’ Problem

A growing trend of outsiders gatecrashing online classes is tormenting teachers and has even led to tragedies.

Luo Meihan

Collections From China’s Famed Grottoes Move to Blockchain Database 

The public can access more than 6,500 digital collections of artworks from the Dunhuang and other places.

Chinese Court Clarifies NFTs Are ‘Virtual Property’ 

Hangzhou Internet Court says non-fungible tokens should be treated as “virtual artwork” and protected as intellectual property rights.

Crowdfunding Can’t Cure China’s Health Care Gap

Similar to GoFundMe in the United States, many Chinese turn to crowdfunding to cover sudden medical expenses. But these platforms often marginalize those most in need.

Cheng Cheng

Why It’s Time to Take the Fight Against HIV Online

The internet is a rare sanctuary for queer men in China. It’s also one of the best places for outreach.

Rayner Tan

Alibaba Built Its Success on Small Vendors. Now, It Fears Losing Them.

Ahead of the all-important Singles’ Day shopping festival, the Chinese e-commerce giant is struggling to cling on to the core of its business: the small merchants that populate its flagship Taobao platform.

Wu Peiyue

Zhang Liting

A Metaverse Library Is Coming Soon to Shanghai 

Users can create an avatar to enter the library, engage with others, and access available resources.

In China, Millions of Women Never Learned to Read. Can TikTok Help?

Decades of inequality have left millions of Chinese women unable to read — and shut out of society in myriad ways as a result. Now, many of them are turning to social media to get the education they were denied.

Chen Jiangyi

‘Digital Minimalism’: The Man Who Ditched Smartphones 

There are a torrent of inconveniences, but it’s not entirely impossible.