urban China

urban-china

China’s Gen Z Finds an Unlikely New Hero: A Sad, Tired Brit

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

Jack Forsdike documented his ordeal working for one of China’s tech giants — and became a symbol of the industry’s grueling labor practices.

Dominic  Morgan

In Chengdu, Women Learn to Rewire a Trade Built for Men

Designed exclusively for women, a new course offers classes ranging from home appliance cleaning to electrician training that covers both theory and hands-on techniques. The response has been overwhelming, with classes filling up fast.

He Qitong

Did Chinese Public Transport Firms Miss the Bus on New Energy?

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

VOICES & OPINION

Privately operated bus companies are struggling under a mountain of debt. It didn’t have to be this way.

Liu Daizong

China’s MBTI Obsession Has Gone Too Far, Academics Say

The 1940s-era personality test has become a ubiquitous part of daily life in China. But the belief that “MBTI is destiny” among employers and young people is having unintended consequences, a new paper argues.

Fan Yiying

Dong Ziqing

From ‘Hire Me’ to Better Call Tang, the Quirky World of Metro Ads

To diversify declining revenue streams, one city metro launched a personalized ad service earlier this year, allowing individuals to purchase ad space for messages ranging from birthday greetings and job searches to marriage proposals and quirky jokes.

Ding Rui

In Shanghai’s Lounge Lawn, Stressed-Out Office Workers Kick Back

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

MULTIMEDIA

A 30-meter lawn sloped like a lawn chair has become a popular spot for relaxation among the city’s office workers.

Wu Huiyuan 

‘Office Farmers’ Grow Fruit Plants for Novelty and Stress Relief

Mundane desktop plants are slowly being replaced by edible, decorative, and conversation-starting “work pals” like bananas and pineapples.

Li Xin

Ding Xiaoyan

The Ups and Downs of Owning Pet Birds in Urban China

While birds offer an affordable pet choice, their vulnerability to illness and the lack of specialized veterinary care, particularly beyond major urban centers, present significant hurdles.

Can City Walks Fix What Ails Chinese Urbanism?

Urbanists were calling for more walkable cities before it was cool. Now they want to leverage the city walk boom to make their vision a reality.

Cai Yineng

Out of Key: Why China is Stepping Back From Piano Lessons

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 keyboard used to reign supreme in music lessons for the young. But costs and shifting cultural interests have led more students to embrace traditional Chinese instruments like the 'pipa' and bamboo flute.

Chu Jing Her

Men’s Cosmetics and Flowers Lead Douyin’s Women’s Day Sales Boom

China’s short video giant reported a 54% increase in beauty and skincare product sales, while flower orders surged by over 200%.

Yang Caini

Scents of Self: Why Young Chinese are Obsessed with Fragrances

The fragrance industry in China is on the upswing as younger consumers embrace scents for self-expression and comfort.

To Boost Career, Young Chinese Focus on ‘Emotional Intelligence’

In a tough job market, acquiring self-confidence and social skills can give workers a competitive edge.

Zhang Zhen

Chasing Calm: The Rising Cost of Spiritual Healing in China

Seeking mental wellbeing in a fast-paced, competitive society, young Chinese are turning to meditation, talismans, and tarot cards. The rapid growth in such practices is now raising regulatory concerns, including content and provider qualifications.

Zut Alors! The Ambience of Paris Streetlife Is Creating a Popular New Wave in China

Long a tradition of French daily life, bistros have found a niche in cities like Shanghai, but with a Chinese twist.

Liu Shuhuan

City Slickers: How Shanghai Is Outfoxing Its Raccoon Dog Problem

In 2019, raccoon dogs were limited to 40 local communities. Now, they’ve expanded to over 300. Recent efforts such as community education and property management are gradually yielding results in addressing the uptick.

Space Race: Why Young Chinese Are Cutting Ties With Relatives

In stark contrast to their parents, young Chinese are distancing themselves from family ties and seeking more personal space amid shifting societal dynamics, urbanization, and the influence of social media.

Ye Zhanhang

After Dog Mauls Child, Chinese Cities Push to Tighten Pet Laws

Earlier this week, footage surfaced online showing a black Rottweiler assaulting a young child and her mother.

How Residents Are Rebuilding Shanghai’s Urban Communities

Echo Fu

The Mall at the Center of the Universe

The Wanjiali International Mall wants to be everything to everyone. Can it succeed?