business

Luckin Coffee Sets Sights on China’s Next Coffee Battleground: The ‘Sinking Market’

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

MULTIMEDIA

The Chinese coffee giant has recovered spectacularly from bankruptcy with a new strategy of expanding in smaller, less affluent cities around the country. But it also faces competition from domestic rivals, including one launched by its co-founders.

Luo Yahan

Gao Mingyue

Cathay Pacific Fires Cabin Crew for Mocking Non-English Speakers

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

A Chinese passenger posted an audio recording of the exchange on social media, prompting public outcry and official scrutiny.

Ye Zhanhang

How a Tibetan Village Became a Giant Factory for Buddhist Art

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

China’s growing obsession with Buddhist paintings has transformed life in the historically Tibetan village of Wutun — and sparked local soul-searching about the trade-offs between economic progress and religious faith.

Wu Peiyue

Two Brokerage Apps Allowing Overseas Trading Pulled From App Stores 

The significance of the move remains to be seen as existing users can still trade, while others say that the apps can still be downloaded using other methods.

Li Xin

JD.com Finance Chief Takes the Helm as Firm’s First Female CEO

While a significant step in gender diversity, the new CEO faces the challenging task of revitalizing one of China’s largest online retailers.

Chinese Tutoring Giants Set Sights on Overseas Expansion

Still reeling from the “double reduction” policy, private tutoring firms are looking for new markets abroad.

$40 for 15 Seconds: Times Square Billboard Attracts Chinese Attention Seekers

A new ad space in New York has turned into a new social media trend in China.

After 3 Years of Lockdowns, a Chinese Border City Struggles to Rebuild

Ruili faced some of China’s strictest virus-control measures during the height of the pandemic. Now, local people are gradually picking up the pieces.

Li Pasha

China’s Maternity Hotels Offer New Moms a Break — From Their In-Laws

Maternity hotels have found success by tapping into the Chinese tradition for mothers to “sit the month” after giving birth. But they also offer young moms another benefit: an escape from unwanted parenting advice.

Wang Lianzhang

Hong Kong TV Company Deploys Stars as Salespeople on Taobao

The television broadcasting company is evoking nostalgia while trying to cash in on the mainland’s e-commerce livestream boom.

China’s Booming New Toy Market: Hyperrealistic ‘Military Lego’

Lego has found huge success in recent years by tapping into popular movie franchises like “Star Wars.” Its Chinese rivals are turning to a very different source of inspiration: the People’s Liberation Army.

Zhang Liting

To Boost Economy, Shanghai’s Districts Ready Multi-Pronged Plan

Experts say local governments will play to their strengths to stand out from the competition.

Sixth Tone

Stakes High as China’s Game Makers Gamble on Overseas Markets

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

SIXTH TONE ×

As large and small developers attempt to expand abroad in the face of a tough domestic market, industry insiders warn of soaring costs and culture clashes.

Shenran Caijing

How China Fell In Love With Cheap Wine

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

VOICES & OPINION

Once a symbol of luxury, today’s wine market is dominated by so-called little wines — and increasingly the category known as “996-es”: six-bottle cases priced at 99 yuan or less.

Xiao Kunbing

For Chinese Wine Lovers, It’s a Whole New World

Low-cost wines from nontraditional regions like Australia and Chile have won over young consumers and made wine an everyday drink.

China’s Spring Festival 2023 in Numbers 

From tourism to the box office, several sectors have seen business surge for the first time in years.

Yang Caini

Shanghai Vows Greater Market Access for Economic Recovery

China’s financial hub prepares for a post-COVID era.

China’s Holiday Box Office Sees a Subdued Opening 

Film insiders say business is likely to pick up following the word of mouth publicity for movies like “The Wandering Earth” and “Full River Red.”

‘Lazy Economy’ Is Taking Off in China

Convenience-driven consumption is gaining popularity among young Chinese not wanting to spend time cooking and cleaning.

Henan’s Embattled Village Banks Start Repaying Big Depositors 

While depositors with over 500,000 yuan can withdraw their money, those who had opened their accounts in person are yet to receive answers.