business

The Big Switch

SPECIAL PROJECTS

China is producing EVs at an unprecedented scale, reshaping industries, economies, and daily life. Sixth Tone unpacks what’s working, what’s breaking down, and what’s next in a race that’s upending the global auto market.

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

Sixth Tone

The Missing Link in China’s EV Boom: Who Will Fix Them?

EVs now make up more than half of new car sales in China. But a shortage of skilled repair technicians threatens to slow the momentum.

Ding Rui

China’s EVs Are Smart, Green, and Cheap — Until They Aren’t

For millions of Chinese EV owners, early promises of affordability, convenience, and cutting-edge tech are now tested by aging batteries, replacement costs, and warranties.

He Qitong

The Chinese City Betting Everything on Tiny Cars

In Liuzhou, compact EVs reshaped the city’s economy, daily life, and identity. Now, it offers a blueprint for small cities looking to ride China’s electric wave.

Fan Yiying

The Motor Cities Behind China’s EV Empire

China’s push to dominate the EV market starts in factory towns deep in the countryside, where assembly lines run day and night and life is tethered to nonstop production.

Jiang Xinyi

Wu Huiyuan 

The Foot Soldiers Steering China’s EV Ambitions Abroad

China exported more than a million EVs in 2024. But between a price war at home and trade tensions abroad, the industry’s future depends on a handful of expat sellers.

Li Xin

Matryoshka Marketing: What’s Really Inside China’s Russian Shops

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

Regulators are cracking down on self-proclaimed Russian goods stores selling products from around the world — including China.

Chen Yiru

China Slaps Heavy Fine on Top Dating Platform for False Ads

Zhenai, one of China’s oldest matchmaking services, was penalized for misleading users with fake profiles, exaggerated claims, and aggressive sales tactics, according to regulators.

Touch and Go: Will Alipay’s ‘Tap!’ Gamble Pay Off?

The tech company is trying to disrupt China’s mobile payment market. The response from merchants and shoppers has been mixed.

Harbin Firm Under Fire for Banning Employees From Ice Festival

A local company’s attempt at hospitality snowballed into a public relations disaster over the weekend.

Li Miaoran

Star Power: China’s Businesses Count Cost of Fake Reviews

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

SIXTH TONE ×

Business owners and employees expose the physical and mental pressures of chasing ratings on China’s review platforms.

Liang Ting

Factory Reset: A New Generation Races to Save China’s Family Businesses

Across China, family-run factories are passing to a new generation on an unprecedented scale. Can they overcome e-commerce challenges, rising costs, and family pressures to reshape their businesses for the future?

They Built an Entire ‘Ancient Town.’ Practically Nobody Came.  

The vast Dayong Town complex cost over $300 million to build, but only receives about 20 visitors per day.

Chinese Livestreamers’ Latest Sales Tactic: Fake Life Crises

Livestream hosts are going to ever greater lengths to win viewers’ sympathy — from faking divorces to pretending their kids have been kidnapped.

AstraZeneca Executive Behind China Growth Under Investigation

The pharma giant confirmed that Wang Lei, the executive vice president who oversaw AstraZeneca’s rapid expansion in China, is cooperating with authorities, though details of the investigation are unclear.

For Alibaba, This Year’s ‘Singles’ Day’ Is a Brutal Dogfight

As it gears up for its flagship shopping festival, the Chinese e-commerce giant is fighting a desperate battle to defend its market share.

Chinese City Wants to Know Who Is Getting Late-Night Massages

Massage parlors in Nanning will be required to record customers’ personal details as part of a campaign targeting fraud, gambling, and prostitution rings.

Meituan Report on Delivery Workforce Provokes Pushback

The Chinese delivery platform is touting the high salaries earned by its riders. Others say the figures are deceptive.

Tea but No Sympathy: Top Chain Under Fire for Ad Shaming Workers

A viral ad from bubble tea chain Good Me sparked outrage after showing workers apologizing for minor mistakes. The company was forced to apologize, and the video was quickly taken down.