transport

To Boost Its ‘Night Economy,’ Fuzhou Offers Free Subway Rides 

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 increased passenger flow from free subway rides is expected to drive more foot traffic to local businesses after 5 p.m.

He Qitong

Amid Surge in Massage Chairs, China’s Travelers Feel the Squeeze

In response to public outcry over crowded waiting areas, authorities have now limited massage chairs to 20% of total seating in railway stations.

Ye Zhanhang

Chinese Airport Lifts Tesla Ban After Sentry Mode Clarification

The ban stemmed from concerns over the sophisticated cameras in Tesla vehicles. The car maker has since clarified that video footage cannot be viewed by owners or Tesla and all data is stored within China.

Ding Rui

Charging Your Electric Car is Becoming More Expensive in China 

The government has moved electricity supplied to public electric charging stations to a higher rate. Charging station operators are passing on the increased costs to consumers.

Li Xin

How Scooters Caught China’s Urban Planners Off Guard

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 country’s cities were planned with cars in mind. Can they be made safe for scooters?

Wang Yuanyuan

Connecting a City: A Journey in Pictures

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

MULTIMEDIA

Archival photographs offer a vivid glimpse into the Shanghai Metro’s past, showcasing the stories and scenes that helped shape a city.

Gao Shenghan

What’s Missing From China’s Metro Buildup?

A focus on new construction distracts metro companies from the vital work of improving the passenger experience.

Liu Daizong

Shanghai’s Most Recognizable Voices

Few people are more emblematic of Shanghai than its metro’s Mandarin, English, and Shanghainese announcers. They reflect the best of this bustling metropolis, so proud of its heritage while deeply welcoming of visitors.

Yang Caini

Building Shanghai’s Deepest Station

From combustible gas to land subsidence, the construction of Shanghai’s deepest metro station was rife with difficulties largely unknown to the public — until now.

Beyond the Midnight Hour

Lü Xiao

Xue Haolin

Wu Huiyuan 

Shanghai, in Motion

From a single line in 1993 to becoming one of the largest transport systems in the world, the Shanghai Metro has helped shape the urban landscape for 30 years.

Nanning Slams Brakes on Parking Fee Storm, Mayor Offers Apology

City severs ties with parking company after multiple complaints alleging overcharging. Some commuters owe thousands of yuan in parking fees.

Stabbing Death on Train Raises Questions About Railway Security

The victim’s family and netizens are asking how a knife was brought on board a high-speed train after the tragic killing of a young man.

Calls for Female-Only Compartments After Woman Placed With Three Men on Sleeper Train 

Female-only sleeper compartments have been tried before, but were canceled soon after due to insufficient demand.

Smart Cars Take Center Stage at Shanghai Auto Show

China plans to increase the sale of vehicles with smart features to account for 30% of overall new vehicle sales by 2025.

Sixth Tone

Shanghai Bus Ridership Is Down. Does Anyone Care?

The city’s buses are losing riders to the subway. Is there a policy fix?

Yu Ping

Shanghai Eases Driving License Process for Deaf Drivers 

The city opened its first driving school and a designated physical exam center for the hearing impaired wanting to obtain a permit.

As City Bus Service Teeters in Henan, Local Government Steps In 

The bus company said it was unable to run buses from March 1 and pay staff, citing a cash crunch.

What Happens to China’s EV Market After Billions of Yuan Stop Coming in?

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

SIXTH TONE ×

Government subsidies helped charge up the electric vehicle market. Now carmakers need to find other ways to maintain their sales.

The Paper

On the Operating Table, Supply Chain Issues Can Be Life or Death

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

For months, heart surgeons have been warning that China faces a shortage of aortic grafts, an imported product needed to treat life-threatening vascular disease.