transport

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?

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

VOICES & OPINION

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

Liu Daizong

Shanghai’s Most Recognizable Voices

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

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.

Ye Zhanhang

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.

Li Xin

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.

Tang Yucheng

27 Killed as Bus Taking People to COVID Quarantine Crashes in China

The bus carrying 45 passengers was on the road in the early hours of the morning despite being prohibited to do so by national laws.

China Railway Slammed for Not Selling Menstrual Products On Board

A female passenger shared her experience on board a high-speed train, with many others demanding the railway operator change course.

Hainan to Be First Province to Ban Fossil Fuel-Powered Vehicles

The island province said it aims to become the “top student” in advancing the country’s carbon peak and neutrality goals.

No Changes to Current Traffic Light System, Authorities Say

China’s traffic regulator has reassured drivers worried over a relatively complicated system after social media posts went viral.

Inflation Hits China’s ‘Sharing Economy’ as Bills Come Due

Without VC money, Chinese bike rental survivors are seeking ways to make ends meet.