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Russia Hoped for a Chinese Tourist Boom in 2023. It’s Still Waiting.

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

In Russia, many believed that China’s exit from “zero-COVID” restrictions would provide a shot in the arm to the country’s flatlining inbound tourism sector. Those hopes are now fading.

In China, an Unseen and Dangerous Foe Takes Root: Lethal Fungi

The fungal apocalypse portrayed in “The Last of Us” may be fiction. But between climate change and habitat loss, the threat from adapting fungi is real.

Standing Tall: A Runner’s Unlikely Journey to the Top — of Trees

A national tree climbing champion, Yu Yanling now runs her own company, organizes climbing competitions, and teaches the art to adults and children.

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.

Chinese Athletes Excel at Ski Mountaineering World Championships

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

Tibetan teenagers take three gold medals at the world championships just a few years after the sport was introduced to China.

A Chinese Village Bet Its Future on Tourism. Then, COVID Hit.

Hebian was one of many Chinese villages that escaped poverty by transforming into a tourist resort. But when the pandemic struck, the village was forced to reinvent itself once again.

As Global Marathons Beckon, China’s Runners Ready to Race Again

With travel restrictions lifted in China, amateur runners are rushing to register at overseas events. But for now, the coveted Pyongyang Marathon will have to wait.

China’s Soccer Woes Deepen as Naturalized Players Jump Ship

Before the pandemic, China’s soccer leagues were boosted by an influx of foreign-born players who naturalized as Chinese. Now, some of those stars are quietly renouncing their new nationalities.

Elephant in the Courtroom: In Yunnan, a Landmark Lawsuit Begins

In a legal first, a nonprofit is suing a popular tourism company in southwest China for using elephants in public performances, arguing that its training methods amount to animal abuse.

The Biggest Threat to Beijing’s Biodiversity? Trees.

Beijing has launched a massive campaign to transform the capital’s flatlands into forest. But the tree-planting drive could be devastating for local wildlife, scientists say.

As the World Cup Nears Its Climax, Chinese Soccer Hits Rock Bottom

China has set a target of winning the men’s World Cup by 2050. But after a year of scandal, on-field failure, and financial crisis, that goal has never felt more distant.

Two Star Athletes Have Chosen to Represent China. Netizens Are Furious.

Champion speed skaters Liu Shaolin Sandor and Liu Shaoang have become the targets of unexpected vitriol after switching allegiances from Hungary to China — a sign of Chinese fans’ growing skepticism toward naturalized athletes.

How a Chain-Smoking Marathon Runner Sparked a Furor in China

Middle-aged runner Chen Bangxian became an internet sensation after finishing a marathon with a cigarette dangling from his mouth. The Chinese authorities are not amused.

The Teenagers Revitalizing China’s Sports Prospects

For decades, China’s sporting prowess has been built on a state-driven system that excels at drilling athletes in traditional Olympic disciplines. But a new generation of young stars is determined to break the mold.

For China’s Paralympic Stars, Retirement Brings a Harsh New Reality

China holds up its world-beating Paralympic team as national heroes. Yet some of its greatest stars are falling into unemployment and depression after retiring.

Confusion Reigns as Marathon Races (Kind of) Return to China

A string of Chinese marathon and trail races were finally due to make a long-delayed return this month. Then, the country’s virus prevention measures tightened up once again.

Shanghai Holds Second Regatta Amid Choppy Waters

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

MULTIMEDIA

Shanghai held the second edition of its flagship rowing event last weekend. But strict pandemic controls once again cast a shadow over the proceedings.

Millions of Migratory Birds Stop in Beijing Each Fall, Study Finds

The study — which recorded the night calls of migratory birds flying over the Chinese capital — underlines the importance of protecting the city’s disappearing bird habitats.

Why Tigers, Bears, and Elephants Keep Wandering Into Chinese Towns

In recent years, China has clamped down hard on the killing of protected species. Now, the animals appear to be losing their fear of humans — and reclaiming their former habitats.

China’s Ecosystems Face a New Menace: Vicious Snapping Turtles

Snapping turtles are powerful, aggressive, and on the loose in southern China. Authorities are concerned.