For China’s ‘Good Students,’ 2023 Has Been a Wake-Up Call

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 years, young Chinese were told that if they kept their heads down and studied hard, money and success would naturally follow. Now, many are realizing that things aren’t so simple.

Across China, an Unseen Rural Workforce Is Shaping the Future of AI

Data labeling jobs in rural areas are empowering women and the marginalized while also aiding poverty alleviation. But as advanced AI begins to eclipse traditional methods, the future demand for such human-driven jobs faces uncertainty.

The Chinese Burger Startups Vying to Take a Bite Out of KFC

Armed with beefy venture capital investments, Chinese fast-food brands are winning over consumers with a combination of aggressive price cuts and patriotic marketing tactics.

China Loosens Homebuying Policies — Will Buyers Bite?

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 policies arrive just in time for “golden September and silver October,” the traditional peak season for property sales.

Shanghai Trials Sugary Beverage Alert System in Stores 

Sugary beverages are responsible for tens of thousands of deaths in China each year. Authorities are trying to alert customers of their health impact.

Chinese Consumer Backlash Beckons as Japan Releases Nuclear Wastewater

The move to release nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean is likely to hit Japanese-related businesses in China hard, from restaurants to cosmetics.

CCTV Report Sparks Outcry Over Heritage Preservation in Gansu

An investigative report exposed inadequate oversight in preserving Ming and Qing dynasty buildings; local authorities announce probe.

For Chinese Parents, Even Vacations Are Opportunities For Learning 

Parents are taking the old Chinese saying of ‘traveling thousands of miles is better than reading thousands of books’ very seriously.

China Proposes Even Stricter Restrictions on Children’s Screen Time  

The new rules apply to a wide range of smart devices, rather than just individual apps.

China Floods: What Is the Cause and Why Has Rescue Been So Difficult? 

Sixth Tone’s News Team answers the key questions about what’s happened.

For This Rural County, Internet Fame Is About More Than Just Money 

One of the last counties in China to be lifted from poverty, Rongjiang County in Guizhou province has been viral all summer because of its village soccer league. Though the huge tourism influx has boosted the local economy, for locals, it is not just money that drives their fervor for the sport.

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.

Qiqihar School Roof Collapse Kills 11, Girl Volleyball Players Among Victims

The gymnasium roof collapsed under the weight of construction materials from another school building under renovation, a preliminary investigation has found.

Price Drops Beckon for Money-Conscious Chinese Consumers  

Prices of meat and vegetables are flatlining in China despite serious disruptions to supply. Consumers are happy, suppliers less so.

Prada Shifts Focus From Celebrities to Athletes, Partners With Chinese Women’s Soccer Team

The Italian fashion label has had to cut ties with several celebrity brand ambassadors over major scandals in recent years. It’s now partnering with more athletes instead.

A Fictional University Takes China by Storm — One Meme at a Time

Over the course of just one week, Shanhe University, an imaginary institution born from online wisecracks, united students from four provinces.

Trip.com Offers Employees 50,000 Yuan Subsidy for Each Child Born

China’s leading travel platform has introduced various measures in recent years including hybrid work and increased maternity benefits to encourage employees to have children.

As Travel Resumes, WeChat, Alipay to Support Foreign Bank Cards

To register on such apps and use mobile payments in China, foreign travelers previously had to set up a Chinese bank account or have a local phone number.

Rare Raptors Found Dead Near Chinese National Park: Volunteers

While wildlife volunteers say the birds died due to electrocution, authorities denied the claim and said the deaths were being investigated.

Backlash Forces Two Firms to Reverse Sichuan University Boycott 

Both companies had said they wouldn’t recruit Sichuan University graduates days after a student’s false accusations of sexual harassment sparked widespread debate.