he-qitong

The Chinese Restaurant That ‘Didn’t Want Fame’ and the Internet That Wouldn’t Listen

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

Netizens have become fascinated by the restaurant owner’s claims that his chicken causes diarrhea and that he doesn’t want to become too popular, as crowds flock to the restaurant from around the country.

The Cost of Staying Visible on China’s Internet

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

As China’s attention economy matures, creators face constant pressure to produce, adapt, and remain visible in an increasingly crowded and competitive system.

In National First, Beijing Launches Dedicated Self-Driving Car Insurance

The new policies provide vehicle coverage for a range of autonomous driving levels, supporting consumers and delivering legal benefits for automakers.

High Rankings of China’s ‘Pursuit of Jade’ Draw Skepticism

The show’s popularity on international and domestic streaming services, combined with polarized comments online, has led some to doubt its true popularity.

Chinese Regions Ease Weight of Biology and Geography on Zhongkao

As China seeks to curb student pressure, multiple regions have announced that the two subjects will no longer count toward students’ total scores on the notoriously competitive high school entrance exam.

In China’s Scripted Romance Games, Staged Love Is Paid Work

The format pairs players with paid “love companions,” selling intimacy through staged dates and private scenes where expectations and rules are often set in real time.

To Boost Take-Out Safety, China Tightens Rules on Ghost Kitchens

Vendors operating only as take-out platforms must now disclose their status or face heavy fines.

Viral Deepfake Demo Prompts ByteDance to Limit New AI Video Tool

A popular tech influencer and content creator described the video generation tool as ‘terrifying.’

AI Developer Not Liable for Hallucination Errors: Chinese Court

The decision finds developers are not automatically responsible for AI hallucinations unless users can show fault and harm.

Work of Art: The Cost of Keeping a Private Museum Open in China

As funding tightens, private art museums across the country are closing, shrinking, or reworking their models to survive.

China Turns to Drones as Snowstorms Disrupt Farms and Factories

As snow piles up across parts of China, drones are helping clear roofs and greenhouses, creating a short winter boom for operators.

Hog Wild: Pig Feast Goes Viral, Overwhelms Village in China

A woman posted a casual plea online for help with slaughtering the animals. It turned into a national sensation.

China Unveils Draft Law to Expand Childcare Services

The new proposal is aimed at boosting public funding, regulating providers and integrating childcare into the public service system.

China Mandates Registration, Real-Time Tracking for Civilian Drones

New rules, set to take effect in 2026, aim to curb airspace violations by requiring drones to transmit real-time flight data from takeoff to landing.

China Probe Faults Hospital in Baby’s Death After Heart Surgery

An infant died following a routine cardiac surgery in November. Now, the results of an investigation into her death reveal medical malpractice.

After Exposé, China Probes Sale of Sex Dolls Resembling Children

Findings about the manufacture and online availability of childlike sex dolls across Chinese e-commerce platforms have fueled national debate and calls for stronger protections.

From “Wet Bodies” to Moaning: China Curbs Raunchy Livestreams

The country’s top regulator has banned three categories of sexually suggestive content in group livestreams, making “vulgar” behavior used to solicit money and gifts illegal.

Shanghai’s Pet&Fresh to Close All Locations

Inspired by its company’s grocery stores for people, the pet grocery store chain had offered freshly made pet meals and dining spaces for animals and their owners, but made little profit.

Leapfrogging Ahead: Chinese Scientists Discover New Frog Species

Leptobrachella kungfu is the most recent discovery by a team of wildlife researchers in China’s southern Guangdong province, highlighting the region’s recent championing of biodiversity initiatives.

Chinese Gold Retailers Close Stores Amid High Market Prices

The internationally skyrocketing price of gold has reduced Chinese consumer demand for the metal, causing jewelry store owners to close up shop around the country.