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All-Women ‘Shaolin Soccer’ Tribute Scores Big, Divides Fans

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 film drew large audiences but disappointed those hoping for the heights of the Hong Kong action star’s past kung fu comedies.

Costumes, Classes, Catwalks: China’s New Retirees Join the Club

After decades in secure jobs, a new generation of Chinese retirees is entering later life with pensions, spare time, and an appetite for new experiences.

Peak Performance: Mountain in China Hires Influencer

Laojun Mountain, one of China’s most famous peaks, is seeking a content creator to boost tourism by posting short videos about its “sea of clouds” phenomenon.

Dettol Ad Backfires in China Over Sexist Setup

The ad attempted to highlight a man’s toxic behavior as the reason for his girlfriend breaking up with him. Many viewers say they just felt offended.

Death Becomes Her: China’s New Hit Game Finds Fans in Failure

A live-action game about China’s only female emperor is finding devoted fans among people who have never played it themselves. Instead, they watch streamers struggle, die, and try again.

How a Panda Rumor Became a Model Defamation Case in China

A case involving a couple who falsely claimed staff had harvested bone marrow and brain tissue from live pandas has been added to the Supreme People’s Court’s official reference case database.

At the Shanghai Film Festival, AI Gets Its Mainstream Break

The festival, one of the largest in Asia, has brought together AI content creators and traditional filmmakers to spur dialogue and collaborations around the latest technology.

Livestreamed Readings of Hit Chinese Novel Spark Copyright Debate

The recent TV adaptation of Chen Yan’s “The Protagonist” has inspired hosts to read the novel aloud during livestreams, potentially infringing on copyright.

Deep-Sea Water to Microchips, China Curbs Flashy Admission Packages

Universities spent years competing with increasingly elaborate welcome packets featuring everything from microchips to deep-sea water. Now regulators are urging schools to return to a simple one-page letter.

Shenzhen Lets Homeowners Call the Shots on Redevelopment

Faced with needing to raise investments for demolition and construction, cities like Shenzhen have begun exploring ways for homeowners to redesign aging structures themselves.

He Quit Baidu. But First He Had to Build an AI Version of Himself.

As Chinese firms expand internal AI systems, some employees are being asked to build digital versions of themselves before leaving their jobs.

Chinese Swimming Star in Hot Water Over Reality Show Conduct

Citing arguments with his wife and conflict with other cast members, netizens likened the Olympic swimmer to a toddler and called him a “mama’s boy.”

Ancient Teeth Link Chinese Hominins to Modern Humans

A team of researchers used a new, minimally invasive technique to sample the teeth from six Homo erectus fossils, establishing a framework for future evolutionary research on ancient fossils.

Twin Earthquakes in Guangxi Leave 2 Dead, Thousands Evacuated

Liuzhou City, located near two fault lines, experienced its worst earthquakes in centuries.

Brands Allegedly Ban E-Sales in Hangzhou’s Livestreaming Hub

Customers with addresses in the neighborhood, known for its livestreaming community, reported being unable to order items from various luxury brands online for several days.

Flex Appeal: A Shy Influencer’s Abs Leave China Thirsty for More

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 rural content booms online, Lin Yangduo has gone viral promoting village tourism and local products with a formula that makes him deeply uncomfortable.

China’s Toughest Regulations on Fireworks to Take Effect

The new rules provide more detailed classifications and safety standards for fireworks and firecrackers.

1 in 2,000: The Long Odds of Becoming a Pro Gamer in China

China became the world’s largest esports market in less than a decade. Now, as clubs cut back and the old pipeline tightens, breaking through is harder than ever.

China’s Latest Season of ‘Ride the Wind’ Goes Viral Due to Poor Performances, Drama

Marketed as a platform for female empowerment, the show casts famous women to compete to become part of a girl group. But its latest season is trending for different reasons.

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

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.