he-qitong

Livestreamed Readings of Hit Chinese Novel Spark Copyright Debate

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 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.

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.”

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.

Twin Earthquakes in Guangxi Leave 2 Dead, Thousands Evacuated

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

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.

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.

The Cost of Staying Visible on China’s Internet

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.’