he-qitong

AI Developer Not Liable for Hallucination Errors: Chinese Court

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 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.

Crowd Control: Why China’s Marathon Boom Has Suddenly Hit the Brakes

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

Marathon organizers and runners across China face abrupt cancellations and new curbs, as officials rush to rein in a sport that expanded faster than it could be managed.

Banned, Cancer-Linked Dye Found in Chinese Skin Care Products: Report

Amid China’s biggest shopping festival, a third-party testing group has reported that several major skin care brands sold in the country contain trace levels of Sudan Red, a dye banned globally for its potential cancer risk.

Fast Track: Chinese Cities Pilot Skipping High School Entrance Exam

A pilot program in Chengdu exempts some students from the grueling high school entrance exam, offering families relief from mounting academic pressure.

All That and Dim Sum: Canton Moves to Regulate Morning Tea

The southern city of Guangzhou has drafted a policy regulating the labeling of dim sum dishes in an effort to preserve authenticity, freshness, and cultural heritage.

In China’s New Livestream Factories, Bodies, Data, and Dreams Collide

With idol reality shows off the air, group livestreams have filled the void, where dancers perform in rotating squads as viewers send gifts and even pay to control the show.

Age-Old Scams: Short Drama Crews Are Preying on China’s Elderly 

Scammers are posting job ads online seeking older people to fill parental roles in ultrashort dramas, lying to applicants about high salaries and low entry requirements.

As Rain Hits Holiday Travel, China Braces for Record Return Rush

More than 2.4 billion trips are expected this year, with transport officials expanding lanes and services to manage one of the busiest travel weeks on record.

Over 350 Rescued After Blizzard Hits Everest’s Eastern Slope

Rescue crews cleared roads and evacuated stranded trekkers four days after a snowstorm buried campsites on Mount Qomolangma during China’s National Day holiday.