fan-yiying

At China’s Biggest Studio Complex, Tourists Pay to Play the Lead

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

As AI and funding cuts reduce live-action shoots, tourist packages provide work for crews and give visitors a finished two-minute ultrashort drama of their own.

Chinese Users Find Little Money in ‘Selling’ Their Faces to AI

Companies that let users license their likenesses for use in AI-made short dramas and ads promise high income in a short period. But users report few real financial gains.

Zheng Qinwen’s China Open Win Swamps Her Sponsor’s Tea Shops

After the 24-year-old became the first Chinese woman to win the China Open, milk tea giant Chagee offered buy-one-get-one-free drinks nationwide for a day.

China’s Golden Week Crowds Reach Smaller Cities and Counties

In Qinghai’s Qilian County, full hotels prompted officials to house nearly 500 travelers in school dormitories.

In China’s Universities, Students Are Majoring in Second Chances

Chinese universities are increasingly relaxing their policies to give students a chance to undo majors chosen under the constraints of entrance exam scores, parental advice, and decisions made at 18.

Feathered Dinosaur From China Points to Another Path to Flight

Its nearly complete skeleton suggests birds and microraptorines developed similar flight-related features in a different order.

Chinese Village to Spend Millions on NPCs to Boost Tourism

Situ Village in northern China, which built a highly rated scenic area on top of coal-mining waste, has faced steep economic losses in recent years, according to a local official.

On the Table at Shanghai Mayor Meet: AI, Sports, Tourism

Global executives advised the city to lead AI deployment, develop into a global sports capital, and emphasize Shanghai cultural features like jazz and Art Deco over sites when promoting tourism.

Marriage Proposal at Beijing Concert Hits Sour Note With Fans

The couple’s romantic gesture drew angry shouts and security intervention. A viral video of the incident later prompted a reported police complaint.

The Chinese Dating App Promising Marriage — or Your Money Back

The app, called Liangpei, uses 20-minute AI interviews and compatibility rankings to match users, who can talk to only one potential partner at a time.

Frog Gone: China’s Beloved Traveling Game Is Going Offline

The mobile game, popular since 2018, features a frog who holidays across China. Users say they can’t bear to delete it.

End of the Vine: China’s ‘Calabash Grandpa’ Cuts Down His Famous Gourds

Seven gourds growing outside his home turned the elderly resident into an online celebrity after visitors linked them to the beloved Chinese cartoon “Calabash Brothers.”

Scammers Are Targeting China’s Content Creators for Ransoms

The practice, known as “account striking,” targets short-video creators, falsely accusing them of platform violations to extract ransoms.

China’s Chatbot Users Are Grieving the Loss of Their AI Partners

After a central government policy that banned AI services “that lead to emotional dependence” went into effect in July, some users say they feel an “emotional void.”

Chinese County Takes Aim at Soaring Bride Prices

In line with national policy recommendations, the eastern county of Shicheng has implemented pilot programs and targeted matchmaking services to decrease or eliminate family spending when asking for a bride’s hand in marriage.

For China’s Gen Z Investors, Patriotism Meets Portfolio Math

As confidence in domestic tech grows, young Chinese investors are piling into the market, even as they remain wary of hype and easy money.

Who Let the Dogs In? Chinese Universities Open Dorms to Pets

At least seven universities around the country now permit students to have pets, with some institutions creating animal-friendly dorms.

‘Just So Easy’: Why China’s Gen Z Prefers Credit Without the Card

Credit card ownership is plummeting across China, but young consumers are still borrowing, increasingly through food-delivery, shopping, and payment apps.

Lost, Looted, Crumbling: The Vanishing Temple Murals of Yu County

The county is known for its hundreds of ancient temple murals. An investigation has revealed that most specimens no longer exist or are in disrepair.

China’s Elderly Embrace an Unlikely New Sport: Hyrox Races

China’s millennials have taken up the hardcore fitness activity in huge numbers. Now, they’re pushing their aging parents to join them.