What Exactly Is the ‘Dongbei Renaissance’?

Contributions from individuals with unique perspectives to share. Hear from everyone, from experts and commentators to those whose voices are often marginalized.

VOICES & OPINION

Four commentators on how — and why — the country’s northeastern rust belt reached the forefront of Chinese pop culture.

Three Books (and One Band) That Explain Northeast China

Want to know more about northeast China’s cultural revival? Start here.

What Makes a Myth?

Your questions, answered. In-depth interviews with the minds and makers shaping today’s China.

Q & A

The head of the China Mythology Society on the “Creation of the Gods” trilogy and the low status of mythological studies in China.

What Was China’s First Museum?

According to historian Xu Jian, the answer is more complicated — and more controversial — than you might think.

The Making of Yunnan

Historian Yang Bin shares his thoughts on Yunnanese history, his unique approach to the region, and how border areas shape a state.

What’s Love to a Feminist?

The feminist cultural critic Dai Jinhua shares her thoughts on intersectionality, love, and the shrinking space for alternative lifestyles in contemporary China.

A Woman of No Significance

When historian Luo Xin began experimenting with “microhistory,” his colleagues were dismissive. Then his biography of a fifth century palace maid became one of the biggest books of 2022.

Digging Into the Shang Dynasty’s Empire of Bones

For centuries, the rulers of China’s first dynasty practiced a brutal form of human sacrifice. What did it mean? And more importantly, why did they stop?

How an Aging Artist Put His Stamp on the New Year

Understanding the Chinese art world’s latest controversy is simple. Just follow the rabbits.

Three Women Who Changed the Tang Dynasty

What, if anything, can Shangguan Wan’er, Wu Zetian, and Princess Taiping tell us about contemporary China?

Is Confucius Really Dead?

Sociologist Zhao Dingxin, author of “The Confucian-Legalist State,” on the demise of Confucianism, the resilience of Legalism, and the structural sources of individual power.

How a Flailing Tutoring Company Became a National Rallying Cry

Once China’s best-known English tutoring company, New Oriental’s business evaporated after last year’s crackdown. Now it’s back with a new business model, and backed by a groundswell of public support.

After Two Years, Shanghai Returns to Remote Learning. Has Anything Changed?

Many parents welcomed the decision, but not everyone has the time to micromanage their kids’ learning schedules.

What Eileen Gu Means to China

The 18-year-old skier has dominated this year’s Olympics like no one else.

The Obscure Traffic Rules Helping Tesla Conquer Shanghai

What looks like a loophole in the city’s vehicle registration system is in fact an example of how city officials leverage minor regulations to effect big changes.

Chinese Archaeology: Past, Present, and Future

Sixth Tone invited three archaeologists to share their perspectives on the field’s development and future prospects.

Remembering Li Zehou, Philosopher of the ‘Chinese Enlightenment’

The author of books on Chinese and Western philosophy, Li’s work helped kickstart the country’s post-Cultural Revolution “fever” for culture and aesthetics.

China’s Master of Fireworks on the Art of the Explosion

Cai Guo-Qiang, who has a solo show at the newly opened Museum of Art Pudong, on what makes gunpowder so alluring, and why he dreams of losing control.

For China’s Most Beloved Team, It’s the End of an Era

The country’s women’s volleyball team was unceremoniously ousted in the group stage of this year’s Olympics, but they’re still the popular favorites.

March of the Red Souvenirs

Ahead of the Communist Party of China’s centenary next month, officials have unveiled a host of youth-oriented commemorative gear.