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

features

Why Chinese Fans Are Hiring Detectives for a Dead Kenyan Lion

When their favorite wild lion was killed, a tight-knit group of Chinese fans half a world away launched a global campaign for justice — via billboards in New York to private investigators in Kenya.

Jiang Xinyi

With Tariffs Paused, China’s Holiday Goods Hub Races to Fill Orders

Inside Yiwu’s market stalls and factory floors, the Halloween and Christmas rush is back on after weeks of uncertainty. But as long-term risks grow, many are now looking beyond the U.S.

Ding Rui

Cold Fix: Inside China’s Audacious Effort to Save a Dying Glacier

With blankets, snow machines, and limited funding, a small team of scientists is testing a desperate plan to slow the collapse of one of China’s most vulnerable glaciers.

In China’s Tea Heartland, Workers Pick Through Climate Whiplash

Across the country’s premier tea region, a punishing chain of drought, frost, hail, heat, and snow wiped out crops, leaving workers and growers struggling to salvage what little the season had left to give.

Chen Yiru

Dot Dot Dot: What the Last Ever Telegrams From Hangzhou Say

As one of China’s last telegraph stations prepared to shut down, thousands lined up to say goodbye — in ink, by hand, one word at a time.

One Piece Puzzle: How Anime Merch Found the Perfect Fit in China

Once niche and underground, anime, comic, and game collectibles are now a $23 billion force shaping China’s next consumer wave.

Small City, Big Spenders: The Rise of China’s New Consumer Class

As China’s economy matures, consumer spending growth in smaller cities is outpacing spending in larger ones, pulling in high-end brands.

Li Xin

Behind China’s Growth Numbers, a Nation Still Saving

Despite steady growth and policy support, household data reveals high saving rates and persistent caution across regions and age groups.

Luo Yahan

He Qitong

Before the Dawn: Young Chinese Reimagine the Last Goodbye

A growing number of young Chinese are challenging long-held taboos around death, turning farewells into personal, creative acts of remembrance.

Cat Clause: Pet ‘Loan’ Disputes Spread in China

Nationwide complaints about cat “adoption” businesses are exposing the darker side of China’s booming pet industry.