livestream

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

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

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.

He Qitong

In China’s ‘Sympathy Economy,’ Trauma Finds a Livestream Stage

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

By selling through personal tragedy, livestreamers are sparking solidarity purchases, and in recent months, fierce debate over whether compassion can, or should, be monetized.

Li Xin

Yang  Xinrui 

Two Unlikely Travel Buddies Find Road to Stardom

After becoming close friends, a Chinese vlogger and a Bangladeshi rickshaw driver have captured the imagination of millions online.

AI, Mini-Games, Short Dramas Drive Growth at China’s Kuaishou

The short-video platform’s latest results show both user demand and creator income continuing to grow.

Fan Yiying

As Ex-Convicts Go Viral in China, Critics Say They Glorify Crime

The trend has alarmed authorities, with state media warning that posts turning crime into entertainment erode respect for the law and re-traumatize victims.

China’s Illegal Hunting Livestreams Disguised as ‘Outdoor Sports’

Police in northeastern China have uncovered a black market involving livestreamers killing wildlife — including some protected species — to sell hunting gear.

Eating for Views: Rising Concerns Over Binge Eating Livestreams

Despite regulations and growing health warnings, China’s “big-stomach king” livestream trend continues to thrive, raising alarms about food waste and the potential dangers of excessive consumption.

Fame, Pursued by Goose: The Chongqing ‘Uncle’ Who Became an Internet Star

Visual stories that get up close and personal with contemporary China. A mix of short videos, documentaries, photography, and data visualization.

MULTIMEDIA

Lü Xiao

Need for IShowSpeed: A YouTuber’s Wild Ride Through China’s Internet

What began as a chaotic online tour turned into a cross-cultural spectacle — fueled by fans, food, filters, and unexpected friendships.

Jiang Xinyi

Scroll, Sell, Evade: China Recovers Millions in Taxes From Streamers

Authorities audited 169 influencers this year, exposing shell companies, hidden income, and loopholes in China’s booming livestream economy.

Ding Rui

Cold Reality: Tragedy Exposes Perils of Extreme Livestreaming

Translations, cross-publications, and collaborative projects from Sixth Tone’s external partners. 

SIXTH TONE ×

The death of an outdoor lifestyle influencer in the frozen wilds of North China has cast light onto the risks facing some livestreamers.

The Paper

Road to Ruin: How China’s Motorcycle Influencers Risk It All for Views

In recent years, several young women motorcycle influencers have died in high-speed crashes. Their deaths have sparked widespread debate over the risks of pushing the limits for online attention.

The Complex Inner Lives of China’s ‘Livestream Moms’

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

VOICES & OPINION

Why are women streaming themselves caring for their sick and paralyzed children?

Pei Yuxin

Chinese Livestreamers’ Latest Sales Tactic: Fake Life Crises

Livestream hosts are going to ever greater lengths to win viewers’ sympathy — from faking divorces to pretending their kids have been kidnapped.

Queen’s Gambit: The Lowly Chinese Go Player Who Conquered the Sport

Zhan Ying finished her last pro season 2-16. How did she become one of the sport’s top streamers?

Cai Yineng

Life Among China’s ‘Apprentice’ Livestreamers

Making a name for oneself online isn’t as easy as it used to be. For those unwilling to sign a contract with a promoter, apprenticing with an established streamer is an attractive option.

Wang Yun

How a Student’s Fake Exercise Book Broke the Chinese Internet

For weeks, China was captivated by an influencer’s heartwarming attempt to find the owner of two lost primary school books. Then, the truth came out.

Chujiu: A Master of Disguise

The makeup artist, who has found fame with her magical transformations, explains the motivation behind the hit “100 Villains” series and the hours of work needed to create just one short video.

Neweekly Lifestyle

Chinese Livestreamer Uses Stock Footage, Sparks Debate on Trust

During a recent broadcast, viewers noticed livestreamer Chen Yi-ru tasting food non-stop during a 15-hour broadcast as well as an apparent glitch where a table leg seemed to “pierce” his forearm.

Ye Zhanhang

Following Rant, China’s Biggest Influencer Accused of Being ‘Out of Touch’

Known for being a livestreamer whose low prices connected him with fans, Li Jiaqi is now being roundly criticized for failing to grasp consumer sentiment.