policy

To Lift Economy, Shaoxing Brings Subsidies to the Banquet Table

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 city in eastern China is subsidizing hotel banquets as part of a 100-million-yuan plan to revive its dining and tourism sectors.

Chen Yiru

China Tightens Rules on Study Aids to Ease Student Pressure

Shanghai, Shenzhen and other cities are curbing extra workbooks as authorities double down on reforms to ease exam stress.

Li Xin

China’s Higher Ed Reform Pivots From Old Majors to New Tech

The new plan calls for integrating AI and the sciences into curricula, building a national data platform, and steering resources to high-demand fields.

To Boost Content, China Eases TV Drama Oversight, Episode Limit

Amid competition from ultrashort dramas and streaming platforms, China’s broadcasting regulator will also ease restrictions on historical dramas and allow series to air without a one-year gap between new seasons.

Fan Yiying

To Ease Costs, China Launches First Nationwide Childcare Subsidy

Effective as of the beginning of this year, the government will provide an annual subsidy of 3,600 yuan per child under age 3.

China Expands Drug Access, Insurance Coverage Under Reform Plan

During the latest Five-Year Plan, health authorities have sought to balance drug affordability and quality, as well as promote market stability and fairness.

Do China’s Waste Incinerators Have Enough to Burn?

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

SIXTH TONE ×

Waste-to-energy incineration projects are allowing major cities to shift away from landfills, but those based in counties are struggling to meet capacity.

The Paper

China Bans Unsafe Power Banks From Flights Amid Safety Fears

A surge in flight-related incidents involving overheating power banks has prompted China to ban non-certified batteries from domestic air travel.

Our Water: Shanghai, London Exchange Cultural Currency

The latest news about Sixth Tone and announcements about its events, projects, and other initiatives.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A coin exhibition, forum, and night of culinary fusion in London kick off the second season of Our Water, Shanghai’s river-themed cultural exchange program.

Our Water

To Protect Small Sellers, China Moves to Limit E-Commerce Fees

Amid the annual 618 shopping festival, new draft rules propose more transparency on online platforms, as regulators respond to mounting complaints from merchants.

Till Debt Do Us Part: Gansu Takes Aim at Exorbitant Bride Prices

Gender imbalance, competition, and societal pressure to marry have meant that betrothal gifts have grown ever more lavish in the region — now the local government wants to rein them in.

China Bans Alcohol and Lavish Banquets Among Government Staff

In an attempt to rein in bureaucratic excess and promote frugality, the government has renewed guidelines taking aim at conspicuous consumption and glut.

He Qitong

Wu Yufei

Home Comfort: China’s New Building Code Puts Livability First

The revised national standard for residential projects aims to boost quality and market growth, but could pile more pressure on developers.

Sweeping Change? Call to Protect Janitors’ Right to Rest

Students and office workers across China urge employers to give cleaning staff a break by providing designated rest areas.

China Announces New Stimulus Plan

As tariffs bite, policymakers are cutting rates and injecting liquidity into the market.

TikTok to Tariffs: The Obscure Chinese App US Shoppers Just Found

DHgate, a two-decade-old wholesale app, is suddenly surging in the U.S. as shoppers rush to buy before new tariffs take effect.

Chinese City Offers Families $13,800 for More Kids

Hohhot, in North China, says it will pay up to 100,000 yuan per child to families with three or more kids. 

Ding Rui

Tariffs to Climate: The Big Takeaways From China’s Two Sessions

Speaking at the opening of China’s top legislature Wednesday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang outlined plans to ramp up fiscal support, drive household spending, and stabilize key industries.

Sixth Tone

Chinese National Football Team’s New Play: Anyone Can Try Out

In a bid to expand recruitment and root out corruption, the Chinese Football Association has launched an open application system that allows any player to apply for the national squad. 

Let It Burn: Why China Is Looking the Other Way on Farm Fires

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

After years of strict bans to curb pollution, China is reversing its zero-tolerance stance on crop burning, allowing controlled fires as officials navigate rural challenges and enforcement limits.