policy

Minding Nemo: Vlogger Finds Fatal Flaws at China’s Aquariums

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

SIXTH TONE ×

A social media influencer touring aquatic attractions nationwide is exposing the perilous problems he finds in water quality, staff training, and erroneous signage.

Original (Jiefang Daily)

Has a Lawsuit Sidelined a Chinese Soccer Prodigy?

A contract dispute between an exclusive soccer academy and the family of a rising star has thrown a spotlight on China’s youth development system.

The  Beijing News

Crowd Control: Why China’s Marathon Boom Has Suddenly Hit the Brakes

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

Marathon organizers and runners across China face abrupt cancellations and new curbs, as officials rush to rein in a sport that expanded faster than it could be managed.

He Qitong

(Not) Old Enough! Chinese Kids’ Apps Under Fire for Explicit Ads

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

BabyBus, one of the nation’s largest educational app platforms, has been criticized by parents after their children witnessed violent and erotic ads on several of its apps.

Li Xin

Chinese Government Launches Campaign to Regulate Livestream Tipping

China’s internet regulator is stepping up efforts to curb fraudulent and exploitative tipping practices during livestreams, signaling intensified government scrutiny of the fast-growing sector.

Whiteout: Trapped Trekkers Discover Dangers of ‘Hidden Gems’

After a mountain hike ends in tragedy, trekkers warn of the risks surrounding China’s growing passion for outdoor adventures.

The Paper

Fast Track: Chinese Cities Pilot Skipping High School Entrance Exam

A pilot program in Chengdu exempts some students from the grueling high school entrance exam, offering families relief from mounting academic pressure.

Winds of Change: China Unveils Vast Wind Power Goals for 2030

The country seeks to double its current wind capacity in the next five years, in line with its overall transition to renewable energies and a sustainable future.

All That and Dim Sum: Canton Moves to Regulate Morning Tea

The southern city of Guangzhou has drafted a policy regulating the labeling of dim sum dishes in an effort to preserve authenticity, freshness, and cultural heritage.

No Clean Slate: For Employers, Ex-Cons Still ‘Risky’ Hires

A retail chain’s recruitment drive has highlighted the challenges that China’s reformed convicts face in finding lasting employment.

Just a Number: China Eases Age Restrictions on Civil Service

Local governments across China are easing age restrictions for civil service applicants as part of a nationwide push to combat age discrimination, signaling a shift toward more inclusive hiring practices in the country.

Street Theater: How ‘Chengguan’ and Vendors Play Their Roles

A researcher focusing on China’s urban management officers, or “chengguan,” explores their catch-and-release relationship with errant traders.

Lü Dewen

Hubei Redefines ‘Fresh Graduate’ to Expand Job Access

More Chinese provinces are expanding the definition of “fresh graduate,” aiming to widen eligibility for public sector jobs and other benefits.

Fan Yiying

China’s Latest Reform Eases Property Purchases for Overseas Individuals

A new policy allows overseas individuals to make immediate down payments on properties and scraps restrictions on the purchase of non-self-use residential property.

Chen Yiru

The Factory Workers Who Helped Build a Nation

A photographer strives to protect the memory of China’s Third Front Movement and the families who dedicated their lives to it.

Jiemian News

To Lift Economy, Shaoxing Brings Subsidies to the Banquet Table

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

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.

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.

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.