Spark Shanghai

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Second Act: How a 500-Year-Old Chinese Opera Returned to Modern Life

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

Q & A

Long dismissed as too slow for modern tastes, Kunqu opera is quietly being reinvented — with one performer bringing it into therapy sessions, elderly care, and daily life.

Sixth Tone

‘A Needle in a Haystack’: How a New Study Could Revolutionize Parkinson’s Treatment

Five years ago, Wu Kaimin was worried her dissertation proposal might not be approved. Now, her research could fundamentally alter how doctors treat Parkinson’s.

He Qitong

What Would an Asian Pluralism Look Like?

Scholar Song Nianshen on the continent’s need to move past postcolonial theory.

Wu Haiyun

China’s First Suona Ph.D. Is Ready for Her Solo

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

Liu Wenwen wants to make the traditional instrument — renowned for its noisiness — cool again.

In China, A New Alzheimer’s Drug Is Met With Cautious Optimism

Lecanemab was approved for use in the country earlier this year. But getting the most out of the drug will require broader reforms.

Is this Light-Up Fiber the Future of Smart Clothing?

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

VOICES & OPINION

Invented by a doctoral student, it has the potential to revolutionize e-textiles.

The Scientist Trying to Change Sulfur’s Smelly Reputation

Drawing on years of sulfur research, chemistry professor Jiang Xuefeng specializes in making sulfur easier to handle in industrial and medical applications. Now he’s pioneering its use to tackle plastic pollution.

The Researcher Hunting for a Rett Syndrome Cure

Qiu Zilong spent most of the past 20 years researching Rett Syndrome, a rare, severe condition often associated with autism. Now, new gene editing technologies have him optimistic that a cure is near.

The Former Journalist Trying to Reinvent Traditional Chinese Culture

Chen Jia rose to fame producing holiday specials for Henan TV. Now she’s setting her sights on a global audience.

The Key to Global Warming? It’s Hidden in the Ice.

Chinese researchers are getting more involved in glacier research. Can they help unlock the history of climate change?