li-xin

Northeast China Scrambles for AC Amid Record-Breaking Heat

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

A recent heatwave in the traditionally cool Northeast region has kick-started an air conditioner buying frenzy among residents, but installation manpower remains lacking.

In China, a Good Year for Lychees Becomes a Bad One for Farmers

Fruit growers in southern China are struggling to cover costs in a bumper year, as cheap supplies flood the market.

A Fake Too Far? Chinese Toy Maker Pop Mart Moves to Trademark Lafufu

As Labubu continues to take the world by storm, its producer, as well as domestic regulators, are attempting to rein in counterfeits.

Faith in Finance? China’s Temples Embrace Consumer Culture

Ancient sacred sites nationwide have adopted modern business practices to generate revenue and cater to visitors looking for “light-touch spirituality.”

China’s Mushroom Foraging Craze Is Wrecking Its Forests

A boom in organized mushroom foraging tours is threatening the biodiversity in some of China’s most nature-rich environments.

No-Fuss Food: The Rise of China’s Home-Cooking Influencers

Faced with long hours at the office and bored by takeout, some urban professionals are turning to social media for tips on simple, homestyle meals.

Chongqing Hotel Under Fire for Using Red Pandas in Wake-Up Calls

Prior to the controversy, rooms for the hotel were fully booked, raising questions about the welfare of China’s endangered animals and their use as entertainment.

China’s ‘Hermès of Ice Cream’ Melts Under Debt 

Zhongxuegao was once China’s most coveted luxury ice cream, but a string of scandals and a cooling market have left it struggling to survive.

Amid Gaokao, Students Turn to a Reclusive Math Genius for Luck

Wei Dongyi had largely stayed out of the public eye since going viral in 2021. But a surprise appearance on Douyin ahead of China’s college entrance exam last week drew millions of new followers within days.

In Jiangsu, an Amateur Football League Scores Big With Tourists

Over the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, an amateur football league in eastern China drew crowds that rivaled top-tier matches, and gave local tourism an unexpected boost.

‘Zero Tolerance’: China Cracks Down on Doxxing

Following several high-profile doxxing incidents, the government pushes regulators and social media platforms to get tough on the leaking of personal information and related behaviors.

China’s Newest Cultural Export Is an Ugly-Cute Doll With Fangs

With limited releases, high resale prices, and celebrity fans, Labubu toys are leading a new wave of Chinese intellectual property going global.

Fast Feud: China’s Regulator Summons Delivery Giants Over Turf War

As tensions heat up between JD.com, Meituan, and Ele.me to corner China’s lucrative food delivery market, the government steps in once again to mediate.

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.

Auto Shanghai: Carmakers Push Past EVs With Flying Cars, Robots

Amid rising competition, Chinese carmakers are tapping EV supply chains to branch into futuristic tech.

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

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

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

Bilibili Star Slams Cab Driver Ratings. Quickly Loses His Own.

Top influencer He Shijie built his career on likes, shares, and glowing feedback. Then he told ride-hailing drivers not to expect the same.

Spring Interrupted: Rare April Cold Wave Sweeps Across China

From DIY window tape to food delivery delays, residents scramble to prepare for one of April’s most extreme weather events in years.

Humanoid Hype: Top VC Sounds the Alarm on China’s Robot Boom

Zhu Xiaohu, an early backer of unicorns like Didi and Xiaohongshu, says he’s pulling back from humanoid robotics. 

Flower Power: Spring Spurs Tomb-sweeping Day Travel Boom 

Seasonal getaways see a surge as more Chinese opt for nature, culture, and short-distance trips.