he-qitong

Fantastical, False, and Absurd: Ultrashort War Dramas Come Under Fire

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

Ahead of the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, regulators crack down on war drama plotlines that test viewers’ suspension of disbelief.

Gansu Kindergarten Poisoning: 6 Arrests, Probe Finds Cover-Up

Authorities say over 240 children were poisoned by lead-tainted food at Peixin Kindergarten, with school leaders, hospital staff, and regulators all implicated in a widening investigation.

China’s New Bet to Spur Urban Spending: Pet-Friendly Buses

To invigorate pet-related markets, some Chinese cities have launched animal-friendly public transportation services — but their economic viability remains unclear.

Second Life: China’s Top Resale App Now Fuels Its Wildest Gig Market

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

From side jobs to oddball services, millions of young Chinese are turning to Alibaba’s Xianyu app to earn cash and cut corners, a marketplace running on trust, improvisation, and few rules.

Pet Degree: A Top Chinese School Debuts a Companion Animal Major

With an estimated 100 million-plus pet owners in the country, higher education institutions are beginning to realize the potential in pet-related courses.

Food Delivery Sales Frenzy Brings Bargains — and Market Turmoil

China’s three biggest food delivery platforms kicked off their summer promotions this weekend with rock-bottom prices. But while customers celebrated the deals, the benefits for merchants were sometimes less apparent.

The Chinese Neuroscientists Mapping Feelings Through Art

At Tsinghua University’s Neural Engineering Lab, researchers are using brain-computer interfaces to study how people respond to live art.

Shell Game: In China, a $14K Reward for a Turtle That May Be Extinct

The campaign drew hundreds of photos from the public — blurry shots, lookalike species, even copies pulled from the internet. None showed the real thing.

Bank of Labubu: Branches Lure New Customers With Coveted Dolls

A Shenzhen-based bank is getting customers through the door with the promise of a much sought-after — and potentially lucrative — Labubu toy.

Time Travel to Super Memory: China’s ‘Brain’ Schools Sell the Surreal

Thousands of companies promising to unlock young children’s brain potential have opened in recent years, drawing in eager parents — and concern from the scientific community.

Why Young Chinese Are Renting, Not Buying Their Wedding Jewelry

Amid rising gold prices, China’s newlyweds are bucking tradition and renting wedding jewelry instead — at a fraction of the cost.

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.

‘Robot Marathon Just the Start’: China’s Engineers on What’s Next

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

Q & A

After China’s first humanoid robot marathon, Sixth Tone spoke with four startups about what worked, what didn’t, and how they’re preparing for the next big test this August.

Scroll Locked: Why Rural Teens in China Struggle to Disconnect

A new national survey links rising phone addiction and depression among rural youth to parental absence and limited mental health support.

China Announces New Stimulus Plan

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

Starting Today, Rules Against Prepaid Rip-Offs Take Effect in China

As consumer complaints surge, China’s top court has introduced new rules to curb prepaid service abuses and hold businesses accountable.

Amid Push Against Involution, Xiaohongshu Ends Overtime Grind 

Facing high employee turnover, the company says the changes aim to build longer-term relationships with staff.

Dig This: Shanghai’s Coolest Hobby Gets Everyone’s Hands Dirty

From first dates to family trips, foraging is turning into a favorite low-cost way for young Chinese and old alike to connect offline.

China’s High-Speed Trains Make Room for Cats and Dogs — Sort Of

For years, pet owners asked to bring animals on high-speed trains. Now, China’s high-speed network is giving it a careful try.

Behind China’s Growth Numbers, a Nation Still Saving

Despite steady growth and policy support, household data reveals high saving rates and persistent caution across regions and age groups.