TRAVEL

National Day Escapes: 5 Offbeat Holiday Spots to Discover

Spanning the country from north to south, these five lesser-known destinations range from deserts to tropical coasts and offer (relatively) quieter alternatives to the holiday rush

SOCIETY

How Residential Renovation Became China’s New Urban Battleground

Once symbols of progress, China’s residential buildings now face cracks, costs, and uncertainty

BUSINESS

China’s New Wave of Backlash Against Pre-Made Food

A single complaint from a tech entrepreneur about a popular restaurant chain has revived the debate over pre-made food—a development that could usher in sweeping changes to the industry

STREET TALK

Short, Absurd, and Addictive: Welcome to the Micro-Drama Nation

Micro-dramas have taken China by storm, attracting views through over-the-top content and the promise of thought-free entertainment

EDUCATION

Dilemma in Ivory Tower: The Employment Crisis Facing Young Chinese PhDs

With PhD graduates outpacing available positions, young Chinese scholars face an uphill battle for jobs, resources, and recognition in an increasingly crowded academic arena

TRADITIONAL CULTURE

Innocent Hearts or Warped Wood?: Children in Ancient Chinese Philosophy

How the idea of a child’s innocence has shifted through Chinese history

MODERN HISTORY

The Glamour and the Gloom of Cabin Life for China’s Female Flight Attendants

Once a privilege for the few, air travel has changed dramatically—along with the female cabin crew who are now speaking out against unfair working conditions and unnecessary, even dangerous, dress codes

TRAVEL

Qufu: The “Holy City of the East” That Continues to Inspire Students Today

How an ancient teacher’s hometown becomes a holy city that attracts rulers and common people alike for over two millennia

ENTERTAINMENT

Is Pro Wrestling Finally Finding Its Footing in China?

Beijing hosted its first-ever pro wrestling event in May. The World of Chinese went behind the scenes to find out why people are happily paying good money to watch scripted fights.

BUSINESS

How China’s Malls Are Rewriting Themselves

As China’s malls struggle in an era of e-commerce and slowing consumption, some are becoming lifestyle hubs, nostalgic sanctuaries—and even public service centers