CHINESE CHARACTERS

玩: The Character That Tempts Both Joy and Danger

Over the centuries, the character 玩 has evolved from encapsulating an appreciation for jade to describing a state of entertainment and even a lack of commitment

STREET TALK

Mastering the Art of Livestreaming Sales

As China’s e-commerce industry reaches the crescendo of its annual Singles Day festival buying frenzy, livestreamers are battling it out to squeeze cash from an increasingly reticent consumer base

STREET TALK

Behold the New Emperors of the Internet

In a tongue-in-cheek attempt to gain control over their lives—or a means of excusing bad habits—China’s netizens are role-playing as emperors and servants

STREET TALK

“Retirement Lit” is Helping China’s Youth Reimagine a Future Without Rest

With the government officially confirming the long-speculated decision to raise the country’s retirement age, young Chinese workers are turning to sarcasm to cope with the seemingly endless toil that lies ahead

LANGUAGE, ENTERTAINMENT

Lost in Translation: The Localization Challenge of “Black Myth: Wukong”

Despite localization’s key role in achieving success abroad, the industry remains misunderstood in China—something many linguists hope China’s first AAA game will change

IDIOMS

Idiomized: How to Spend Your Vacation in 4 Characters

Learn these essential Chinese “chengyu” to describe your unique vacation travel styles

SOCIAL CHINESE

The Art of Chinese Clickbait

Attention! Here are the headline-writing techniques you need to master on China’s internet!

IDIOMS

Idiomized: Join the Wukong Hype in 4 Characters

Learn these commonly used “chengyu” inspired by the superpowers of the Monkey King

STREET TALK

Havoc in HR: How Chinese Workers Found a New Champion in ‘Wukong’

The much-anticipated video game has birthed various memes on the tribulations of the Monkey King (and Chinese “corporate monkeys”)

STREET TALK

How China’s Gen Z Reformed the Olympics

Asserting their opinions and reshaping body image, “post-00s” Chinese athletes are redefining what it means to be Olympians