FOOD

All in One Pot: A Healthy Alternative to the Stir Fry is Gaining Steam

Steamed dishes, or “zhengcai,” are convenient, affordable, and healthy—and growing in popularity in China’s competitive restaurant scene, which has long been dominated by stir-fry

LIFE

What Are Chinese Generations Nostalgic For? | First Person

Six individuals from different generations share their most treasured memories and why they’re significant

HISTORY, TRADITIONAL CULTURE

Scent Across Time: How Traditional Fragrances Quiet the Clamor of Modern Life

From ancient scholars to modern youth, timeless scents like sandalwood and jasmine continue to captivate young Chinese, offering solace in an increasingly busy world

TRAVEL

Understanding Beyond Language: A Chinese Traveler in Vietnam

More than a hundred years ago, the Vietnamese stopped using a logographic script, with its characters borrowed from Chinese. But traces of the old language are everywhere, hinting at a shared history that continues to express itself in contemporary times.

FOOD

Beyond the Cup: How Instant Noodles Evolved with China

Once a staple food for train rides home during the Chinese New Year, instant noodles in China are now struggling to sustain growth

ENTERTAINMENT

The Fear Within: Can China’s Horror Game Developers Overcome Genre Malaise?

Evading strict censorship around religious and supernatural content, Chinese horror games have long used cultural elements like paper money, ancestral tablets, and red lanterns to evoke horror and tension—yet now, audiences are seeking deeper thrills

FOOD

Murky Waters and Muddy Deals: Inside China’s Hairy Crab Industry

Despite the growing popularity and availability of hairy crabs, one of China’s most sought-after delicacies, both consumers and sellers face challenges with product quality and imitation goods in the market

ENTERTAINMENT

The Year in Play: China’s Top Video Games of 2024

Exploring the best of China’s 2024 video game releases, from indie gems to blockbusters

TRADITIONAL CULTURE

Celebrate the Hani New Year with the World’s Longest Feast

Despite being a relatively new tradition, Lüchun’s Long Street Banquet has, in just 20 years, attracted world-record numbers of tourists and become a major event on the Hani ethnic calendar

TRAVEL

Blessed by the Gods: A Tour of Shanxi’s Ancient Temples

Shanxi province is home to a staggering number of temples and other cultural sites, yet many remain in disrepair despite being key to local tourism campaigns