STREET TALK

Why Gen Z Is Turning Against Curator Cafés in China

As younger consumers favor experiences over products, “curator”-led cafés and boutiques have sprung up across China. Yet with growing pushback against overpriced, underwhelming offerings, is this trendy fad already losing its appeal?

FILM

National Day Film Picks Despite Box Office Slump

From scams targeting the hearing-impaired to the long-awaited Three Kingdoms-themed animation, here are some notable films from this underwhelming National Day holiday season

SOCIETY

Urban Renewal: China’s Urbanization Is Entering a New Phase

Discover how Chinese cities are embracing a new wave of urban renewal, driven by the urgent need for upgrade, and more in our latest magazine issue

ANCIENT HISTORY

A Short History of Pirates in Ancient China

Ancient seafarers who roamed China’s waters left behind countless legends: as leaders of popular uprisings, developers of maritime trade, and heroes against foreign invasion. Here are some notable Chinese “pirates” who deserve your attention.

TRAVEL

Welcome to Liu York: Going with the Flow in China’s Chillest River City

How a riverside city in Guangxi has evolved from a Tang-era backwater, to a polluted industrial hub, and finally into a model of green living

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