business

Chinese Livestreamers’ Latest Sales Tactic: Fake Life Crises

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

Livestream hosts are going to ever greater lengths to win viewers’ sympathy — from faking divorces to pretending their kids have been kidnapped.

Fan Yiying

AstraZeneca Executive Behind China Growth Under Investigation

The pharma giant confirmed that Wang Lei, the executive vice president who oversaw AstraZeneca’s rapid expansion in China, is cooperating with authorities, though details of the investigation are unclear.

Li Xin

For Alibaba, This Year’s ‘Singles’ Day’ Is a Brutal Dogfight

As it gears up for its flagship shopping festival, the Chinese e-commerce giant is fighting a desperate battle to defend its market share.

He Qitong

Chinese City Wants to Know Who Is Getting Late-Night Massages

Massage parlors in Nanning will be required to record customers’ personal details as part of a campaign targeting fraud, gambling, and prostitution rings.

Meituan Report on Delivery Workforce Provokes Pushback

The Chinese delivery platform is touting the high salaries earned by its riders. Others say the figures are deceptive.

Tea but No Sympathy: Top Chain Under Fire for Ad Shaming Workers

A viral ad from bubble tea chain Good Me sparked outrage after showing workers apologizing for minor mistakes. The company was forced to apologize, and the video was quickly taken down.

Jiang Xinyi

Cracking the Love Code: The Struggles of AI Romance Apps

Translations, cross-publications, and collaborative projects from Sixth Tone’s external partners. 

SIXTH TONE ×

Developers of AI software in China have found it difficult to convert romance into revenues despite users’ desire to splash out on virtual lovers.

Hu Xiu

This Holiday, Mooncake Vouchers Fuel a Secret Gray Economy

Originally meant to simplify gift-giving, vouchers to buy mooncakes, a traditional Mid-Autumn Festival treat, now fuel a booming gray market with scalpers profiting from multiple resales.

Huawei Takes a Bite Out of Apple With Rival Phone Launch

The tech giants are going head-to-head in China by launching new handsets on the same day. And the momentum appears to be with Huawei.

Ding Rui

Taobao Plans to (Finally) Allow Users to Pay Via WeChat Pay

The move is the latest signal that the era of “walled gardens” in China’s tech ecosystem is drawing to a close.

In China, Drones Are Now Delivering Takeout to the Great Wall

The new airdrop service is part of China’s push to quickly develop its “low-altitude economy.”

Ye Zhanhang

Zheng Qinwen: China’s Tennis Ace Wins On and Off Court

After winning gold in the women’s singles at the Paris Olympics, Zheng and the brands that backed her look set to reap the commercial rewards.

Jiemian News

Shanghai Wants to Integrate AI Into Everything — Even Wet Markets

Shanghai is trying to reinvent community wet markets for the 2020s. That means better hygiene, trendier stalls, and AI-powered smart scales.

As Hair Loss Grows Among Gen Z, So Does China’s Wig Industry

Whether facing hair loss, seeking better styling options, or embracing cosplay, young Chinese across the country are driving a surge in demand for wigs.

Not All Fun and Games: Collectible Card Craze Grips China’s Youth

As a new collectible card trend sweeps the country, there are concerns that the hobby is fueling addictive tendencies among children.

Lin Liuhan

In China, AI Enters a New Arena: The Civil Service Exam

Tutoring candidates to ace China’s civil service exams has become a lucrative industry in recent years. Now, companies are rushing to integrate artificial intelligence into their services.

Baidu’s Mass Robotaxi Rollout Stirs Heated Debate in China

Hundreds of Baidu’s Apollo Go robotaxis are now operating on the streets of Wuhan, but it has been far from a smooth ride.

As Summer Vacation Begins, Museum Fever Grips China

Chinese museums are experiencing a surge in demand this summer, with tickets selling out days in advance.

From ‘Hire Me’ to Better Call Tang, the Quirky World of Metro Ads

To diversify declining revenue streams, one city metro launched a personalized ad service earlier this year, allowing individuals to purchase ad space for messages ranging from birthday greetings and job searches to marriage proposals and quirky jokes.

Chinese Cities Roll Back Pandemic-Era Tourist Site Ticketing Systems

Since 2020, tourist attractions across China have used online ticketing systems that require real-name registration. But the unpopular policy is finally being scaled back in some areas.