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

Rising Tones

China Develops Groundbreaking New Breast Cancer Treatment

Trials suggest the new therapy can improve treatment outcomes for triple-negative breast cancer by over 12%.

Jiang Xinyi

Chinese Astronauts Break Record for Longest Space Walk

The Shenzhou-19 crew members completed a nine-hour extravehicular activity on Tuesday, breaking a record set by NASA in 2001.

Ding Rui

China’s Middle Class Frets as Macau Colleges Ban Non-‘Gaokao’ Students

Many Chinese families send their children to international schools to avoid the country’s grueling college-entrance exams. But they are facing growing barriers. 

He Qitong

City or Not City? The Buzzwords That Defined China’s 2024

Did you spend 2024 as a “beast of burden” or embracing your destiny as the “Greek god of sleep”? Unsure what we’re talking about altogether? Sixth Tone has you covered with the year’s top slang.

Sixth Tone

China’s Dark New Trend: ‘Self-Discipline Challenges’

The games have eerie similarities to the Netflix series “Squid Game,” with debtors attempting to complete practically impossible tasks to win a huge cash reward.

Li Xin

Shanghai Launches Campaign Against Smoking in Outdoor Public Spaces

The drive will target people smoking while waiting in line, walking on busy streets, or standing outside entrances to public buildings.

China Slams AI-Generated Memes for ‘Desecrating’ Traditional Culture

Netizens are using AI video tools to spoof all manner of Chinese classics. The authorities are not amused.

Chinese Scientists Recognized in Prestigious ‘Nature’s 10’ List

China featured heavily in the renowned journal’s rundown of the 10 individuals who shaped science in 2024.

‘It’s the Moon’s Fault’: China to Skip New Year’s Eve for Next 5 Years

A quirk of China’s lunisolar calendar means the traditional day of Chinese New Year’s Eve — danian sanshi — will disappear until 2030.

Chen Yiru

Livestream Training Courses Are Booming in China. Many Are a Total Scam.

Companies are ripping off aspiring livestreamers with expensive sessions that provide few practical benefits, industry insiders say.