Articles that cut to the core of contemporary China. In-depth, informed, and carefully crafted, every piece is carried by the voices of the story’s participants.

FEATURES

DeepTones

China’s Glass Whisperer

Zhang Minghui blew his chance to attend one of China’s top universities. Now, he’s building experimental devices for the country’s space program.

Wu Haiyun

Signs of Unity: Can China’s Deaf Community Find a Common Language?

While many deaf people in China want a standard sign language, there has also been resistance.

Li Xin

Luo Yahan

Her Dog Was Poisoned. Now She’s Fighting to Reform Pet Laws in China.

After her dog was poisoned, Li Yihan’s pursuit of justice has become a landmark legal battle, one that could bring significant changes to China’s approach to pet protection laws.

Ding Rui

Mind’s Eye Blind: A Shanghai Clinic Treats a Disorder None Can See

China’s first clinic for aphantasia and spatial disorders aims to help children with these rare conditions. However, anxious parents focused on math struggles have sparked debate over the clinic’s approach.

Jiang Xinyi

Speed, Stress, Surveillance: The Human Toll of China’s Beverage Boom

Facing relentless demands and tight deadlines, workers in China’s beverage industry endure harsh conditions, leading to burnout, clashes with customers, and sparking widespread online debate.

Yin  Ziyuan 

‘Flying Cars’ Are Part of China’s New Economic Growth Plan

China is targeting a new economic growth driver by opening up the skies to drones and helicopters.

Li Miaoran

In Shanghai’s Prisons, Inmates Find Solace and Skill in Textile Art

In Shanghai’s Nanhui Prison, an unusual tapestry embroidery program offers inmates new skills, improves mental health, and provides a path to rehabilitation.

Fan Yiying

Dong Ziqing

In Wuhan, Robotaxis Put China’s Self-Driving Ambitions to the Test

With government support and backing from tech giants, robotaxis are rapidly integrating into daily life in China. But the rollout is sparking a nationwide debate.

Ye Zhanhang

Wang Jingyang

Shanghai’s Last Accordion Craftsman Just Wants to Make Ends Meet

Shen Jian never learned how to play the instrument, but after almost 50 years spent building accordions, he’s one of the few remaining custodians of an almost forgotten musical tradition.

Zhou Zhijian

Wu Huiyuan 

In Black Myth: Wukong, China Sees a Game That Could Change Everything

Rooted in the classic novel “Journey to the West,” China’s first big-budget AAA video game has stunned the global gaming industry, drawing a record 2.2 million concurrent players on Steam at launch.