sex & relationships

sex-&-relationships

China’s New Hit Film is a Harsh Glimpse Into the Lives of ‘Aunties’

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

“Like a Rolling Stone” has won rave reviews for exploring the darkness behind the story of China’s “road-trip auntie,” Su Min.

Dominic  Morgan

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

Are These Chinese Couples Really Turning Traditional Marriage on Its Head?

Contributions from individuals with unique perspectives to share. Hear from everyone, from experts and commentators to those whose voices are often marginalized.

VOICES & OPINION

China’s “two-sided marriages” are about more than just matrimony.

Xiang Jiangnan

Chinese University Fires Professor Over Sexual Harassment Claims

A Beijing student has accused her Ph.D. supervisor of trying to coerce her into a sexual relationship, and Beijing police said they had started to investigate.

Ye Zhanhang

Can China Prevent Economic Abuse?

The signs of economic abuse aren’t always obvious, but that doesn’t make it any less traumatic.

Li Xiaomin

In Analysis: Lawsuit Sparks Debate on China’s Therapy Standards

A high-profile dispute between celebrity psychologist Li Songwei and a former client has led to discussion on the oversight for professional counselors in China.

The Paper

What’s Wrong With Traditional Weddings? Everything, Say Young Chinese.

Young couples are increasingly rejecting every aspect of traditional Chinese weddings — from lavish ceremonies to bridal hazing rituals.

Fan Yiying

Are Young Chinese Falling Out of Love With Love?

Visual stories that get up close and personal with contemporary China. A mix of short videos, documentaries, photography, and data visualization.

MULTIMEDIA

In the wake of China’s Internet Valentine’s Day, young Chinese continue to question whether marriage is right for them.

How DAN, ChatGPT’s Rogue Twin, Is Wooing Young Chinese

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

The unfiltered version of OpenAI’s popular chatbot, DAN, which stands for Do Anything Now, is growing increasingly popular among China’s Gen Z with its candid and often provocative responses. On social media, conversations with DAN are amassing millions of views.

Shu Xinrou

Break From Tradition: More Men Seeking Matrilocal Marriages

In Hangzhou, men are clamoring to find families in need of a ‘live-in son-in-law’ to escape the financial and emotional pressures of China’s traditional marriage market.

Fir  Record

‘I Go on 100 Blind Dates a Year. How Am I Still Single?’

After hundreds of blind dates, high school teacher Li Yufei has devised a standard operating procedure to sift the studs from the duds. Yet, her search for “the one” continues.

Oh! Youth (36Kr)

How an Elderly Actress Became China’s Biggest Matchmaker

Zhao Mei was a performer at a tourist spot in central China. Then her matchmaking act went viral.

In China, Dating Apps for Elites Are All About Class

A new generation of dating services is promising to match singles based on their educational background. Does it really work?

Shen Yang

The Chinese ‘Auntie’ Who Hit the Road — and Never Looked Back

Liu Jingwen

He Kai

Wu Huiyuan 

Love on the Air: In China, Blind Dating Finds a Digital Stage

As more young Chinese turn to social media to build relationships, blind dates on livestreaming channels are surging in popularity. Offering serious matchmaking and casual socializing, such channels are attracting thousands of hopeful singles each day.

He Qitong

Did Chinese Kiss?

It may seem like a silly question, but a new book by scholar Hu Wenhui tries to resolve the debate over whether kissing has always been a part of Chinese courtship.

Cai Yineng

China’s Latest Matchmaking Craze: Blind Dates for Cats 

Young Chinese are hijacking local marriage markets to find the purr-fect partner for their pets and often to challenge traditional dating customs. Their parents are not amused.

Liu Shuhuan

Add to Heart: Single Seniors Looking for Love at IKEA

The Swedish furniture store’s restaurants have become popular spots in Shanghai for single senior citizens, matchmakers, and elderly residents just looking to pass the time.

White Night Workshop

Is China Drifting Toward a ‘Singles Society’?

Experts worried about a rise in singledom are missing a key part of the puzzle.

Zheng Yexin

Chinese Reality Show Explores ‘Strong Woman, Weak Man’ Marriages, Sparks Debate

“See You Again” is one of several Chinese reality shows about relationships that focus on the less glamorous side of love and romance.