social media

social-media

As Golden Week Starts, Chinese Turn Homes into Tourist Stays

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

With hotel prices soaring, some residents are offering affordable alternatives on social media platforms. This comes amid a surge in travel, with nearly 800 million trips expected over the next week.

Yang Caini

Chinese Livestreamer Uses Stock Footage, Sparks Debate on Trust

During a recent broadcast, viewers noticed livestreamer Chen Yi-ru tasting food non-stop during a 15-hour broadcast as well as an apparent glitch where a table leg seemed to “pierce” his forearm.

Ye Zhanhang

The Young Chinese Working as On-Demand Private Chefs

From making ends meet to relieving stress, the young Chinese working as on-demand private chefs are doing so for different reasons.

Zhu Junxi

AI Content Rising, China’s Bilibili Rolls Out New Labeling System

Bilibili’s new system also includes tags for dangerous behavior, excessive consumption, and potential discomfort, but prioritizes AI-generated content when multiple labels are applicable.

He Qitong

Swipe Right to Hire Me: How Tinder Became China’s Hottest Networking App

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

Young Chinese are increasingly using the dating app to hunt for potential job openings amid soaring graduate unemployment. But the trend is sparking concern among the platform’s users — and inside Tinder itself.

Shu Xinrou

Popular Influencer’s Disappearance Sheds Light on Elderly Fans 

Xiucai had millions of adoring fans watching his Douyin videos, many of whom were middle-aged and elderly. Then, he disappeared.

Young Chinese Are Signaling Burnout — With Quirky Profile Photos

Using memes and anime, profile photos have become the new canvas for Chinese youth, serving as both an outlet for their frustrations and subtle resistance against the pressures of work culture.

At China’s ‘Hogwarts,’ Traditional Taoism Trumps Magic

Amid a social media surge, a Taoism college is drawing record applications this year. But getting in and sticking it out requires more than just passion.

‘Don’t Call Anymore!’ Actor’s Plea Sparks Discussion On Cold Callers 

Netizens have been sharing their stories of their personal information being leaked after a well-known actor received more than 100 calls from different parts of the country.

Weibo Rolls Out Community Notes to Combat Misinformation 

The popular microblogging platform is looking to crowdsource its fact-checking efforts, similar to Twitter’s community notes system.

To Stop Teen From Moving Out, Chongqing Mom Flees With School Papers

The woman was opposed to her daughter studying in Beijing. She returned 11 days later after fortunetellers assured her that the move would prove auspicious for her daughter.

Amid Surge in Massage Chairs, China’s Travelers Feel the Squeeze

In response to public outcry over crowded waiting areas, authorities have now limited massage chairs to 20% of total seating in railway stations.

Young Chinese Obsess Over Myers–Briggs Type Indicator, the 60s American Personality Test  

“What’s your MBTI?” has become a must-ask question among young Chinese.

As China’s Top Campuses Reopen, a Frenzy for Limited Visiting Slots 

With scalpers emerging to sell slots at inflated prices, genuine visitors are turning to social media and searching for tips and strategies on how to secure reservations for university visits.

Ding Rui

China’s TikTok Launches Campaign to Protect Parents From ‘Anxiety Marketing’ During Summer

Education influencers are tapping into parents’ anxieties about their children falling behind during the summer holiday to sell textbooks and learning courses. Douyin, China’s hugely popular short-video app, is cracking down on the practice.

Kris Wu’s Accuser Asked for Public Support. Now She’s Suing Them. 

The woman is suing dozens of her supporters for using images of her without her consent.

In China, ‘Reverse Parenting’ Is Turning the Tables on Unruly Kids

The post-’90s new generation of Chinese parents is shunning traditional parenting methods. Instead, they are turning to a more radical, and untested, approach to discipline, where parents mirror their children’s behavior.

Wang Lianzhang

Death of Coco Lee Triggers Public Discussion on Depression in China

Fans have found it difficult to process the sudden death of a pop star who has long been famous for her bubbly and outgoing public persona.

Amid Twitter Chaos, Japanese Illustrators Flock to Weibo — and Welcomed With Open Arms 

The illustrators have seen their Weibo following far exceed their Twitter following just a few days after joining the Chinese microblogging platform.

To Boost Revenue, Bilibili Shifts Focus From Views to Watch Time

The platform’s new viewership display is aimed at boosting commercialization and enhancing revenue for long-video content creators.