business

On the China-Laos Border, a Cautionary Tale of Hot Money and Wild Dreams

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

Chinese investors have poured money into the small Lao town of Boten, believing a new railway would bring massive growth. But the hoped-for boom has yet to arrive.

Cai Yiwen

Shanghai FTZ at 10: Businesses Eye Enhanced Policies for Growth

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

Having benefited from modern facilities and innovation, enterprises believe more support would help elevate the FTZ’s stature and solidify its role as a business epicenter.

Sixth Tone

Health Care in the Spotlight at Shanghai Innovation Forum

Chinese startups are developing pioneering health care innovations, but finding funding and talent remains challenging.

To Rescue Its Devastated Tourism Sector, Laos Looks to China

Emerging from a pandemic-induced slump, Laos is leaning on a multi-billion dollar railway to revitalize tourism. A significant portion of its recovery blueprint hinges on drawing more visitors from China.

In a Post-COVID Laos, China’s Influence Grows Ever Larger

A new $5.5 billion railway is bringing a flood of Chinese investment to the Lao capital of Vientiane. After COVID-19, it’s desperately needed.

Discount Duel: China’s Top Retail Giants Go Head-to-Head on Prices

With several traditional supermarket chains shutting shop, Sam’s Club and Freshippo are locked in a race to expand their market share and adapt to a new consumer landscape in Beijing and Shanghai.

He Qitong

Chinese Airport Lifts Tesla Ban After Sentry Mode Clarification

The ban stemmed from concerns over the sophisticated cameras in Tesla vehicles. The car maker has since clarified that video footage cannot be viewed by owners or Tesla and all data is stored within China.

Ding Rui

Retro Stores Selling Vulgar Snacks Under Investigation

The stores are suspected of violating China’s advertising law because of their vulgar content and lack of labeling.

In China’s Clothing Markets, a Battle Over the Future of Livestreaming

During the pandemic, Chinese wholesalers turned to livestream e-commerce in a desperate bid to revive flatlining sales. Now, a growing number are trying to return to business as usual — and kicking the livestreamers out.

Wang Lianzhang

Xu Cen

The Fujian Way: How One Chinese Region Became a Dominant Force in Africa

For decades, a network of entrepreneurs from China’s rough-and-tumble southern coastline have been quietly expanding their presence in Africa. Now, they’re driving a new wave of investment on the continent.

Li Yijuan

Henan City Introduces Monthly “Tranquility Period” of No Business Enforcement Actions

Several cities around China have introduced a policy of not having local enforcement actions taken against businesses during a set period each month.

A Chinese Coconut Drink Company Bets Big on Female Desire

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

VOICES & OPINION

Long known for its racy ads featuring large-breasted women, Coconut Palm now wants to use the same tactics to win over female consumers. Will it work?

Chen Yaya

Trip.com Offers Employees 50,000 Yuan Subsidy for Each Child Born

China’s leading travel platform has introduced various measures in recent years including hybrid work and increased maternity benefits to encourage employees to have children.

Li Xin

Zhu Yinran

How a Chinese Town Made a Fortune From the World’s Lockdown Pets

During the pandemic, millions around the world adopted cats and dogs to keep them company during lockdown. That produced a bonanza for a small factory town in eastern China.

Fan Yiying

Shenzhen Employee Fired for Refusing Company’s Team-Building Event

Chinese companies often organize team-building events after work to improve camaraderie among colleagues, but employees have long complained about the extra burden these activities place on them.

Ye Zhanhang

Looking to Buy a Home in China? It Might Come With a Gold Ingot.

In China, real estate companies are often banned from lowering prices too sharply. So many are using creative means to entice reluctant buyers, offering free cars, phones, parking spaces — and even 1 kilogram of solid gold.

Ni Dandan

Luckin Coffee Sets Sights on China’s Next Coffee Battleground: The ‘Sinking Market’

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

MULTIMEDIA

The Chinese coffee giant has recovered spectacularly from bankruptcy with a new strategy of expanding in smaller, less affluent cities around the country. But it also faces competition from domestic rivals, including one launched by its co-founders.

Luo Yahan

Gao Mingyue

Cathay Pacific Fires Cabin Crew for Mocking Non-English Speakers

A Chinese passenger posted an audio recording of the exchange on social media, prompting public outcry and official scrutiny.

How a Tibetan Village Became a Giant Factory for Buddhist Art

China’s growing obsession with Buddhist paintings has transformed life in the historically Tibetan village of Wutun — and sparked local soul-searching about the trade-offs between economic progress and religious faith.

Wu Peiyue

Two Brokerage Apps Allowing Overseas Trading Pulled From App Stores 

The significance of the move remains to be seen as existing users can still trade, while others say that the apps can still be downloaded using other methods.