sports

Why China’s Soccer Reforms Are Struggling to Deliver

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

The government believes it has identified the root problem holding back Chinese soccer: the “12-year-old trap.”

Li Xin

Game, Set, Sold: Tennis Fever Sends China Open Ticket Sales Soaring

Zheng Qinwen’s Olympic triumph continues to fuel fan excitement, with tournaments across the country drawing record crowds.

He Qitong

To Scale Peaks, Chinese Hikers Are Hiring Personal Cheerleaders

University students are turning part-time guides, offering snacks, emotional support, and encouragement to help hikers navigate China’s toughest trails.

Jiang Xinyi

An Olympian’s Viral Photo Has Young Chinese Racing for Toy Turtles

After a viral post by Olympic diving sensation Quan Hongchan, toy turtles became the latest must-have for young Chinese fans, fueling a nationwide blind box obsession.

43 Banned for Life as China Tackles Corruption in Football

The move comes following a two-year probe that uncovered a series of online gambling, match-fixing, and bribery cases involving 120 matches, 128 criminal suspects, and 41 football clubs.

Fan Yiying

How China’s Skateboarders Went From ‘Bad Boys’ to the Establishment

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

VOICES & OPINION

The countercultural pastime has become a highly lucrative sport. Most skateboarders don’t seem to mind.

Li Chuang

China’s Paralympians Storm to Top of Medal Table in Paris

Team China has run up a huge lead during the opening days of the 2024 Paralympics after a string of record-breaking performances.

Jeff Han: The Pioneer of Chinese Skateboarding

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

MULTIMEDIA

Lü Xiao

Courting Controversy: The Impact of ‘Fan Circles’ on Table Tennis

Translations, cross-publications, and collaborative projects from Sixth Tone’s external partners. 

SIXTH TONE ×

For high-profile players of China’s national sport, diehard supporters are proving to be a blessing and a curse.

Beijing Youth Daily

Zheng Qinwen: China’s Tennis Ace Wins On and Off Court

After winning gold in the women’s singles at the Paris Olympics, Zheng and the brands that backed her look set to reap the commercial rewards.

Jiemian News

The Paris Olympics in Photos

A selection of eye-catching photos from this year’s Summer Olympics, which came to a close on Monday.

Ding Yining

Zhou Zhijian

Chinese Hit the Slopes to Escape Brutal Summer Heat

Indoor skiing venues across China are seeing a surge in bookings as people seek shelter from a punishing heat wave.

Dong Ziqing

Shanghai’s Chaotic New Summer Trend: Night Kayaking

Companies are taking families on nighttime kayak trips, promising relief from the summer heat and “Amazon-style” views. But the activities are poorly run — and often unsafe.

Catching the Curl: Inside China’s Quiet Surfing Revolution

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

Despite losing in the round of 16, Yang Siqi’s Olympic debut marks a significant moment for China’s fledgling surfing scene. Her journey, though cut short, highlights the challenges Chinese surfers face, from inconsistent training conditions to limited global exposure.

Race to the Top: A Teenage Driver Strives for Glory in China

Wu Huiyuan 

Chinese Cinemas Plan to Livestream Paris Olympics

Cinemas in several cities will screen the Games live on the big screen, but there are concerns about low ticket sales — and drunken fans.

Going for Gold: The Chinese Athletes to Watch at Paris 2024

From seasoned champions to rising stars across a wide range of sports and events, these are the Chinese stars set to bring home medals from Paris.

Ye Zhanhang

In Paris, China Hopes to Surf, Climb, Dance, and Skate to Olympic Glory

For Paris 2024, China’s Olympic lineup is evolving, introducing sports like surfing, skateboarding, and breaking. These new disciplines will test the boundaries of tradition and talent in sports scarcely older than the athletes themselves.

Li Pasha

Queen’s Gambit: The Lowly Chinese Go Player Who Conquered the Sport

Zhan Ying finished her last pro season 2-16. How did she become one of the sport’s top streamers?

Cai Yineng

30 Years of Chinese Pro Soccer: Can Clubs Make a Comeback? 

With a record number of teams dissolving since 2020, can Chinese soccer clubs find a sustainable model for development after three decades of play?