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Threads of Inspiration: Artist’s Textile Creations Explore Identity

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

MULTIMEDIA

Contemporary artist Yin Xiuzhen urges viewers to “break through their shackles” with her solo show in Shanghai.

Remembering Hong Kong’s ‘Queen of Swords’

Cheng Pei Pei, a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of “wuxia” martial arts films, died Wednesday at the age of 78.

Eight Decades On, an Iconic Chinese Animation Gets a 4K Makeover

The 4K restoration of “Princess Iron Fan” at the Shanghai International Film Festival underscores the film’s historical importance as Asia’s first animated feature and its pivotal role in the development of Chinese animation.

The Contemporary Artist Using Crosses to Push Boundaries

Over 35 years, Shanghai artist Ding Yi has developed a distinctive style using fluorescent colors and crosses.

Snapshots of a Nation: How Guangdong Pioneered Chinese Photography

Spanning two centuries, “History of Photography in Guangdong: 1844-2020” delves into the history of Chinese photography. The book chronicles its journey from early daguerreotypes to the prominence of digital imagery in modern times.

Wang Yuwen, Chronicler of China’s Workers, Has Passed Away

Born into a family of miners, he focused on photographing workers in industrial sites such as mines, steel mills, and power plants.

Watching the Watchers

Chinese artist Ge Yulu has found a devious way to defy the country’s growing network of surveillance cameras: Staring back.

Russian Man Overjoyed to Finally Lose Chinese Talent Show

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

When aspiring fashion designer Vladislav Sidorov, aka Lelush, reluctantly agreed to be on a Chinese reality show, he expected to be voted off immediately. Instead, he survived until the final vote.

English, Sex, McDonald’s: The Artist Capturing China’s Go-Go Years

As a young man, Wang Qingsong witnessed his country transform from an austere Maoist state into a gleaming capitalist’s playground. His giant photographs evoke the energy — and eccentricities — of that era.

Tango: The Dangerous Dance of China’s Zany Cartoonist

The Chinese artist has attracted a huge following with his irreverent sketches. But not everyone is amused.

Remembering China’s ‘Red-Color News Soldier’

Li Zhensheng, a photographer known for his images of Cultural Revolution-era China, has died.

Snapshots From Another Age: China’s ’80s Kids on Film

In 1981, a Japanese photographer traveled China, capturing the everyday lives of local children. Nearly 40 years later, the project’s getting another edition.

Visions of Gods in a Chinese River Town

Tang Xiaosong was a high-flying magazine editor. Then, he gave it all up to search for meaning on the banks of the Yangtze River.

The Trash Rules Separating Generations As Well As Waste

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

As Shanghai implements new trash-sorting regulations citywide, young residents are raising a stink.

Through Her Lens: China’s Time-traveling Photographer Liu Silin

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

VOICES & OPINION

Armed with only a phone and a copy of Photoshop, Liu Silin inserts herself into the past.

China, Captured: How Chen Man Redefined Fashion

Unapologetically bold and colorful, the photographer’s portraiture disrupted the country’s fashion industry and put contemporary Chinese beauty in the spotlight.

China, Captured: Witnessing History With Liu Heung Shing

The award-winning photojournalist spent three decades documenting the modernization of China and how it changed the lives of ordinary citizens.