Glasses On, China’s First Civilian Astronaut Takes a Giant Leap 

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 the introduction of payload specialists, China has relaxed visual acuity requirements for space missions.

How a Tibetan Village Became a Giant Factory for Buddhist Art

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

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.

In China, Panda Superfans Want More Than Just Bear Necessities 

Panda fans have grown beyond sharing adorable videos. Their intense passion and online influence can even impact park management and policy.

China’s Newest Dating Craze: Real-Life Meetups With Virtual Boyfriends

During the pandemic, women across China became infatuated with the dashing male characters in a series of viral video games. Now, many are hiring cosplayers to bring their digital beaus to life.

Dark Rumors on Chinese Social Media Alarm the Thai Gov’t

Rumors that Chinese tourists are being kidnapped and trafficked in Bangkok have spread like wildfire on Chinese social media in recent days. Thai authorities are scrambling to contain the fallout.

Hong Kong’s ‘Daigou’ Trade Is Back. But This Time, It Has Reversed.

For years, Chinese “daigou” made money by bringing hard-to-find luxury products from Hong Kong to the mainland. Now, as the city’s borders reopen, they are ferrying goods in the other direction.

In a Chinese Factory Town, Migrants ‘Lie Flat’ for a Better Deal

As China moves on from the pandemic, garment factories in Guangdong province are desperate to return to business as usual. Migrant workers, not so much.

China’s Booming New Toy Market: Hyperrealistic ‘Military Lego’

Lego has found huge success in recent years by tapping into popular movie franchises like “Star Wars.” Its Chinese rivals are turning to a very different source of inspiration: the People’s Liberation Army.

China’s Rural Hospitals Under Pressure as Severe COVID Cases Rise

Doctors fear that traveling during Lunar New Year could add more infections and hospitalizations.

In China, a Dark New Black Market Emerges: Fake COVID Medication

Unable to access Paxlovid, Chinese COVID patients are resorting to buying generic antiviral drugs via the black market. But much of this medication is counterfeit — and potentially dangerous.

Recovered From COVID, Young Chinese Are Now Gripped by Snow Fever

Although ski resorts are not as crowded as last year’s holiday season, they’re gradually witnessing a rebound.

Web Series Revisits Hostels Serving as Refuge for Migrant Women

Some private hostels gave long-term shelter to women who needed a home without denting their income.

An AI Chatbot Is Fishing for Scammers on Chinese Dating Apps

A Chinese programmer is using an artificial intelligence-powered language model to tackle an issue that has plagued millions of people online.

Alibaba Built Its Success on Small Vendors. Now, It Fears Losing Them.

Ahead of the all-important Singles’ Day shopping festival, the Chinese e-commerce giant is struggling to cling on to the core of its business: the small merchants that populate its flagship Taobao platform.

Inside China’s Brutal Internet Addiction Clinics

Since 2002, thousands of Chinese teenagers have been labeled “internet addicts” and thrown into psychiatric facilities, where they’re subjected to forced medication, military training, and in some cases even electroshock therapy. A new film offers a terrifying glimpse inside the system.

China’s Tech Firms Are Slashing Staff. Creators Are First in Line.

When China’s tech companies torpedoed the traditional media industry, thousands of journalists and other creators jumped ship. Now, the startups that hired them are sinking, too.

In a Rural Chinese County, Progress Is Measured by the Worm

China’s upcoming National Party Congress will be dominated by talk of grand narratives, strategies, and slogans. But in Wubu County, locals are focused on more down-to-earth matters.

Meet ‘Uncle Underwear’

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

MULTIMEDIA

A 72-year-old has been selling discounted underwear for the elderly for nearly 30 years.

‘We Own It’: The Chinese Homeowners Squatting in Unfinished Buildings

Across China, failing developers are halting construction on new housing complexes. Desperate buyers are moving in anyway.

Duolingo Makes a Comeback With Hit Cantonese Lessons 

Cantonese learners in the Chinese mainland say there is a lack of authentic resources when it comes to learning the language.