the-paper

Young Lives, Heavy Dust: Battling Pneumoconiosis

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

MULTIMEDIA

Hope in Hardship: How an Illiterate Woman ‘Wrote’ Her Memoir

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

SIXTH TONE ×

A survivor of human trafficking from southwestern China shares how she became an “authentic voice” in literature using her phone’s voice-to-text function.

Life on Call: Why Chinese Anesthesiologists Are Burning Out

Chinese anesthesiologists face a triple threat of high technical demands, high risks, and high workloads while remaining undervalued in the health care system.

Echoes of War: The Untold Story of the Lisbon Maru

Your questions, answered. In-depth interviews with the minds and makers shaping today’s China.

Q & A

The director of the hit documentary “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru” shares the tears and triumphs he experienced in resurfacing a World War II tragedy.

National Day Splurge: Tourist Spending Hits $99 Billion

Travelers made 765 million trips over the weeklong holiday, with nontraditional destinations like Datong and Changsha among those reaping the rewards.

Journey of Ink: How Chinese Art Built a French Museum

The director of the Musée Cernuschi shares the story behind its Shanghai exhibition of Chinese paintings — and the man at the heart of the collection.

Diversity in Unity: Exploring the Many ‘Bodies’ of Chinese Dance

In her research, scholar Emily Wilcox explores the evolution of Chinese dance and the complex relationship between national identity and global influences.

The Bird-Whistling Guardian of Shanghai’s First World Heritage Site

Retired bird catcher Jin Weiguo has helped collect data on countless species of migratory birds as part of the protection team at the Dongtan nature reserve.

Guardian of Heritage: A Man’s Battle to Preserve a Temple

China’s Visa-Free Policies Spark Tourism Spike

Agreements and initiatives that allow citizens from selected countries to enter the mainland visa-free for extended periods have helped fuel a 150% increase in international visitors.

China’s Grassroots Hip-Hop Youth and the Power of “Abstract” Culture

Rural Kids Capture Their Stories in 40,000 Photos

Exploring China Studies and Research in Europe Today

Ahead of the World Dialogue on China Studies: Belgium Forum, Chinese scholars Zhou Wu and Li Bozhong sat to discuss the state of Chinese studies in Europe today and the importance of cross-cultural cooperation between the two regions.

Into the Sandstorm: The 75-Year-Old Grieving Mother Creating a Green Miracle in the Desert

In Analysis: Lawsuit Sparks Debate on China’s Therapy Standards

A high-profile dispute between celebrity psychologist Li Songwei and a former client has led to discussion on the oversight for professional counselors in China.

After 51-Month Doping Ban, Swimmer Sun Yang Vows to Return

Wu Yanni: The Trials and Triumphs of China’s Star Athlete

China’s top female hurdler, who has won praise and criticism for her outlandish style and performances on the track, talks about injuries, the Olympics, and coping with pressure.

Mainland Families Make Their Move After Hong Kong Relaxes Housing Measures

Are Young Chinese Falling Out of Love With Love?

In the wake of China’s Internet Valentine’s Day, young Chinese continue to question whether marriage is right for them.

Work in Progress: The Changing Face of China’s Migrant Workforce

A new monitoring report on the scale, flow, and distribution of this vital workforce offers insight into the desires and demands of different generations.