STREET TALK

An American in Shanghai Redefines What It Means to “City”

Shanghai-based American influencer Paul Mike Ashton’s viral meme, “city bu city,” transforms the concept of urbanity

CHINESE CHARACTERS

物: The Ox, The Earth, and The Infinite

How the character for “ox” evolved to encompass everything within the cosmos

IDIOMS

Idiomized: How to Flaunt Your Wealth in 4 Characters

Learn these essential Chinese proverbs to describe lavish living, obscene wealth, and the pitfalls of extravagance

SOCIAL CHINESE

Essential Chinese Phrases for Cheapskates

How to talk about saving and conscious spending in the era of “consumption downgrade”

STREET TALK

Office Zootopia: How Chinese Netizens Relate to Animals

Increasingly frustrated by their career prospects, China’s workers are likening themselves to various animals to blow off steam

IDIOMS

Idiomized: How to Complain About Your Boss in 4 Characters

Discover these ancient Chinese “chengyu” about bad bosses, inept leaders, and lazy managers

STREET TALK

Between the Light and the Dense

What do Chinese netizens mean when they refer to each other as “light,” “dense,” and “stealthy”?

IDIOMS

Idiomized: How to Talk Fake News in 4 Characters

Discover these ancient Chinese “chengyu” still used to identify modern misinformation

CHINESE CHARACTERS

游: Learn the Chinese Character for Journeys and Adventures

​The character 游 is for travel, imagination, and going with the flow

SOCIAL CHINESE

Checking In: A Language Guide to Social Media Travel Posting

​Learn how to “check-in” at China’s viral tourist destinations and post about travel online