Funny Business

2019 ISSUE 3

Funny Business

How to get a laugh in China? We talk to comedians and comedy club owners to find what tickles their funny bone; get the lowdown on the addictive betel nut industry; and more

"Boy Crazy" from the Funny Business issue talks about the ongoing debate about the importance of a male heir in Chinese culture.

The cover story "Funny Business" from the Funny Business issue talks about Chinese growing stand-up comedy scene.

From this issue

FICTION

The Precious Thing | Short Story

In this sci-fi tale, a soldier uses a talisman from the past to stay human—and pays a price for his decision

ARTS

Seoul Train

China’s booming market for K-pop is inspiring domestic hopefuls to train for a career in the industry

HISTORY

Ringing the Changes

Once an exotic novelty, the telephone has become a daily necessity in the last few decades

TRADITIONAL CULTURE

Ghosts of Silom

In a Chinese neighborhood swallowed by an urbanizing Bangkok, even the dead have a hard time finding a home

FOOD

Instant Attraction

China’s most ubiquitous snack is going high-end

SOCIAL CHINESE

Artistic Pretensions

How to talk about art like a critic

MODERN HISTORY

Taking Stock

A new museum in a classic Shanghai location charts the brief but tumultuous history of China’s capital markets

TRAVEL

The High Way

Take a cycling trip on the top of the world

TRAVEL

Fort Besieged

In the “red tourism” capital of Zunyi, a ruined castle offers a glimpse of a breakaway part of history

FOOD, TRADITIONAL CULTURE

Tough Nut to Crack

China’s addictive snack, binglang, is part carcinogen, part cultural heritage

CHINESE CHARACTERS

On the Character: 闹

Live a little with this noisy character

TRADITIONAL CULTURE

Boy Crazy

Despite decades of progress, some families still go to extreme lengths to secure a male heir

MUSIC

East Side Story

After a ‘Miserables’ beginning, can Chinese musicals finally make rent?

STREET TALK

Roll with It

Jargon for anything you love or hate

FOOD

Sweet Memories

A hallowed new year tradition at home, Chinese candies struggle to be known abroad

FILM

Super Eight

More diverse than their predecessors, the latest generation of Chinese filmmakers still face struggles of their own

ENTERTAINMENT

Funny Business

Stand-up comedians discuss how to succeed in China’s political and economic environment

NEWS

Identity Crisis

Fraudsters are exploiting bureaucratic inertia over ID fraud

EDUCATION

Abroad Ambitions

They’ve become a boom industry—but are study abroad agencies really necessary?

BOOKS

Gone Gobi

In Shan Weijian’s memoir, the Cultural Revolution is the catalyst to a global financial career

ANCIENT HISTORY

A Relic’s Return

China is now one of many countries demanding the repatriation of looted antiquities

LIVING IN CHINA

Crying Foul

Why do consumers throw tantrums to defend their rights?

ENVIRONMENT

Sea Changes

Amateur conservationists battle a rising tide of oceanic pollution and public indifference

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