Hello TWOC readers!

Hope you’re all having a great start to March! China has just wrapped up its annual Two Sessions meetings, bringing together thousands of delegates to debate pressing social and economic issues in Beijing. This year’s discussions spanned the rise of AI tools like DeepSeek, declining marriage rates, excessive workplace overtime, and the growing mental health crisis among teenagers. Read on for some of the most high-profile and controversial proposals from this year’s gatherings.

March is also Women’s History Month in the US, UK, and Canada, and with International Women’s Day (March 8) observed around the world—including here in China—it’s a time to celebrate womanhood while confronting the challenges that persist. From the invisible weight of unpaid labor to the all-too-visible threats of harassment and violence, gender inequality remains deeply woven into society. As conversations about women’s rights continue to evolve, we’ve curated a page dedicated to our in-depth reporting on feminist issues in China, exploring the struggles, resilience, and hard-fought progress of women across the country.

Read on to find out more:

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Women of China: Past, Present, Future

China has seen a significant feminist cultural shift in recent years, with young women increasingly embracing feminist ideas. Previously taboo topics, from reproductive health to sexual autonomy, are now part of mainstream discussion. While these changes reflect greater visibility for women, true equality remains elusive. Women still face challenges in gaining recognition in their careers and family lives, while advocating for more independence and agency in society. At The World of Chinese, we are committed to telling stories from female perspectives. Read more

Viral Two Sessions Proposals of 2025

This past week, thousands of delegates from all walks of life gathered for the country’s annual legislative sessions. Heated discussions unfolded over pivotal issues. Some proposals—such as scrapping the 30-day cooling-off period before divorce—have been met with public support, while others, like lowering the legal marriage age to encourage births, have sparked debate. Here’s a look at the most talked-about proposals from this year’s sessions. Read more

The She Warrior of Art

Since graduating from Beijing’s Central Academy of Fine Arts in 2016, Cao Yu has set out to make work that is brazen, subversive, and unflinching, becoming one of China’s most influential young artists in the process. Read more

What We’re Reading

Fang Si-Chi’s First Love Paradise: A Chilling Tale of Grooming and Abuse | Review

Seven years after Taiwanese writer Lin Yi-Han’s death, her only novel—based on her real-life story—is finally available in English, recounting a harrowing story of rape, trauma, and the enduring power structures that allow such stories to persist even today. Continue reading

Is China Creating Its Own Mickey Mouse with Ne Zha?

Grossing over 14 billion yuan (more than 2 billion US dollars), Ne Zha 2 has surpassed Disney blockbusters like Inside Out 2 and Frozen II, becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time. At this historic moment for Chinese animation, the latest episode of the Middle Earth Podcast, hosted by Aladin Farré and produced by The World of Chinese magazine, explores the key factors behind the film’s success—from the dedication of its creators to advancements in AI technology that made the ambitious production possible. Click here to listen

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