ANCIENT HISTORY

Greeting the New Year: The (Un)changing Customs of Chinese New Year Wishes

From carving on wood to “flying cards” in red envelopes, how people expressed their New Year’s greeting, or “bainian” in ancient China

ENTERTAINMENT

The Fear Within: Can China’s Horror Game Developers Overcome Genre Malaise?

Evading strict censorship around religious and supernatural content, Chinese horror games have long used cultural elements like paper money, ancestral tablets, and red lanterns to evoke horror and tension—yet now, audiences are seeking deeper thrills

BOOKS

Ten Thousand Miles of Clouds and Moons: An Anthology of New Chinese Writing

Beijing-based arts collective Spittoon has partnered with a British publisher to release a stellar anthology, bringing essential contemporary Chinese writing to an international audience

FOOD

Murky Waters and Muddy Deals: Inside China’s Hairy Crab Industry

Despite the growing popularity and availability of hairy crabs, one of China’s most sought-after delicacies, both consumers and sellers face challenges with product quality and imitation goods in the market

FEMINISM

The Year in Her Words: China’s Top Feminist News of 2024

From sanitary pad controversies to a rural woman’s extraordinary fight for justice, here are the top feminist stories of the year

ENVIRONMENT

A Year of Climate Challenge: China’s Top Environmental Stories in 2024

From extreme drought and typhoons to growing renewable energy capacity, here are the key environmental stories shaping China in 2024

BOOKS

The Year in Reads: Books of 2024

A roundup of 2024’s notable books and translations by Chinese, expat, and diaspora authors

ENTERTAINMENT

The Year in Play: China’s Top Video Games of 2024

Exploring the best of China’s 2024 video game releases, from indie gems to blockbusters

Christmas Celebrations Across China in Photos

From Christmas trees in shopping malls to a Christmas village in a northernmost town, here’s how the holiday is celebrated across China

BOOKS

Stories From Toon Street: Su Tong’s Latest Short Story Collection Reviewed

An imaginary Chinese village during the reform and opening up era, with its oft-referenced “Toon Street,” is vividly depicted in a newly translated short story collection from the author of “Raise the Red Lantern”