Society Deep Dives

Video | Fields Medal Winners from China: Math Geniuses with a Love for Anime

Video | Ha Ha Ha Haaland: Erling Haaland has become China’s favorite meme machine at the World Cup

“Can China’s Robots Do Real Jobs?”—A Sneak Peek Inside Our New Issue

Explore how China’s humanoid robots are moving from flashy demonstrations to real-world jobs, even as the nascent industry continues to face major ch…

Dance Dance Revolution: For Now, China’s Robots Shine Brightest on Stage

They may have captured the hearts of the nation, but can China’s ubiquitous dancing robots go a step further and change the world of work?

Exit Stage Left: China’s Robots Need a Job

The country’s humanoids are moving from flashy performances to the real world of work, but challenges remain for this nascent industry

Ready and Suited: China’s Buhurt Combat Culture is On the Rise

A decade on, armored combat, a niche historical battle sport, is starting to make ripples in the country despite its high barrier to entry

Dating by Proxy: Why Young Chinese Prefer Dating Shows to Real Dates

Dating and marriage-themed reality shows are booming as the real-life marriage rate declines in China

From Buy to Borrow: How Young Chinese Are Driving the Rental Boom

Prioritizing value over status, young consumers are embracing rentals, from designer toys to electronics, yet challenges remain in trust, regulation,…

Old Techniques, New Vibes: How China’s Inheritors Are Reshaping Ancient Arts

As concerns grow over the decline of China’s intangible cultural heritage, young inheritors, veteran artisans, and enthusiasts are finding new ways t…

“Bumping” Into Adolescence: Kids’ Smartwatches and the Battleground Between Safety and Control

Children’s smartwatches have become big business in China, but do their safety features outweigh the potential risks to attention spans and social in…

In Transition: Is Radio in China Tuning Out or Just Reinventing Itself?

Once a constant companion of commuters and late-night listeners, radio stations in China are shuttering amid declining listenership and shrinking adv…

How Can China Solve Its Elder-Care Problem?

As millions of Chinese enter old age, their adult children are now grappling with the financial and emotional burden of being their parents’ only car…