China has undergone the fastest urbanization in history, bringing more than 940 million people—67 percent of the population—into cities, up from just 18 percent in the 1970s. But as high-rises age and the property market cools, Chinese cities are entering a new phase: urban renewal. Residents now grapple with repairing timeworn complexes, while traditional malls struggle to keep up with the pull of online retail.

In our feature stories, we go behind the scenes of Beijing’s first-ever pro wrestling event to find out why people are paying good money to watch scripted fights, and explore the industry’s struggle for wider recognition. We also examine why public smoking remains widespread despite years of awareness campaigns.

Beyond the cities, we journey from Guizhou’s rural runway to Yunnan’s butterfly sanctuary, from the lost dynasty tombs of Ningxia to the cradle of Chinese vinegar in Shanxi—stories that capture the diverse forces shaping China today. Enjoy the read!