Round Table China

Tech, snow, and style—China's ice and snow industry is thriving! From smart ski goggles to cutting-edge safety equipment, let's explore the innovative technology, gear, and gadgets that are transforming winter sports into spectacular events. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Fei Fei

We've all experienced the gradual drifting apart from once-close friends or felt the weight of maintaining meaningful connections. But is this a universal experience for young people today? Should we be concerned if we don't have that many close friends? / Do you sometimes feel that the secret to happiness lies in the 'useless' things we do (19:39)? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Y...

From the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics to the present, China's enthusiasm for ice and snow continues to flourish. Beyond the slopes and snow-filled games, what role does this expanding industry play in revitalizing regional economies and enhancing international tourism appeal? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Less school, more cool—or is it simply less of everything? The four-day school week has sparked widespread discussion, with rural teachers celebrating and frazzled parents navigating their Fridays. We do the math to see if these reduced school schedules are an A+ or an F! / How would you feel when no one comes to your wedding (19:31)? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Li Yi

From Olympic stadiums to year-round indoor snow parks, China's passion for ice sports is heating up, redefining both recreation and business. Picture a ski slope teeming with beginners, seasoned snowboarders carving trails, and families laughing in the snow—doesn't this sound like the winter wonderland you've always dreamed of? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Li Yi

Some argue that your position in the birth order influences your career, intelligence, and even personality. But how much of this is based on scientific evidence, and how much is merely a stereotype? We explore the intriguing—and sometimes controversial—effects of birth order. Where do you fit in your family lineup, and does it truly make a difference? / Heart to Heart - please send your audio que...

China's new electric humanoid robot is a world first, and the company behind this technology has chosen to make it open source. But what exactly does "open source" mean? What are the benefits for a company that adopts this approach? Additionally, what advantages does open source technology offer the general public? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Here's something intriguing about the Chinese diaspora: while many engage in gardening, Chinese families around the globe are actively cultivating fresh vegetables, with some even transforming it into a profitable business! What's behind this passion for farming over traditional gardening? / Motivational Monday (22:39)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

With the rise of cord-cutting and numerous streaming options, one might assume that the humble television set is on the verge of extinction. However, recent data from China presents a different narrative. Although TV sales volumes experienced a slight decline in 2024, revenue continued to surge. In contrast, projectors are witnessing a decline across the board. What is driving this trend? Is the t...

Who knew hotpot could go on a diet? Welcome to the world of mini hotpots—where the pots are small, but the flavors are bolder than ever. Think of it as hotpot’s younger, trendier sibling, obsessed with efficiency, enamored with conveyor belts, and possessing an eye for the Instagrammable. But are these mini meals a game-changer, or merely a passing fad? / Why you are probably sitting down for too...

Handing over a family business to the next generation—what could possibly go wrong? Well, imagine ‘Succession’, but with less corporate espionage and more awkward family dinners, where your dad still insists on calling you ‘kiddo’ while entrusting you with a multi-million-dollar empire. Buckle up as we dive into the drama, comedy, and occasional tragedy of second-generation business leadership. On...

Birds are not only found in the wild; they are also taking flight in app design! Just take a look at your smartphone interface, and you will see them everywhere. From owls to penguins to magpies, bird-themed icons are transforming our device screens into a digital aviary! / RoundTable's Happy Place (19:41). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Guo Yan.

Many bus companies are facing a challenging future as they struggle to stay afloat. With a new regulation set to take effect in December of this year, local governments will be required to support their local bus services. However, will this intervention be enough to reverse the tide and reduce operational losses? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Guo Yan.

RoundTable's Heart to Heart. / A new trend emerging in Chinese cities is the intersection of academia and bar culture. Academic bars provide young people with the opportunity to learn in a relaxed environment, blending the vibrancy of social settings with the depth of scholarly discussion. What attracts individuals to these events, and how are they transforming our approach to learning (15:21)? On...

With Peru hosting the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, it presents an excellent opportunity to explore the deepening relationship between China and Peru. From cultural connections and youth exchanges to ambitious economic initiatives, these two nations are discovering more common ground than ever before. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushan.

Stanford Universtiy researchers just dropped a bombshell: we age in two big bursts! One at 44 and another at 60! This suggests our bodies don't age gradually over time. But is there more to be learned? / Round Table's Happy Place (21:43)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Warehouse-style membership supermarkets are like Disneyland for bulk shoppers! Imagine cruising through massive aisles filled with snacks, clothes, and even a frozen whole lamb. This quintessential American experience is catching on in major Chinese cities. What's driving this trend? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Is Baidu or Google still the preferred source for answers? Gen Z certainly doesn't think so! Young people are now ditching large search engines and turning to Douyin and Instagram for everything from lunch spots to life hacks. Why has social media become the new place to go for people to find all the answers to their questions? / Motivational Monday (16:56)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly &am...

Double Eleven is like China's Black Friday, but on a much larger scale! How long does the discount period last in China, and what trends are currently transforming our virtual shopping carts this year? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Fei Fei

Imagine a cup of latte crafted from Ethiopian coffee beans blended with buffalo milk from Venezuela—that's the essence of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) country exhibition. Here, each nation showcases its premier products and local sectors, aiming to cultivate connections with the global market. Beyond merely displaying a variety of goods, the CIIE also strengthens trade ties among cou...

The Beijing-Shanghai high-speed trains aren't just traveling between China's biggest cosmopolitans at top speed of 350 km/h, they also serve as important workspaces as busy workers are transforming travel time into productive office hours. What's driving this shift to mobile workspaces on rails? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

With automation stepping in for everything from cooking to serving, the food industry is evolving rapidly. How will this technological shift affect restaurant operations, food factories, customer interactions and job opportunities in the coming years? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

This year's China International Import Expo is packed with pioneering designs and tech from the world's biggest companies, all converging in Shanghai. We hear an on-site report to get the latest buzz at the expo, with a look at what's new and exciting in the automotive sector! / Are persuasion tactics mere tools of influence, or are they exploiting our most natural instincts for gain? We explore t...

Secondhand shopping is more popular than ever! It's cheaper, greener, and definitely lighter on your carbon footprint. We explore the secondhand market to find out why consumers are so eager to buy secondhand items! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Fei Fei

We're celebrating a fantastic leap towards inclusivity in the film industry. China's latest blockbusters are now equipped with audio descriptions, making the magic of movies accessible to visually impaired viewers. So, whether you're sighted or visually impaired, get ready to experience the summer's hottest blockbusters in a whole new way. / How anger affects your heart, brain, and guts (18:44). O...