Round Table China

Recent media reports identify Shanghai's elderly as a major mall consumer group. This often-overlooked demographic now dominates weekday foot traffic, pushing retailers to design spaces and services that appeal to both older and younger generations. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

In bustling kitchens across China, steam rises and pans fly, yet no one breaks a sweat. The chef is made of steel. Across the country, robotic cooks are quietly transforming how we eat. They are fast, consistent, and never need a break. But as algorithms take over the wok, the future of the human touch in cooking hangs in the balance. The subtle intuition of a seasoned chef and the warm connection...

In classrooms from Nairobi to online forums in Berlin, a new wave of learners is embracing Mandarin. Their goal is not to pass examinations but to engage directly with a culture that captivates them. This grassroots movement is fundamentally about people seeking new forms of community and understanding. Behind this linguistic boom lies a deeper story, one about curiosity, identity, and the power o...

China now has more than 125 million one-person households, fueling the rapid growth of the solo dining market. Restaurants are responding with mini hotpots and partitioned barbecue seats, designed for a generation seeking both efficiency and a personal dining experience. This trend tells a larger story about evolving family structures and new consumption habits, revealing how businesses are adapti...

In an era of redefined global supply chains, the China International Import Expo stands as a testament to the enduring power of openness. With its streamlined customs, debut products, and sustainable innovations, the Expo weaves a compelling narrative of connection, not isolation, as the true engine of prosperity in our uncertain times. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan

There's a certain allure to the idea of doing it yourself, a promise of simplicity and satisfaction. Yet, what begins as a straightforward endeavor can quietly unravel, demanding far more than you ever intended to give. Instead of saving resources, the process often consumes them in unexpected ways, leaving you with a different outcome than the one you first imagined. / Exploring “day-off shame” i...

For students in China, the high-pressure race toward the "Zhongkao" defines their early youth. Now, a pilot program in Chengdu is eliminating this decisive high school entrance exam for some students. The radical move promises relief from an immense academic burden, aiming to give students back their childhoods. Yet without this single, universal benchmark, some wonder if the path to a bright futu...

Digital resurrection has arrived, but its ethics are dangerously unclear. The recent use of a recreated scholar to promote tea brought about a question that didn't exist a decade ago. Is this a legitimate tribute, or a commercial exploitation of the dead? The urgent question is no longer can we do this, but should we? / Motivational Monday (17:07)! On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

The 'Curse of 35,' a notorious career barrier, is officially under attack. In a major policy reversal, the government has lifted the age restriction for its civil service exams. This is a direct message to the nation's experienced workforce: you are not obsolete. The move now puts the ball in corporate China's court. Will they answer the call? On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

Why are we drawn to what scares us? A new report has a surprising answer: horror is self-care. We break down the science of how a monster on the screen can help you fight the monsters in your mind, revealing what a haunted house or a zombie apocalypse can teach your brain about calm. There's a surprising link between terror and tranquility! / Round Table's Happy Place (20:21)! On the show: Steve,...

From October 31st to November 1st, many of the world's most influential leaders are convening in South Korea for the APEC summit, united by a shared optimism to transform the ambitious theme of "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow" into a tangible reality for the entire Asia-Pacific. On the show: Steve, Yushun & Xingyu

You've likely seen a service fee, a tip line, or even a small charge for that sealed pack of tissues. But what about a "tea fee" that's not for the pot you ordered, but for every single seat at your table? This is the unexpected charge sparking debate and leaving diners surprised at restaurants in certain areas of China. What would you do if you found it on your bill?/ Heart to Heart - please send...

Today on our special APEC Youth Series, we're joined by two distinguished voices: Chen Xiaobin, a 2025 APEC Summit delegate for young entrepreneurs and Vice Chair of the Asia-Pacific Entrepreneurs Annual Forum; and Laura Nguyen, Founding Partner at GenAI Fund and Head of Vietnam for Ava Labs. They share their unique perspectives on the critical intersection of technology and sustainability. On the...

In China, the ninth day of the ninth lunar month has always been a day to climb high, both in body and spirit. The Double Ninth Festival calls us to honor those who came before and to look ahead to the future we are building together. Today, as China grows older and wiser, aging is no longer a distant topic concerning our grandparents. From national strategies to smart robots, from young caregiver...

Welcome to Round Table's APEC Youth Series, where we spotlight a new generation reshaping the Asia-Pacific. In this special series, we'll meet the young changemakers who are redefining "development" across the region. For our first conversation, Round Table's Niu Honglin is joined by Lv Xiaoning, co-founder of the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurs Annual Forum. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yusha...

If college English tests were a video game, the CET-4 (College English Test-4) would be entry-level and the CET-6, hero mode. While some players pass and move on, others keep replaying for higher scores to unlock better loot—like jobs or scholarships. So, is this drive for a high score a genuine passion for improvement, or just academic FOMO? / To thank or not to thank AI (14:28)? On the show: Niu...

They call it "the most fake business in China,"yet it's never been more real. From the workshops of Xuchang to TikTok screens worldwide, strands of hair weave tales of labor, reinvention, and pride. We explore how lives are being changed, starting from the top. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan

The traditional bar of soap is being replaced by serums, sunscreen, and makeup. Men's grooming is in the midst of a profound transformation, with market spending reaching new heights. This evolution forces us to ask what is driving the change and how legacy brands are responding. The face of masculinity is being redefined, one skincare routine at a time. / Motivational Monday (17:34)! On the show:...

The October 2025 launch of a new online platform's healthcare venture marks a significant acceleration in the digital transformation of China's medical sector. This move is emblematic of a powerful, broader trend: the strategic entry of Chinese tech titans like Alibaba and JD, alongside specialized health firms, into the industry. By integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligenc...

The old dream was built on ownership: a house for security, a car for status. But China's younger generation is trading that dream for a new kind of freedom. Why own things that tie you down, when you can rent a lifestyle that lifts you up? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan.

October 24th, is United Nations Day, and we're wrapping up our special series with a grand finale. Here on Round Table, Heyang is joined by Dong Xiaoman, who brings her unique insider perspective from her work with both UNOPS and the UN Youth Office. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan.

China's MICE sector is back, bigger than predicted. As the world flocks back, what's driving its stunning rebound? And how is China masterfully fusing its cultural story with business? The answers are reshaping the future of global events. / What are some of young people's complaints on museum visits(13:52)? On the show: Steve, Yushun & Fei Fei

International cooperation transcends strategic interests; it's about creating tangible improvements in people's daily lives. In the second installment of our UN 80 series, Round Table's Heyang sits down with Zhu Yixing from the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). They explore China's evolving role in global development and discuss how collaborative action is driving progress in health, gender equality, an...

Remember the screech of chalk on a blackboard? In China, that sound has been replaced by the silent glow of electronic screens. This multi-billion dollar classroom upgrade promises a high-tech future for learning. But for parents, it brings a familiar worry. They fear we are sacrificing our children's eyesight for digital progress. So, is this a leap forward for education, or a step back for our k...

Eighty years after its founding, the United Nations' mission remains as vital as ever. But is it still relevant to younger generations? In this first episode of our series commemorating the UN's 80th anniversary, Round Table's Heyang sits down with content creator Qin Qian. Leveraging his insider experience at the UN, Qin connects with China's youth through his popular social media channel. Togeth...