Round Table China

The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) is a nongovernmental and nonprofit international organization, a platform for dialogue among leaders from governments, businesses, and academic sectors across Asia and the world, addressing critical economic and social issues. We learn about this year's forum, taking place from March 25-28. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

Picture this: Your childhood crush teaching English online. Daniel Wu's videos are a hit, sparking "learn and swoon" buzz. But is it genuine education, or just star-powered marketing? The growing market for celebrity-endorsed education raises similar questions across various platforms. / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com (19:19). On the show: Heyang, Ste...

The impressive growth of sales, coupled with an ever-increasing consumer demand, paints a picture of a thriving cross-border e-commerce landscape within China. Yet, new tariffs present challenges, and the adaptability and resilience of Chinese businesses will be tested as they strive to maintain their current upward trajectory. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Ding Heng

Sneezing non-stop this spring? It's not just the flowers; it's those pesky tree pollens. With a perfect storm of allergens in the air, we explore why these tree pollens are making allergy season worse than ever. / Modern dating has become a battlefield, where you could crash and burn in an instant. Now, "floodlighting" is the latest threat—relationship experts warn that it's one to watch out for (...

The winds of change are blowing through the job market, and China's Spring Recruitment is leading the charge. Whether you're stepping into your first job or considering a career pivot, now could be the right time to reshape your future. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Walking down the street and witnessing real-time translations, navigation prompts, or even your to-do list displayed before your eyes, smart glasses are transforming that futuristic dream into reality. With major companies such as Apple, Google, Huawei, and Xiaomi entering the market, this technology is no longer a niche gadget; it has evolved into a billion-dollar industry on the rise. So, what i...

If your household doubled in size but your water bill remained the same, you would either be a budgeting genius or have benefited from some scientific breakthrough. Well, China has achieved something equally remarkable: zero growth in water consumption despite significant economic expansion. What's the secret? Water-saving innovations, substantial policy changes, or just… really short showers? Joi...

China's home repair industry is one of the most convenient in the world—book a technician online, and they'll come to your home at a fraction of the cost you'd pay in many developed economies. But a recent investigation revealed that some platforms have been exploiting this trust, exaggerating faults and overcharging customers. / Round Table's Happy Place (18:37)! On the show: Heyang, Yushan &...

Can money buy a good night's sleep? Millions seem to think so, fueling China's sleep industry, projected to soar past one trillion Yuan by 2030. But should good sleep come with a price tag? What are the free and better ways to sleep soundly? On the show: Heyang, Yushan & Yushun

Chinese social media is buzzing about the rise of women-only spaces, from bars and gyms to dedicated social hubs. These spaces promise comfort, connection, and empowerment. But are they genuine havens of progress, or merely clever marketing ploys? We explore the growing trend, its real-world implications, and the challenges it faces. / Is the traditional method of spoon-feeding your baby gone (17:...

According to a 2024 report from a leading research firm, China has taken the top spot globally in energy transition investments. The nation has made notable progress in advancing renewable energy, green technologies, and modernizing its infrastructure, solidifying its role in the worldwide push for sustainability. These initiatives highlight China's dedication to tackling environmental issues and...

In the business world, seasonal trends significantly influence spending habits—such as Black Friday in the U.S. and the Double Eleven shopping festival in China. However, in the realm of tea, there is an even more specific phenomenon: the spring tea economy. Far from being merely a niche product for enthusiasts, spring tea plays a crucial role in driving the local agricultural sector. The producti...

China's leading universities are expanding their capacity. With more seats available, an increased number of students, and greater opportunities—does this also mean heightened pressure? If gaining admission to a top-tier school has become somewhat easier, what implications does this have for students, parents, and the job market? We unpack the statistics, the motivations behind this change, and th...

Clocking out like a boss is no longer just a dream! Some companies are now literally turning off the lights to push employees out the door. From overtime fines to unexpected "fire drill" shutdowns, the anti-rat-race movement is gaining momentum. But is a forced work-life balance really the ideal, or does it come with unforeseen trade-offs? / Is having a laptop on your stomach cozy or concerning (2...

China's average life expectancy just reached 79 years—an achievement decades in the making. The landscape continues to evolve, with ongoing developments shaping the years ahead. As we mark this milestone, we ask: How did we get here, and what comes next? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Is the power suit now a relic of the past? Chinese men are demonstrably choosing comfort over the rigid formality of traditional business wear. We examine this evolving dynamic in office attire, observing the transition from meticulously tailored suits to the relaxed aesthetic of plaid shirts and practical windbreakers. Is this just happening in China, or is the trend seen in other places around t...

While giants such as Huawei and BYD dominate headlines, China's "hidden champions" are quietly reshaping industries. These lesser-known companies, driving innovation in areas like AI and green energy, wield surprising technological power. What fuels their success, and why are they becoming increasingly important? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Couples' apps offer valuable features such as love diaries, shared savings, and important date reminders. But must shared toilet time define modern intimacy? Seriously. Do these apps genuinely help long-distance lovers maintain their connection, or are they merely transforming relationships into a series of obligatory check-ins? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

China's cities are growing rapidly, but are they becoming homogenized? While some cities still reflect their unique culture and history, many now showcase identical sleek glass buildings, wide roads, and monotonous designs. Has urban planning diminished the unique character that once defined these places? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Cryonics, the practice of supercooling individuals after legal death, may seem like a plot from a futuristic novel. Proponents envision a future of advanced medical mastery, but not everyone is on board. Detractors dismiss it as a chilling illusion, highlighting the irreparable damage to biological structures. However, for some, it represents an opportunity to postpone their final chapter in the h...

Obesity in China has become a significant issue in recent years, prompting the government to take action. The National Health Commission has announced a major new initiative aimed at encouraging citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles. This initiative will establish multidisciplinary “weight management clinics” at hospitals throughout China, designed to assist patients in safely losing excess weigh...

As the saying goes, one person's trash is another person's treasure. Today, on Xianyu, one of China's most popular online second-hand market platforms, what one person regrets buying can become another person's latest opportunity. This trend is evolving into a launchpad for the most unique and rapidly growing side hustles. What is fueling this craze?/ Handwritten notes take new form on tablets (20...

If planting trees were a competitive sport, China would undoubtedly take home the gold medal. With over 25% forest coverage and the world's largest artificial forest, China isn't just going green—it's going exceptionally green. But how did this transformation occur? We dig deeper to uncover the roots of this remarkable change. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Laiming

Meet a generation that swears by herbal remedies but won’t give up late nights. Gen Z is all in on outdoor sports, cultural experiences, and yangsheng (or health maintenance in Chinese), but on their own chaotic terms. Is this the ultimate balance, or just a creative way to reinvent their own lifestyle?/ Phone on silent mode? Maximum distraction (20:37)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Y...

Farming has become high-tech business, and the fields of the future might not even be on Earth! China is rapidly pushing the boundaries of smart agriculture. So, will cows one day munch on AI-designed supergrass? Will our veggies have cosmic roots? As technology transforms farming, what challenges lie ahead? And how will these breakthroughs reshape what we eat and how we grow them? On the show: He...