Round Table China

Imagine a world where your local government is operated by robots—not the kind that seek to dominate humanity, but those that expedite the permit process. Welcome to Shenzhen's Futian District, where 70 AI 'employees' are enhancing efficiency and streamlining paperwork. How will these digital assistants reshape local governance? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Heart to Heart - We answer your questions! Annoying strangers? Here's what to do! Plus, should I quit this job? Please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com. / "Knit-ffiti" is here, transforming everyday objects into vibrant works of art! Trees in Chinese cities have been yarn-bombed, giving the streets a cozy, colorful makeover. Have you spotted any trees in knitwear in your neigh...

Those fresh greens on your dinner plate didn't just grow there; they most likely traveled across China. We delve into how and why vegetable prices have remained affordable, even during the winter chill. On the show: Heyang, Yushun & Yushan

Otonomus, Las Vegas's new AI hotel, promises a personalized and intelligent guest experience. However, is AI-powered luxury what travelers truly desire, or is it merely a futuristic novelty that we don't necessarily need? / The "ick": The thing that disgusts you in dating (19:05). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Laiming

China has launched specialized tourist train services designed specifically for the elderly, providing comfortable and accessible travel options to popular destinations. These trains are equipped with amenities that cater to the needs and preferences of older travelers. The initiative aims to promote senior tourism, enabling elderly citizens to explore the country's cultural and natural wonders in...

Some college students express that university life feels more disconnected than ever. What if we could transform these 'familiar strangers' into meaningful connections? What is behind this trend, and does it truly require a solution? / Motivational Monday (24:49)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

What if we could harness the power of gravity to address one of the most significant challenges in renewable energy—storage? China is leading the way with an innovative gravity energy storage project. Could gravity batteries be the key to unlocking a cleaner and more reliable energy future? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

WeChat's new gift-giving feature lets you send gifts—but with a considerate twist: the recipient picks exactly what they want. In a culture where building connections is key, could this be a game-changer for gift-giving? Time to find out if this new feature is a hit or a miss! / Round Table's Happy Place (18:30)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Ten billion Yuan and counting! Ne Zha 2 isn't just a massive hit, it's rewriting history! Now, it's hitting cinemas overseas. Will it capture hearts worldwide? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Have classrooms become battlegrounds? Anecdotal evidence indicates a concerning trend of increased behavioral issues among children returning to school after the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Are we witnessing the delayed effects of isolation, disrupted routines, and heightened anxieties manifesting in the classroom? Or are there additional factors contributing to what some teachers describe...

Microplastics pose a significant threat to our environment. However, Chinese scientists have developed an intriguing biodegradable sponge to address this challenge. Crafted from unexpected, naturally sourced materials, this innovative creation presents a potential solution for filtering harmful particles from water and other sources. We discuss what this sponge is and the solutions it may provide....

House swapping is gaining popularity in China as a cost-effective and sustainable travel option, particularly among younger generations. By exchanging homes with others, travelers can save on accommodation costs, experience local living, and explore new destinations authentically. Is it time for us to ditch the hotel and go for a house swap? / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to r...

This February 12, the Lantern Festival illuminates the sky as the Spring Festival comes to an end! We explore the legends surrounding the origins of the Lantern Festival, the traditions associated with it, and how it connects people around the globe. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Ding Heng

Fridge magnets are stealing the spotlight as the top souvenir choice these days! From museums to scenic spots, they have officially surpassed items such as canvas bags, notebooks, postcards, commemorative coins, and other trinkets. What exactly is it about these mini pieces of art that make them so darn desirable? / Why external telephoto lenses are back (18:12). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherl...

The Asian Winter Games in Harbin, the capital of Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, have drawn a considerable number of sports enthusiasts to the city, providing a significant short-term boost to the local economy. However, how can large sporting events like these better integrate with local tourism to create a lasting impact on regional economies? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly and Yus...

In 2024, China's convenience stores experienced significant growth; however, as we look at 2025, a survey indicates that some business owners are reconsidering their expansion plans. Could this cautious approach signal deeper industry challenges or represent a strategic shift toward optimizing operations? / Motivational Monday (20:08)! On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

At the intersection of performance and sustainability, the 9th Asian Winter Games is more than just a sporting event—it's an experiment in green innovation. From eco-friendly transportation and renewable energy to artistic initiatives like plant-powered colored ice, these multifaceted strategies are establishing new benchmarks for global events. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yusha...

With gold prices at an all-time high, why are younger generations in China still investing in gold jewelry? Is it a combination of tradition, a safe investment amid economic uncertainties, or are they simply drawn to the latest trendy brand collaborations? / Round Table's Happy Place (19:53)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

The stage is set for an unforgettable winter sports experience, as Harbin hosts the 2025 Asian Winter Games. The stakes are high, with 1,275 athletes from 34 countries and territories gathered to compete for gold. Get ready for an extraordinary event, embraced by the warm hospitality and generous spirit of the people of Harbin! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

What if a series of three-minute micro-dramas could transform an entire industry? China's 'Micro Drama Plus' plan aims to achieve just that. But can ultra-short content genuinely drive meaningful change? We delve into the future of this popular media trend! / Is 'Hey Hanging' the worst office behavior (20:49)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Fei Fei

We go deep on DeepSeek, the Chinese startup that has made a significant breakthrough in artificial intelligence, sending shockwaves throughout the industry. The chatbot, which accomplishes a great deal with minimal resources, competes effectively in terms of performance when compared to industry leaders. Could this underdog be on the verge of challenging Silicon Valley's dominance in artificial in...

First day back at work, and your brain's still in holiday mode—slow, fuzzy, and definitely unprepared for spreadsheets. This is what we call Post-Holiday Syndrome. But don't worry, you're not alone! We discuss what it is and how to snap out of it to get back on track. / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com (19:52). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly &...

As we conclude our holidays and return to the office, we take an economic temperature check to assess how things went during the Spring Festival. From sky-high movie box office figures to impressive travel statistics, 2025 is poised to be a year of new records and milestones. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

For 16 years, Patrick Regulier has made China his home, initially as a basketball player and now as a mentor. Today, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the aspirations of young athletes on the Zhejiang Lions youth team. Patrick's passion, guidance, and unwavering belief in his players have helped many navigate the competitive landscape of basketball. If you enjoy feature stories like this one, be...

Whether it's the comforting aroma of homemade dumplings or the vibrant red lanterns illuminating the streets, Chinese New Year is more than just a holiday. It represents the largest family reunion for the Chinese people—a time to reconnect, rejuvenate, and celebrate togetherness. What makes family reunions during the Chinese New Year so special? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan