Round Table China

Love can make us do unexpected things, but what happens when it obscures our true selves? A payable service will give you advice on how to snap you out of love and back to reality. Does being lovestruck require a cure, or is this simply a right of romantic passage?/ As the 15th Beijing International Film Festival unfolds its magic, we get a report straight from the red carpet! Our very own reporte...

Perched high above the power lines, it's not just a bird—it's a robotic owl. This guardian of the grid and protector of wildlife represents the powerful synergy of technology and nature, where sparks fly in all the right ways! We’re taking you on a tour of machines lending their digital smarts to help monitor and protect our ecosystems. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Need a break from the hustle? What if the secret to unwinding wasn't a fancy spa day or a digital detox, but something far simpler: a humble bowl of rice in a tranquil temple? Temple meals are surging as Gen Z's go-to antidote to stress—blending mindfulness, tradition, and nourishment into one soul-soothing ritual. / As content creation and influencer culture explode, gyms are morphing into de fac...

Step into Earth's grand narrative at China's newly crowned UNESCO Global Geoparks, where ancient rock formations and sweeping landscapes whisper tales millions of years in the making. Join us to find out exactly what makes these places so spectacular! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan 

Spanking remains a divisive discipline tactic—while some dismiss it as harmless, others condemn it as damaging. Its effectiveness is fiercely debated, with some statistics suggesting that at least some parents are still in support of it. / We recommend one film from the 15th Beijing International Film Festival: On the Beat, a 1995 Chinese film directed by Ying Ning (17:17). On the show: Steve Hath...

April 23rd marks World Book and Copyright Day, and in China, the celebration has gone digital. Bookstores and sellers are embracing the trend, ramping up livestreaming events to connect with readers like never before. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin and Yushun.

Ever agreed to something you didn't want to do—just to avoid disappointing someone? If this sounds familiar, you might be stuck in the people-pleasing trap: always prioritizing others' needs over your own, even when it leaves you exhausted. But why do we keep doing this? And what price do we really pay? / We recommend one film from the 15th Beijing International Film Festival: Se7en, the 1995 crim...

Step into any shopping mall, school, or hospital in China, and you'll find gleaming floors, spotless halls, and perfect order. But behind that immaculate facade are the cleaners—always moving, rarely resting, often without a proper place to pause. As our buildings and cities shine brighter, it's time we shed light on the need for proper rest spaces for cleaning staff. On the show: Heyang, Steve Ha...

We recommend one film from the 15th Beijing International Film Festival. Today we recommend "Better Me, Better You". / Smartphones have become extensions of ourselves—so what happens when schools restrict them? From China's classroom bans (correlated with rising dropout rates) to UK campaigns for smartphone-free childhoods over mental health concerns, educators face an impossible choice: protect s...

Hainan—China's breathtaking tropical paradise—is famous for its pristine beaches and idyllic climate. But now, the island is making headlines for something even sweeter: its exotic fruit farms are becoming a delicious new driver of rural revitalization. We explore the opportunities of this juicy venture—and what lessons other regions can harvest from Hainan's success. On the show: Steve Hatherly,...

Lunar data centers promise extreme cooling and cosmic isolation—but are they worth the astronomical costs and logistical challenges? With Earth-based solutions still viable, is this visionary leap even justified? / We recommend one film from the 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) (21:04)! On the show: Steve Hatherly, Li Yi & Yushun

The way young people shop in China is changing rapidly. A new report reveals that over 40% of young consumers now prioritize emotional value and personal interests in their purchases. We explore this shift and uncover the drivers behind this emotional trend. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Li Yi & Yushun

In the West, potatoes are known as the comfort-food king—mashed, fried, or baked. But in China, they've traditionally played second fiddle to rice and noodles. Now, that could be changing. Introducing potato rice: a starch-savvy innovation that looks and cooks like rice, but is made entirely from potato. With its higher protein and fiber content, could this grainy newcomer become a staple on Chine...

Anime, manga, and gaming used to be dismissed as mere pastimes for kids and 'nerds.' But that fantasy world? It's exploded into the mainstream. ACG is now a major economic force, influencing how we shop, socialize, and spend. Are you ready for your inner stan to take over your wallet? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan 

Over the past five years, outdoor activities like biking and camping have seen remarkable growth, driving expansion across related industries. Now, as pleasant weather returns, a new picnic culture is blossoming - one that values genuine outdoor enjoyment over picture-perfect social media moments. / Game transfer phenomenon: When virtual and real worlds collide (17:37). On the show: Laiming, Steve...

Many of us scroll through applications on our phones when we shop. But imagine a tropical island where you can explore hundreds of thousands of products from more than 4,000 brands—no algorithms, just real-world browsing. Walk through pavilions of innovation, from household essentials to the latest tech. Suddenly, your wishlist just got a whole lot bigger! On the show: Laiming, Steve Hatherly &amp...

China's outdoor boom has more hikers venturing into remote areas, leading to increased rescues. Now, NGOs, rescue teams, and tech companies—including smartphone and EV makers—are collaborating on high-tech solutions that have saved dozens. But is this tech making adventurers overconfident? / How often should you wash your feet (17:00)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

China's traditional farmers' markets have shed their messy past for a high-tech makeover, complete with self-checkout kiosks and digital systems. The glossy upgrades promise convenience, but can elderly shoppers who've spent decades counting change and chatting with vendors adapt as easily? Are these changes actually working for everyone—or just for those already comfortable with technology? On th...

You queue for tickets—gone before "Buy" loads. You try booking dinner, a tee time, a campsite visit… same result. Scalping has gone digital, parasitic, and global—hijacking every system where demand outstrips supply. This isn't just inconvenience; it's systemic exclusion. So who's gatekeeping access now? And how do we take it back (16:26)? / Motivational Monday!

We are living longer than ever, a cause for celebration. However, as societies age at an unprecedented rate, we have to wonder how the growing demand for elder care will be met. The increasing integration of robotic assistance is a prominent trend. Will these automated solutions become commonplace? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

The curved pavilion is designed to evoke an unrolled ancient scroll, its form embracing visitors in warm bamboo hues. Poetry, etched in scripts evolved over millennia, adorns the walls. Around the bend, a lunar rock from the far side of the Moon is displayed. In Osaka, China's story unfolds as a seamless fusion of history, innovation, and a commitment to a greener future. We delve deeper into the...

Once, "forgot homework" meant a left-behind textbook. Now, in China's digital classrooms, it's a syncing error, a password expiry, or an AI glitch. But what happens when educational technology overreaches – harvesting data without permission, monetizing parental stress, or substituting learning with automation? How can we establish better oversight for these digital learning environments? On the s...

Probiotics are all the rage, promising a happy gut and a host of other health perks. But with so many yogurts, pills, and potions boasting these live cultures, it does make us wonder if the miracle workers are all they're made out to be. / The link between marriage and weight gain (19:06). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

China boasts over 400 million e-bikes, yet surprisingly few are insured, leaving owners vulnerable after accidents. How can e-bike safety improve? And will new national standards change this picture? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

That familiar headphone knot, the unexpected slice of paper – and bam! Out comes that satisfying, slightly naughty word. But scientists are saying that moment of swearing isn't just blowing off steam. It's a release, a show of resilience, maybe even a bit of self-care. Time to rethink what swear words do for us? Could it actually be… beneficial? / The never-ending titles of online novels (18:12)....