Round Table China

Young adventurers are revolutionizing camping with ultra-light gear—and it's changing how we experience the wild. Cutting-edge materials make it possible, but the real transformation is in mindset: trading heavy loads for greater mobility, deeper nature immersion, and minimal environmental impact. When every ounce counts, the wilderness becomes more accessible and rewarding. / Motivational Monday...

This week, China is witnessing a quiet revolution as energy efficiency shifts from simple conservation to reshaping the very foundations of development. The national dialogue has moved beyond basic power savings to fundamentally rethinking how industries operate, cities function and lifestyles evolve. This isn't just about using less - it's about building smarter systems that redefine what's possi...

Contrary to popular belief, research reveals a surprising twist: men may fall in love faster than women. But the heart refuses to follow rules—its timing is messy, deeply personal, and defies easy stereotypes. We unpack what the data really says about who falls harder, sooner… and why. / Round Table's Happy Place (13:44)! On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushun

For the first time, robots can feel the world like we do. Scientists have created a robotic hand with human-like touch across its entire surface—paired with uncanny precision. This isn't just about better machines; it's about redefining how technology interacts with life itself. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushun

For many Chinese Gen Zers, young, text-first, self-proclaimed introverts, the idea of a silent salon visit is pure bliss. Walk in, lie back, and let a robot do all the scrubbing, rinsing, and massaging. No small talk, no awkward eye contact, just AI and lots of good-smelling bubbles. Will this be the future of haircare, or another a flashy flop? / 'Dry Begging': The Art of Indirect Requests (19:46...

Could the future of electric power lie in your kitchen? For years, lithium has been battery royalty. But now, a humble contender is stepping out of the kitchen and into the spotlight: sodium — the key element in plain old salt. It’s cheap, abundant, and surprisingly powerful. So, is it just a backup plan, or could salt truly reshape the energy world? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Ding...

Echoism. It's like being a background character in your own life—always muting your desires to amplify others'. It's people-pleasing on expert mode, where you become so good at accommodating others, you forget you're allowed to take up space, too. / Do you have "office chair butt" (14:50)? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival coincides with a major milestone—Chinese cinema's 120th anniversary. From its birth in 1905 to today's global hits, how is SIFF celebrating this legacy? With restored classics, special retrospectives, and a journey through film history. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

If someone asked you how many decisions you make in a day, would you say "a dozen?" Try 35,000. So, what happens when your brain gets overloaded with choices? You become indecisive, cranky, or just plain done. Decision fatigue is the invisible drain that saps your willpower. We explore why our brains sometimes wave the white flag… and how to reclaim control. / Why some grads say 'no thanks' to gra...

How far can a film take you? This week in Shanghai, the answer is: everywhere. The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) is a vibrant celebration of global storytelling, where memory, culture, and imagination collide. With filmmakers from five continents coming together, we're reminded of cinema's unparalleled power—a universal language that transcends borders and speaks directly to the...

Climbing the Great Wall of China is a once-in-a-lifetime experience… unless your knees beg to differ. What if your spirit is willing, but your body's waving a white flag? Enter your new travel ally: the robotic exoskeleton—think Iron Man meets ancient wonder. Are we stepping into the era of "painless tourism", or are we too lazy to walk? / Motivational Monday (17:31)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Ha...

The lights dim, the screen expands, and the world applauds. Welcome to one of the most prestigious cinematic celebrations on the global stage—the 2025 Shanghai International Film Festival. From dazzling premieres to unforgettable moments, let's dive into the highlights of opening day and preview the cinematic magic lighting up Shanghai! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

China's booming 'child brain training' industry promises to unlock kids' potential—but experts question how much is science versus savvy marketing. As companies sell costly cognitive programs to eager parents, neuroscientists warn many claims lack evidence, leaving families to wonder if these tools are beneficial, or just exploiting hopes?/ Round Table's Happy Place (21:56)! On the show: Heyang, S...

You've heard it before: 'There are no good jobs out there.’Yet employers insist: 'We can't find the right people!' This frustrating disconnect? It's called information asymmetry—and it's solvable. Enter the '15-minute employment service circle': a community-powered solution that brings job opportunities literally to your doorstep. By placing employment hubs within a short walk of every neighborhoo...

In Zheng'an County, Guizhou province, a thriving guitar manufacturing industry has emerged, supplying major international brands and providing thousands of jobs. In this episode, we meet the guitar-makers, the musicians, and the dreamers who've transformed an entire region by turning strings into stories.

Guizhou Province has long been known for its rugged landscapes and ethnic diversity, but today, it's making headlines for something else: the red hot chili peppers. Yes, Round Table is still in Guizhou province, and in this episode, we take you to see a city's fiery pepper boom!

What do spicy peppers, handmade guitars, and green cities have in common? Guizhou. In our new on-the-ground mini-series "ChinaHorizons", we invite you to join our trip to Guizhou province. For the first stop, we record our podcast in a traditional Miao people's village cluster to appreciate diversified cultures, intangible cultural heritage items and delicious local cuisines.

In Jiangsu's Football City League (Su Chao), it's not about stardom—it's about community. Students, shopkeepers, and everyday heroes battle on the pitch, drawing roaring crowds and boosting local tourism. This is grassroots football at its best: raw, passionate, and uniting entire cities. When local pride takes center stage, everyone wins. / Motivational Monday (18:56)! On the show: Heyang, Steve...

It's that time of year again—cities grow quieter, families hold their breath, and more than 13 million students pour their hearts into the gaokao, China's national college entrance exam. As one of the most pivotal milestones in a student's life, the gaokao shapes futures and opens doors. So, what's different this year? From key exam reforms to 29 brand-new college programs, there's plenty to keep...

Who knew two wheels could be this cool? The cycling scene in today's China is fierce, fashionable, and full of flex. Whether it's a high-performance bike built for both speed and swagger, or a neon-colored shared bike that gets the job done, the humble bicycle has officially leveled up. Get ready — we're spinning into a story where cool rides meet hot trends. / What's in a name (17:00)? On the sho...

On this Environment Day, China sets sail on an inspiring journey—to restore rivers and lakes from shore to source. What does it take to bring vitality back in a river? And how can the public ride the current of this transformation? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Gao Junya

Have you ever wondered why quirky plush toys like Labubu and Jellycat have taken the world by storm—especially among adults? These aren't just nostalgic childhood trinkets; they've evolved into coveted collectibles, stylish companions, and even cultural icons. So what's the secret behind their "ugly-cute" charm? / Plant identification apps! Your new nature guide (19:57)? On the show: Heyang, Steve...

We sleep with it, eat with it, panic if it goes missing for even five minutes. Let's face it—our smartphones are practically family. But the moment a shiny new model arrives? The old one gets ghosted, tossed in a drawer to gather dust. Love at first swipe, forgotten at first upgrade. So why is it so hard to recycle our old friend? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

That 'low-fat' meal seemed like a smart choice—clean, green, guilt-free. So why are your jeans tighter? Behind the wholesome packaging lies a harsh truth: Are these 'diet' dishes helping you slim down or selling empty promises? Let's rip off the marketing hype and see what's really inside! / Machine vs. air drying: Why do most Chinese people choose the latter (17:12)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Ha...

In China's cutthroat e-commerce battleground, every 'Add to Cart' triggers a cascade of costs—layered, opaque, and ever-changing. But who ultimately pays the price? We unravel the hidden world of platform fees and decode what China's draft regulations mean for merchants, marketplaces, and the millions of shoppers caught in the crossfire. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun