Round Table China

Downtown traffic congestion not only slows individuals down on their way to their destinations, but it also negatively impacts air quality. New York City has recently implemented a strategy that many other cities around the world have been utilizing for quite some time. What is congestion pricing, and what difference does it make for the cities that adopt it? / Time Magazine has named two e-reader...

As China confronts a rapidly aging population, it faces significant societal challenges. In response, the concept of "smart home care" is gaining traction. This approach involves utilizing technology to assist elderly individuals in living independently at home. What is the current status of China's population aged over 60, and how can these devices enhance the quality of life for those who use th...

Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com. / Across the globe, food unites people, but during the Chinese New Year, it assumes a more profound significance—serving as a language of blessings and a means of connection. From fish to noodles to dumplings, we invite you to explore what makes this celebration so distinctive. And don't forget the gifts! We let you kno...

With the emergence of a new wave of vocational universities in China, an educational shift is taking place in the country. What are the differences between vocational universities and traditional universities? Both types of institutions are essential, but how do you determine which one is right for you? As vocational universities begin to grant bachelor's degrees and are increasingly recognized as...

As leaders from around the world convene in Davos for the 2025 Winter World Economic Forum, we shine a spotlight on the young changemakers who are rising to address the globe's most complex challenges. We explore how these young talents are bringing forth fresh ideas, bold initiatives, and innovative solutions to pressing issues such as climate change, economic recovery, and sustainable developmen...

They say two things in life are certain: death and taxes. However, in a world increasingly dominated by automation, should we consider adding robot taxation to this list? Several questions emerge: Who exactly should be taxed? How do we define a robot for tax purposes? And how could the revenue generated from this tax be utilized? / Motivational Monday (17:13). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly a...

China is establishing a unified large market, which has the potential to transform the rules of the game for various industries, businesses, and the overall economy. While there are numerous benefits to this initiative, there are also some drawbacks to consider. We explore this significant policy change and its potential impacts. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly and Yushun.

The notion of parents interfering in your dating life can be quite off-putting, to say the least. However, in China, some parents are turning to dating apps to help their children find love. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having mom and dad take charge of your love life. / Round Table's Happy Place (19:09). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin and Yushan.

Thermal clothing promises to keep us warm in cold weather, but does it truly live up to the hype? We discuss the types of clothing designed to keep you feeling warm and cozy, as well as the "warm economy" during the frigid winter months. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin and Yushan.

"TikTok refugees" are trading in their For You Pages for Xiaohongshu's curated feeds, hoping to find a new digital home. The welcome from Xiaohongshu’s current users has been warm, and it seems the opportunity for new friendships is real. / Should we pay grandparents for childcare (18:22)? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Laiming and Yushan.

Imagine a world where your boss could literally see what's going on inside your head! Sounds a bit like science fiction, right? That's the idea behind neuroergonomics, a field that studies how our brains work at the office. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Laiming and Yushan.

Loneliness often presents an overwhelming paradox in today's world. Despite having more ways to connect than ever before, many of us still experience feelings of isolation and disconnection. In this discussion, we debunk the myth of loneliness and explore why it's not solely about being alone. / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com (19:24). On the show: Hey...

Who says you need to own a car to travel in style? This Spring Festival, young people are shaking things up by leaving crowded stations behind and opting for rental cars. It's the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want, without the hassle of ownership. We dig into some numbers to uncover the reasons behind this trend. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly and Yushun.

Is your neck starting to feel decades older than the rest of your body? This is the reality of cervical spondylosis, commonly known as 'tech neck'. A condition primarily associated with older adults, it is now increasingly affecting younger individuals. / Consider zero-waste grocery stores for refills (17:22)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly and Ding Heng.

The 2025 Spring Festival travel rush has officially commenced! With 9 billion trips anticipated over a span of 40 days, China is preparing for the world’s largest annual human migration. We take a look inside the numbers to understand just how bustling this festive season truly is. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly and Ding Heng.

We all recognize that home is home and work is work, but have you ever heard of the spots where you can simply show up without any pressure, and people are there just to socialize and unwind? These are known as "third places", and reports indicate that they are becoming increasingly rare. What's the importance of having a third place? / Motivational Monday (17:16). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hathe...

Generative AI is generating an overwhelming amount of spam, fake news, misleading images, and superficial imitations. Are we witnessing the emergence of a new era of digital pollution? If so, can we press the 'reset' button before it is too late? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun.

Today, breakups have become a lucrative industry. From checking into a "heartbreak hotel" to exploring body psychotherapy, companies are fully invested in capitalizing on these gut-wrenching farewells. So, what drives these contemporary heartbreak remedies? / RoundTable's Happy Place (18:38). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly and Yushun.

The Super Bowl of technology is in full swing at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, currently taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada! Chinese tech companies are making headlines with groundbreaking innovations in AI, smart home appliances, electric vehicles, and more, capturing global attention. Which Chinese products excite you the most? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly and Yushun.

A trip to the grocery store can be confusing, as it is not always clear how healthy or unhealthy certain foods are for us. However, many countries around the world are addressing this issue with nutrition profiling systems. These systems offer an easy-to-understand grading scale that indicates the nutritional value of various foods. How does this grading system work, and should it become a global...

The global gig economy is experiencing significant growth, driven by factors such as technological advancements and an increased demand for flexible work arrangements. However, this growth also presents challenges, including concerns about worker rights, income stability, and the lack of social safety nets for gig workers. In China, the Supreme People's Court has intervened by providing examples t...

In an age where information is just a click away, why do we continue to build libraries? If libraries are intended to provide communities with essential services, what kind of libraries can we expect in the future (14:49)? / What to eat after a workout. On the show: Niu Honglin, Ding Heng & Steve Hatherly.

Traditionally, being married typically meant living in the same house and city. However, a new study explores the rise of long-distance "commuter marriages" in China, driven by career aspirations or financial objectives. Couples in these arrangements often choose to live apart; while some may see each other once a week, others might only reunite during major holidays. What factors contribute to th...

Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com. / What if learning to fix your own stuff could revolutionize solo living? Women (and men) are enhancing their skills with viral DIY content, mastering everything from car maintenance to home repairs. This trend isn't just about acquiring skills; it represents a newfound sense of freedom. Why are these videos going viral...

Home healthcare is in high demand, encompassing services such as IVF, Botox, and elderly care. Could online nurse booking be the next big thing? In true 21st-century fashion, where there is a demand, there is likely an app to meet it. Let's explore the future of 'ubering' a nurse on demand. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan