Round Table China

From TikTok unboxing videos to celebrities endorsing their crystals, a crystal craze is sweeping across social media worldwide. But what is the economics behind the allure? We delve into the world of crystals to determine whether these shimmering gems are merely a result of good lighting and savvy marketing. / Motivational Monday (16:24)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Did you know that China is constructing the world's largest airport on an artificial island? It will be massive, but why go to such lengths to build an airport on the sea? We discuss how this project could transform the local economy! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Once the domain of young people, the concert scene is now dominated by an unexpected force: the 40 to 60-year-old crowd! Fans who grew up with veteran artists are snatching up tickets faster than ever, surprising everyone—including Gen Z. Will this shift define the future of live music, or is it merely a flash in the pan? / Round Table's Happy Place (18:27)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly &am...

Is this the end of an era for the liberal arts? Across the globe, even Harvard is shutting down humanities programs or reducing funding. Are we prioritizing STEM and technology at the expense of culture, philosophy, and history? We explore what this trend signifies for education and society, and whether there is still a place for Aristotle in a world dominated by AI! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hat...

Have you ever wondered why foods taste the way they do? Probably not, right? We often simply consume the items we enjoy. However, you might be surprised to learn that one reason we appreciate certain foods is due to their shape and color. What factors contribute to this phenomenon, and how is AI now involved? / How to turn your frown upside down with the "three things strategy" (18:19). On the sho...

When you visit the fruit and vegetable section of a grocery store, do you ever feel like it's veggie fashion week? The apples resemble models—so shiny and perfectly shaped. But what about the "ugly" carrots and potatoes? Don't they deserve love, too? They do, and the current initiative in China aims to ensure they receive it. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Laiming

For this special show, we turned to YOU, our incredible listeners, and asked: What was 2024 all about for you? And what is your vision for 2025? Your response was overwhelming—in the best way possible! We've selected some gems to share with you! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Laiming

Happy New Year, everyone! As we welcome 2025, let's take a moment to reflect on the trends in socializing, skill development, and entertainment preferences from 2024. What was hot, and what do those trends reflect? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Laiming

With 1.3 billion users on WeChat, we've realized they're doing something new—turning off WeChat Sports, limiting their Moments, and crafting enigmatic one-liners. Is this a matter of protecting privacy, avoiding judgment, or mastering the art of saying less to convey more? / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com (17:18). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly &...

It's December 31st! The clock's ticking on 2024, and we've spent a whopping 44 trillion Yuan! This year's consumption has focused on making life smarter, more purposeful, and incredibly enjoyable! Let's explore the bold new trends that are reshaping how China spends, saves, and slays. Ready for the final breakdown of the year? Let's go! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

We have something smart, something inspiring, and something motivating to help you kick-start your final week of 2024. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Language is a living, breathing entity that constantly evolves to keep pace with our ever-changing lives. This is why the "Word of the Year" special episode from Round Table is not merely a linguistic trend; it serves as a time capsule, revealing what has mattered most to us as a society. From the rise of AI to the slang terms emerging in the workplace, what do the words of 2024 tell us about our...

A new hotline, 12356, aims to address the growing mental health crisis in our society. But is this just another number, or could it be a genuine game-changer? We delve into the reality, explore what this new initiative could accomplish, and discuss the broader measures needed to foster a healthier society. / Round Table's Happy Place (18:30)! On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

From the dominance of comedy to the rise of genre fusion, China's film scene in 2024 reflects a society that is blending tradition with modernity. However, amidst this evolution lies a market in flux—one where triumph and turbulence coexist. Join us as we explore this transformative moment in the Chinese film industry over the past year. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

The perks of work have evolved significantly over the years. While health insurance and paid holidays are appealing, they are fairly standard offerings that may not entice new talent. Consequently, some companies are increasingly focusing on what matters to potential Gen Z employees and are modifying their benefits accordingly. Some may thing they have gone too far. / Japan's tough recycling laws...

Podcasts: We love them, you love them, and these days, everyone is enjoying them. The podcast market in China is booming, and this trend is not limited to the country; it is thriving internationally as well. Today, we will explore some statistics to understand how well the market is performing and discover why and how people enjoy their favorite shows. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin &amp...

When parks begin to resemble fashion runways and "Tang Dynasty Princesses" outnumber tourists, is it time for a reality check? Are commercial photo shoots in parks capturing the perfect shot against the most picturesque backdrop, or is it a selfish act that detracts from everyone else's experience? / Lao Gan Ma has transitioned from being a "National Goddess" to a global culinary star (19:56)! On...

In recent years, Chinese family dramas have experienced a significant transformation, mirroring the evolving societal values and individual aspirations of their audiences. We take a closer look at several popular TV shows and films in China to discover what these family dramas reveal about the changing dynamics of Chinese family values and societal expectations. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hat...

Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com. / China has recently simplified travel with its new visa-waiver policies! It's now easier and more convenient than ever to visit the country. Here's why you should seriously consider packing your bags for an epic adventure in China (15:04)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

The algorithms understand you, anticipate your behavior, and profit from your data. But with awareness, can we genuinely escape the clutches of Big Data, or are we destined to remain under its influence forever? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Work, dating, socializing, buying a home… All that adulting can be suffocating, right? But for those who have "escaped", is it an act of fear or courage? And when we do break free, where do we go from there? For those who left the big city for a smaller one, what now? / Motivational Monday (18:56)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Fei Fei

This winter, when a fully AI-generated advertisement campaign hit the market, North America sees a wave of backlash. What does it tell us about the real cost of replacing human creativity with artificial intelligence? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Fei Fei

Is leaving work on time a crime? It shouldn't be, yet for many, it evokes feelings of guilt or anxiety. In China’s office culture, discreetly departing as the clock strikes 6 PM has almost become an art form. So, why is it so difficult to walk out the door at precisely 6 PM with a sense of pride? / Round Table's Happy Place (19:23)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yunqi

Esports in China is booming, and no other city has achieved what Shanghai has: hosting three of the world's largest video gaming tournaments in just a few years. Has the gaming world discovered its new capital? / This December 20th marks the 25th anniversary of the Macao Special Administrative Region! To celebrate this historic milestone, tune in to this week's Happy Place! On the show: Heyang, St...

When was the last time you shopped in a mall? These days, Gen Z is rediscovering the magic of old fashioned department stores. They go there not just for shopping, but more for the vibe. Affordable, genuine, and maybe even a little bit retro, these old-school giants are back on the scene. So, what's pulling them in? / Iris photography. Who's loving it and should you give it a try (18:58)? On the s...