Round Table China

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

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...