Round Table China

What if superhero suits could give you real-life strength? In China, exoskeletons are bringing that dream to life, transforming industries and daily life. From factory workers to those with serious medical needs, various forms of exoskeletons are having an impact. How soon before everyone gets their own ‘Iron Man' upgrade? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Some say food is the gateway to culture, and culinary tourism is booming—with people estimated to spend over $1 trillion this year alone. But not every traveler wants to dive headfirst into unfamiliar dishes. Should we judge? Science seems to offer a pretty solid explanation for the behavior. / The secret to lasting love might just be knowing how to fight (16:32). On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve H...

Thousands of people from around the world have flocked to Guangzhou, where the 136th Canton Fair is now in full swing. Massive halls filled with cutting-edge tech, innovative household appliances, and green energy solutions invite us to a space buzzing with energy and endless business opportunities. Today, we take you inside one of China's largest trade fairs and explore how innovation is driving...

A viral post has stirred online debate regarding the actual quality of 4K videos when streamed online, and now the internet is abuzz with questions. Is compression killing our viewing experience? And if so, why? Do creators have a right to be upset? / The overuse of "like" in English. It's not just a filler word (17:46)! On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Food waste is a major global issue, and World Food Day challenges us to rethink how we consume and value food. We learn about the day, discuss some of our questionable habits, and find out how we can waste less, eat better, and make better decisions to help create a more sustainable food system. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

What happens when a hidden gem goes viral? The Ailao Mountains are suddenly buzzing with tourists, drawn in by adventure videos and online buzz. But with thrill-seekers flooding the region, new safety concerns arise. We explore what makes places like Ailao so irresistible—and how we can protect both people and nature along the way. / Why do some people find it so easy to care for others but strugg...

What does it mean to have a home of your own? For some, it's a symbol of success and security. For others, it's a financial burden waiting to happen. As ideas around family, independence, and stability evolve, so do our views on buying property. We explore the shifting landscape of home ownership and why younger people are rethinking the dream of owning a home. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hath...

The relentless pursuit of better ratings has led to extra pressure for businesses and much fuss in our lives. In a recent bout of innovation, food delivery and rating platforms have started inviting their users to review the reviews. Will this improve the quality of ratings and make them relevant in our decision-making? / Motivational Monday (19:33)! On the show: Laiming, Steve Hatherly & Fei...

Most of us don't remember the first few years of our lives, but the very early stage matters in more ways than we think for a person's growth. While most parents in urban areas, better informed and having received good education themselves, invest considerable efforts in early-stage childcare, the same cannot be said for parents who must leave their children behind in rural areas (to work in the c...

Round Table's Happy Place! / Your typical drama plotline might see a CEO falling for the girl next door. But now? CEO falls for grandma next door? Elderly love stories are officially a thing, and they're not just for the older crowd. Young folks are binge-watching these silver-haired love stories, and honestly, who can blame them? What's behind this cross-generational obsession, and is there any c...

When you order your food do you think about the cleanliness of the kitchen that food came from? Now the person delivering your food is not just a courier but also a food safety watchdog. In China, some cities are empowering food delivery riders to act as food safety inspectors. They see things most of us never will, and their reports could be the difference between a clean kitchen and a health haz...

Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com./ Some gyms feel like you're walking into a gladiator arena—sweat flying, muscles bulging, and trainers practically screaming at you to "give me ten more!" But a new trendy gym is suggesting you only exercise for a few minutes while wearing your work clothes! Do micro workouts actually work or is this just a gimmick (12:...

Today's young adults claim they are constantly exhausted. Is it simply that the "tired generation" is lazy or entitled, or is there something bigger at play? We dig a little deeper to see what's really going on with Gen Z. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Have you ever wished you could take stunning wedding photos in a dream location without the hassle of traveling? It's now possible with AI-powered photo generators and it's taking over social media in China. But will we lose the magic of traditional photography? / Maybe injecting a little spontaneity into your day can turn your life from predictable to exciting (16:13). On the show: Niu Honglin, S...

Do you remember your favorite and least favorite subjects from school days? Mathematics could be the answer to both. Now, what if I told you that some people's struggle with math isn't due to a lack of practice and that doctors are available to help with math-phobia. Are there more to learning challenges than we realize? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Have you noticed more big restaurant chains popping up around your local neighborhood? This trend is shaking up the community dining scene as small shops face stiff competition. What's driving these changes and how does it impact both customers and business owners? / Silent Disco is bringing joy and connection around the world (18:38). On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Li Yi

How was your National Day holiday? Whether you were out exploring or enjoying a staycation, this week was a busy one across China. From bustling tourist hotspots to hidden gems, millions enjoyed the break to its fullest. Today, we check out the major highlights from the tourism scene, and get some tips on how to smoothly transition back into work mode. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly &amp...

From dusty textbooks and wooden desks to online learning and AI tutors, the way China learns has come a long way. So, whether you're a star student or prefer the back row, get ready for an education in how China's classrooms have kept pace with the country's rapid growth. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

In this episode, we focus on something we all know and love—play. From the toys of yesterday to the AR, VR, XR… kinds of e-sports of today, the way Chinese people play has evolved alongside the country's incredible social and economic development. On the show: Niu Honglin, Laiming & Yushun

Do you remember the sound of a pager buzzing on your belt, or the thrill of sending your first text message? From the beep of early telegraphs to the notification chime of smartphones, China's communication tools have transformed rapidly over the last few decades. In this episode, let's listen to the sounds of the past and reflect on how far we've come. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly &am...

Today, we're thrilled to bring you our latest installment, where we dive into the vibrant world of China's cultural and entertainment sector—a true cultural trifecta of movies, performing arts, and museum visits. Over the past 75 years, these elements have evolved, reflecting broader shifts in society. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

In this episode, we travel through the years of transportation in China. From childhood bicycles to modern day high-speed rail, let's see how the way we get around has changed over the course of time. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Li Yi

Graduation is an exciting time, but for many university couples, it's also a crossroad. As the diploma is handed over, so are decisions about whether to stay together or part ways. Does growing up mean growing apart? / Motivational Monday (18:29)! On the show: Niu Honglin, Laiming & Li Yi

From steamy street food to historical landmarks, we've all got reasons why our hometown is the place to visit. These days, more and more young people in China are eager to promote the place they come from! So buckle up as we take a trip through the eyes of the locals, uncovering what makes others' hometowns your perfect travel destinations. On the show: Niu Honglin, Laiming & Li Yi

Instead of another ho-hum city vacation, why not plan your next trip around the weather! From stargazing under a meteor shower, to enjoying a stunning snowfall, why not give mother nature a chance to be your tour guide?/ RoundTable's Happy Place (19:34)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun.