Round Table China

China's leading universities are expanding their capacity. With more seats available, an increased number of students, and greater opportunities—does this also mean heightened pressure? If gaining admission to a top-tier school has become somewhat easier, what implications does this have for students, parents, and the job market? We unpack the statistics, the motivations behind this change, and th...

Clocking out like a boss is no longer just a dream! Some companies are now literally turning off the lights to push employees out the door. From overtime fines to unexpected "fire drill" shutdowns, the anti-rat-race movement is gaining momentum. But is a forced work-life balance really the ideal, or does it come with unforeseen trade-offs? / Is having a laptop on your stomach cozy or concerning (2...

China's average life expectancy just reached 79 years—an achievement decades in the making. The landscape continues to evolve, with ongoing developments shaping the years ahead. As we mark this milestone, we ask: How did we get here, and what comes next? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Is the power suit now a relic of the past? Chinese men are demonstrably choosing comfort over the rigid formality of traditional business wear. We examine this evolving dynamic in office attire, observing the transition from meticulously tailored suits to the relaxed aesthetic of plaid shirts and practical windbreakers. Is this just happening in China, or is the trend seen in other places around t...

While giants such as Huawei and BYD dominate headlines, China's "hidden champions" are quietly reshaping industries. These lesser-known companies, driving innovation in areas like AI and green energy, wield surprising technological power. What fuels their success, and why are they becoming increasingly important? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Couples' apps offer valuable features such as love diaries, shared savings, and important date reminders. But must shared toilet time define modern intimacy? Seriously. Do these apps genuinely help long-distance lovers maintain their connection, or are they merely transforming relationships into a series of obligatory check-ins? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

China's cities are growing rapidly, but are they becoming homogenized? While some cities still reflect their unique culture and history, many now showcase identical sleek glass buildings, wide roads, and monotonous designs. Has urban planning diminished the unique character that once defined these places? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Cryonics, the practice of supercooling individuals after legal death, may seem like a plot from a futuristic novel. Proponents envision a future of advanced medical mastery, but not everyone is on board. Detractors dismiss it as a chilling illusion, highlighting the irreparable damage to biological structures. However, for some, it represents an opportunity to postpone their final chapter in the h...

Obesity in China has become a significant issue in recent years, prompting the government to take action. The National Health Commission has announced a major new initiative aimed at encouraging citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles. This initiative will establish multidisciplinary “weight management clinics” at hospitals throughout China, designed to assist patients in safely losing excess weigh...

As the saying goes, one person's trash is another person's treasure. Today, on Xianyu, one of China's most popular online second-hand market platforms, what one person regrets buying can become another person's latest opportunity. This trend is evolving into a launchpad for the most unique and rapidly growing side hustles. What is fueling this craze?/ Handwritten notes take new form on tablets (20...

If planting trees were a competitive sport, China would undoubtedly take home the gold medal. With over 25% forest coverage and the world's largest artificial forest, China isn't just going green—it's going exceptionally green. But how did this transformation occur? We dig deeper to uncover the roots of this remarkable change. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Laiming

Meet a generation that swears by herbal remedies but won’t give up late nights. Gen Z is all in on outdoor sports, cultural experiences, and yangsheng (or health maintenance in Chinese), but on their own chaotic terms. Is this the ultimate balance, or just a creative way to reinvent their own lifestyle?/ Phone on silent mode? Maximum distraction (20:37)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Y...

Farming has become high-tech business, and the fields of the future might not even be on Earth! China is rapidly pushing the boundaries of smart agriculture. So, will cows one day munch on AI-designed supergrass? Will our veggies have cosmic roots? As technology transforms farming, what challenges lie ahead? And how will these breakthroughs reshape what we eat and how we grow them? On the show: He...

Is 'natural' always better? We love organic food, herbal remedies, and chemical-free products, but does 'natural' always equate to being safer or healthier? Are we unjustly skeptical of artificial advancements? We thoroughly examine the concept of the naturalistic fallacy! / Motivational Monday (20:31)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

AI-powered smart homes promise seamless automation, anticipating needs and optimizing living spaces. From self-adjusting thermostats to voice-controlled appliances, these homes represent the pinnacle of technological convenience. Yet, despite the buzz and apparent advantages, fully integrated AI smart homes remain a niche luxury. If they're truly the future of living, why haven't they become a mai...

For centuries, the middle reaches of the Yellow River have served as a vital waterway linking central and northern China. But with the development of road transport, the Yellow River's role as a transportation artery faded into history. In this episode, we visit an ancient ferry port along the river and explore the lives of the boatmen's descendants. If you like what you heard, here is the podcast...

Mini-games have surged in popularity, becoming a dominant force in the mobile gaming world. Their appeal lies in their accessibility and bite-sized gameplay, perfect for short bursts of entertainment during commutes or downtime. The rise of mobile technology, coupled with the free-to-play model and social features, has fueled this explosion, making mini-games a ubiquitous part of modern digital cu...

March 8 is International Women's Day, celebrated under the theme "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment." This year's theme calls for actions that can unlock equal rights, power, and opportunities for all, envisioning a feminist future where no one is left behind. Central to this vision is the empowerment of the next generation—youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls—...

FOBO, or the fear of a better option, is a psychological phenomenon in which individuals struggle to make decisions due to the constant worry that a better alternative may exist. This paralyzing fear often results in indecision, procrastination, and dissatisfaction, as people become overwhelmed by endless possibilities and the pressure to make the "perfect" choice. We discuss how to overcome FOBO...

The annual Two Sessions are in full swing in Beijing! This year's top political meetings highlight science and technology as prominent topics. From artificial intelligence to cutting-edge research, how is China navigating its path toward the future of innovation? Round Table's Yushan interviews NPC deputy Cui Yan, director of the China-Germany AI Institute at Wuyi University. (06:43-18:00)On the s...

Education in China has come a long way！Once upon a time, students had to copy exercise books by hand, and now they use AI-powered tablets in classrooms. Despite all this progress, there's always room for improvement: How do we balance tradition and innovation? How do we make education accessible and effective for all? Today, as educators from all around the country share their insights during Chi...

Typing all day, staring at screens, and sitting for hours—does this sound familiar to you, office workers and professional gamers? That stiff neck, aching wrist, and tired eyes aren't just minor annoyances; they're signs that your body is pleading for help! Forget the spa; we discuss how hospital rehabilitation might actually be a more effective solution for office warriors like us. / No handbag?...

Policies, progress, and the path forward! China's Two Sessions set the policy agenda for the year. We provide an overview of the meetings, analyze the key points, and hear from an expert about the nation's green future. Heyang interviews Zhu Linxiao, an expert in energy policy and climate action.(06:21-19:30) On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

From solo dining to private gyms, businesses are catering to young adults who are embracing independent living. The solo living economy is thriving, with services designed for convenience, self-care, and personal fulfillment. What are your thoughts on this new trend? / Motivational Monday (18:21)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Laiming

China's National Ear Care Day, which coincides with World Hearing Day, serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of auditory health. This annual event aims to raise awareness about ear-related issues and promote preventative measures. By focusing on education and early detection, it strives to improve the overall well-being of the Chinese population. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly &...