Round Table China

For generations of Chinese people, caring for a loved one in the hospital meant being by the patient's side, day and night. China's new pilot program, 'family-free hospital care', promises change for the better. How does this new system work? And perhaps the biggest question of all: where will the money come from? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Spiky yet delicate, ancient yet trendy—this summer, lychees are everywhere from street markets to craft cocktails. Prices have plunged as harvests surge, but beware: their intoxicating sweetness comes with a cautionary tale. Have you heard of Lychee Disease? / Round Table's Happy Place (21:26)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

From AI-powered driving lessons to exclusive graduation deals on tech and travel, businesses are racing to capture the attention—and wallets—of a generation stepping into newfound independence. As summer kicks off and post-exam freedom sets in, Gen Z's choices reveal more than just a desire for fun; they signal a generation eager to control their own journey. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Hiring practices have changed—AI is now calling the shots. Lightning-fast candidate sorting? Check. Smarter screening? Absolutely. But behind the efficiency lurks a minefield of ethical dilemmas. We break down the promise, the pitfalls, and the algorithms rewriting the rules. / Lost in translation: Chinese dish names (14:33). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Fei Fei

China's kindergartens are embracing hands-on learning, shifting from traditional academics to practical life skills like cooking and teamwork. Parents and educators praise these programs for fostering independence, though some question if they leave enough room for play. Will this growing movement signal a lasting change in early education? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Fei Fei

Free the fish, save your soul—or so the saying goes. But well-meaning animal release rituals can devastate local ecosystems when non-native species are introduced. China is now enforcing strict guidelines on fangsheng (traditional Buddhist life-release practices) to balance compassion with conservation. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yunqi

Offshore wind farms. E-bike charging stations. Kindergarten sustainability lessons. In China's pioneering low-carbon cities, these climate solutions are taking root. On National Low-Carbon Day this June 25, communities demonstrate how cutting-edge technology and citizen engagement can work hand-in-hand against climate change. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yunqi

Another missed deadline, another botched project—and somehow, once again, the blame lands at your feet. You didn't cause it. You didn't drop the ball. Yet here you are, the designated scapegoat, while the real offenders vanish into the background. Why should you keep mopping up someone else's mess? / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to [email protected] (15:41). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Robotic light shows, assembly-line spectacles, exclusive snacks—China's factory tours are the new theme parks. Dubbed 'Industrial Disneyland,' these visits blend tech, spectacle, and experience. Who needs Mickey when machines are this entertaining? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Young adventurers are revolutionizing camping with ultra-light gear—and it's changing how we experience the wild. Cutting-edge materials make it possible, but the real transformation is in mindset: trading heavy loads for greater mobility, deeper nature immersion, and minimal environmental impact. When every ounce counts, the wilderness becomes more accessible and rewarding. / Motivational Monday (17:46)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

This week, China is witnessing a quiet revolution as energy efficiency shifts from simple conservation to reshaping the very foundations of development. The national dialogue has moved beyond basic power savings to fundamentally rethinking how industries operate, cities function and lifestyles evolve. This isn't just about using less - it's about building smarter systems that redefine what's possible. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Contrary to popular belief, research reveals a surprising twist: men may fall in love faster than women. But the heart refuses to follow rules—its timing is messy, deeply personal, and defies easy stereotypes. We unpack what the data really says about who falls harder, sooner… and why. / Round Table's Happy Place (13:44)! On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushun

For the first time, robots can feel the world like we do. Scientists have created a robotic hand with human-like touch across its entire surface—paired with uncanny precision. This isn't just about better machines; it's about redefining how technology interacts with life itself. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushun

For many Chinese Gen Zers, young, text-first, self-proclaimed introverts, the idea of a silent salon visit is pure bliss. Walk in, lie back, and let a robot do all the scrubbing, rinsing, and massaging. No small talk, no awkward eye contact, just AI and lots of good-smelling bubbles. Will this be the future of haircare, or another a flashy flop? / 'Dry Begging': The Art of Indirect Requests (19:46). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Ding Heng