Round Table China

Think of the most unforgettable moments in film: epic battles, dazzling visuals, and dreamlike worlds. At the heart of them all is technology, now supercharged by AI, which shapes what we see and feel on screen. Chinese filmmakers are pioneering these tools in innovative ways, and the Golden Panda Awards celebrate this remarkable technological evolution in global cinema. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Fei Fei.

More than a date on the calendar, Teachers' Day is an opportunity to honor those who have taught, guided, and inspired us. While educators this year are receiving well-deserved benefits and recognition, it is ultimately their wisdom, patience, and genuine inspiration that leave a lasting impact. On the show: Heyang, Steve & Yushun

Chengdu, the panda capital of the world, has cemented its status as a global hub for film and television, a fact highlighted by the Golden Panda Awards gathering entries from over 120 countries. We also have a fascinating interview with a professor of film, where he walks us through a captivating journey of 120 years of Chinese cinema history that you will not want to miss. On the show: Heyang, Steve & Yushun

Learning does not have to cost anything. Through skill exchange, people share their knowledge and gain new abilities in return, like trading yoga for poetry or photography for dance. This process is about more than skills; it is about building connection, trust, and discovery. This model of mutual learning truly satisfies our deep need to grow. / Motivational Monday (15:23). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan.

In China, sports have evolved from traditional recreation into a dynamic economic catalyst. The "sports+" model, which integrates athletic participation with related spending on gear, entertainment, tourism, and technology, creates powerful cross-sector synergies. By stimulating consumer demand and fostering new business ecosystems, this expanding consumption is poised to give the domestic economy a significant and sustained boost. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan.

Ten seconds. One choice. Your perfect match… or total chaos? ReelShort brings the speed of micro-drama to reality TV with Love Bombing. This isn't just a new show… it's an experiment. Will you bet on love at first sight? / Round Table's Happy Place (16:30)! On the show: Steve, Niu Honglin & Yushan

China's retail scene is electrified, with over 2,200 debut stores launching in just the first six months of 2025. So what's driving this brick-and-mortar boom? Hint: it's bigger than mere expansion. We unpack why brands are going all-in on flagship launches, how these stores energize local economies, and which players are positioned to win big. On the show: Steve, Niu Honglin & Yushan

"Blind box social" arranges meetings between complete strangers, offering a spontaneous alternative to algorithm-driven connections. This trend promises genuine human interaction beyond the screen, though it makes one question if it builds true community or simply gamifies the concept of friendship. / Would you enjoy AI podcasts (14:43)? On the show: Steve, Niu Honglin & Yushun

A new benchmark for corporate success has arrived. China's latest ranking of its top private companies is out, and the bar for entry is now a staggering 27 billion yuan ($3.8 billion USD) in revenue. More than just a list, it's a powerful story of resilience and ambition on a massive scale. On the show: Steve, Niu Honglin & Yushun

In today's day and age, we can just order anything. We've ordered takeout food, groceries, even manicures at home — so why not order a sports class? That's exactly what many families are doing. Whether it's a jump rope session in the park, or a one-on-one basketball lesson in the neighborhood square, "sports delivery" is making workouts as easy to book as dinner. But convenience isn't the whole story; it's also reshaping how kids, parents, and coaches see the role of sports in daily life. Would you order a sports session customized to your needs? Let us know the answer after listening to today's discussion! / Should hotel room booking charge deposit (14:17)? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan

In recent years, live performances have transformed from simple entertainment into powerful engines of urban vitality. Concerts, festivals, and stage plays don't just fill seats; they ripple into dining tables, hotel rooms, shopping bags, and social media feeds. What was once a fun night out has become an ecosystem — a phenomenon showing how culture, emotion, and economy intertwine in today's consumer landscape. Today, Round table takes you to check out the before, during and after fun of live performances here in China. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan

In China, a customer posted on social media that a barbecue restaurant had poor food quality and alleged that it caused an acute case of gastroenteritis. The restaurant owner filed a lawsuit, and the court ruled in the restaurant's favor. This case raises important questions about the legal boundaries for posting critical online reviews, and how platforms and regulations should oversee such user feedback. / Can twistable tiny toys fidget your way to focus (14:13)? On the show: Steve, Niu Honglin & Yushan

This summer, Chinese animation films and series have surged in popularity, with several titles achieving blockbuster success at the box office. Online video platforms have also joined the fray, offering a rich variety of animated content and engaging in an intense competition for viewership dominance. What have been the most notable successes, and what key factors are driving their impressive performance? On the show: Steve, Niu Honglin & Yushan

School's back, and summer is out. It is time to swap lazy days for new backpacks, sharp uniforms, and well stocked supplies. But this is more than a shopping trip. It is the Great September Shift. So how do you transition from beach mode to brain mode? How do you go from late nights to early alarms? Join us as we explore mindset resets, routine upgrades, and how to start the year with total confidence. / Motivational Monday (17:11)! On the show: Steve, Niu Honglin & Yushun

Electric bikes are fast, convenient, and everywhere in China. But behind this convenience lurk hidden risks: fires, accidents, and illegal modifications. On September 1st, 2025, a transformative national safety standard takes effect. What exactly does this new regulation entail, and what will it reveal about the future of urban safety? Most importantly, what difference will it make for the millions who rely on their e-bikes every day? On the show: Steve, Niu Honglin & Yushun

The Swiss watch once held an exclusive monopoly on prestige. That era has ended. Now, China's consumers are fueling a profound transformation, embracing cutting edge technology and bold local brands that rival the timeless classics. "Made in China" is being completely redefined. We discuss the new symbols of status and what they reveal about the future of luxury. / Round Table's Happy Place (17:06)! On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

Chinese Valentine's Day is here, but Cupid's arrow is striking differently for the youth in China's buzzing metropolises. A fresh report reveals they are completely rewriting the recipe for romance, crafting a new vision of love and partnership for the modern era. Get ready for a fascinating cultural shake-up! On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

Travel photography first became a dream service for newlyweds almost a decade ago. Over time, it's also grown popular with families with kids and individuals who want portraits taken in stunning, real-world locations. But behind the glossy images lie hidden fees, logistical chaos, and fierce competition. We explore the industry's rise and the turbulence facing industry giants. / Dad nursery rooms in shopping malls (11:25). On the show: Heyang, Steve & Yushan

The global gaming industry, now larger than film and music combined, generates over $184 billion. Women make up nearly half of all gamers worldwide, profoundly shaping game design, esports, and culture. We explore the shift and its future impact. On the show: Heyang, Steve & Yushan

Western food has often been branded bland, but things are changing quickly. As America's growing obsession with spicy food embraces ghost pepper snacks and habanero laced cocktails, how does this trend compare to the refined, centuries-old fire of Chinese Sichuan and Hunan cuisines? / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to [email protected] (15:33). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushun

We seek solace in our screens, only to feel more drained. Why do our escapes amplify the loneliness they're meant to soothe? Is it a failure of discipline, or a cry from something within we've been avoiding? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushun

Peking University has ended GPA rankings for undergraduates. This is a bold move in a system where grades heavily influence scholarships, graduate school admissions, and sometimes even job opportunities. Will this shift the focus from chasing scores to pursuing knowledge, or will competition simply take a new form? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Have you ever daydreamed about a completely different career? In today's fast-evolving job market, switching industries is increasingly common. From new graduates discovering their majors are misaligned with demand, to experienced professionals seeking greater purpose or growth, more people are venturing into new fields. The pivotal question remains: how do you determine if such a leap is worthwhile, and what key factors should you weigh before making the switch? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Instant noodles, once the default travel snack in China, are now disappearing from some high-speed rail stations, deemed too odorous for shared spaces. This shift is part of a larger conflict playing out on public transport, where personal choices like noisy kids or dusty work clothes are forcing a public debate over whose comfort should take priority. / Motivational Monday (24:41)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Chinese tool apps, from outfit-swap filters to calorie trackers, have surged to become top downloads worldwide. Their success stretches from the competitive markets of the U.S. and U.K. to the booming digital landscapes of Southeast Asia and Latin America. This global reach, however, presents their greatest challenge: can they master the vastly different tastes and cultural nuances of users from Los Angeles to Jakarta to maintain their dominance? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

An ancient herbal syrup is captivating the global wellness scene, journeying from the apothecaries of Beijing to the shelves of New York. This surge of curiosity represents a broader movement as Traditional Chinese Medicine (or TCM) steps into the international spotlight. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun.

Let's teleport you to Xizang Autonomous Region, otherwise known as Tibet, in southwest China, where the air is thin, the winds are fierce, and the land is unforgiving. Farming there has always been a test of human will. Yet a team of farmers from Shandong Province, in the eastern part of the country, crossed mountains and storms to help local villagers build greenhouses on the plateau. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun.

Before we call our closest friends, many of us now post online. In an age when social media timelines feel like extensions of ourselves, they have become the place where grief lives, spreads, and is witnessed. This digital impulse is influencing how we process pain together. / Social media live location? Why the backlash? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan.

Chinese university students are beginning internships earlier than ever, with some starting as early as their first year. Many are racing to build their resumes in this highly competitive job market. But does this early start truly provide an advantage, or does it merely create more pressure? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan.

A breakthrough in AI dubbing promises to make global cinema more accessible than ever. Yet the very artists who give stories their soul are raising urgent concerns. While audiences worldwide may soon enjoy seamlessly dubbed films, the industry must find a path forward that elevates access without erasing the human talent behind the magic./Round Table's Heart to Heart (15:52). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushun.

Cities are breathing new life into their core by investing in culture, not just concrete. This movement is transforming mundane public spaces into vibrant, art-filled hubs that sometimes operate around the clock. These creative environments are fundamentally changing how residents connect with their city and each other, fostering a stronger sense of community. This significant cultural shift promises to make urban living more engaging, accessible, and profoundly interconnected for everyone. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushun.

If you think bras are merely about shaping the body for others, think again. In recent years, Chinese women have embraced wire-free, easy-fit designs that prioritize comfort, health, and self-expression. This shift reflects a broader movement where underwear is no longer just about aesthetics, but about how it makes women feel in their own skin. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan.

Summer brings sunshine, laughter and freedom for kids! But water safety can't be ignored as drowning remains a top risk for Chinese children. With simple precautions, we can protect our little ones while they make happy memories. We explore how to keep summer both joyful and safe around water. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan.

Summer brings screams of joy, laughter echoing through the air, and clouds of cotton candy drifting on the breeze. This is the magic of theme park season. Across China, parks continue evolving their offerings, crafting ever more immersive experiences to draw visitors in. While some focus on cutting edge technology, others lean into nostalgic charm, each carving out their own unique space in the competitive leisure market. / Ok to eat if your food arrives first (10:21)? / Motivational Monday (19:42). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan.

This summer, from the cool comfort of air conditioned cinemas to sun soaked outdoor adventures, from immersive eco tourism to thrilling theme park rides, China is alive with endless summer excitement. We uncover the trends redefining this season as a time for joy and new experiences. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan.

Move beyond gimmicks. The real ice cream revolution is happening where value meets quality. As consumers rethink indulgence, the market rewards those who master affordability without compromising taste. Who will thrive when customers want luxury for less? / Round Table's Happy Place (16:51)! On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushun

China has staked its claim in the brain-tech revolution. New national guidelines mandate concrete BCI breakthroughs by 2027—faster neural chips, precision signal decoding, and seamless brain-machine fusion. No vague aspirations here—just measurable milestones. We analyze the real forces propelling China's neurotech leap forward. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushun

The fitness and supplement industries relentlessly push protein, with shakes, bars, and diets promising peak performance. But does this focus align with actual health needs? While protein supports muscle repair and growth, overconsumption may burden the kidneys, crowd out essential nutrients, and lead to unwanted weight gain. We separate fact from marketing fiction to help you determine your ideal protein intake. / Hospital merchandise selling like hot cakes (12:17)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Fei Fei

China has a garbage problem, but not the one you might think. Overwhelmed landfills pushed cities to burn trash for energy, yet now some incinerators sit underfed. This unexpected shortage reveals surprising progress in waste reduction and recycling, forcing a rethink of how the nation handles its refuse. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Fei Fei

From dog-eared paperbacks to immersive audiobooks and cutting-edge VR experiences, we've never had so many ways to 'read.' But as the formats multiply, so do the questions. Does the medium reshape the meaning? Does how we consume stories fundamentally change how we experience them? Or in the end, does the magic remain the same? / Test papers distributed on train to make noisy kids quiet (16:47). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushun

They're tiny, mischievous, and conquering the globe—one mystery box at a time. These Chinese collectibles aren't just toys; they're a full-blown cultural phenomenon, sparking frenzies so intense, stores had to pull them from shelves. What's fueling this obsession? And why can't collectors resist? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushun

From synchronized leg sweeps to perfectly timed camera spins, Tuanbo, China's group livestream phenomenon, is taking the digital world by storm. Blending the precision of K-pop choreography with live entertainment, this trend is generating new careers across the industry, from dynamic on-screen performers to behind-the-scenes stylists, lighting technicians, and camera operators. This rapidly expanding format is energizing China's massive livestream economy. / Why is the Gen Z gaze setting off older folks (13:41)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Robots tighten screws with flawless accuracy, pour coffee at just the right temperature, and crack jokes that feel unexpectedly human. Some even promise companionship that might ease a heavy heart. At the 2025 World Robot Conference in Beijing, these machines have stepped out of laboratory doors and into our homes, workplaces, and private moments. The debate has shifted: their capabilities are proven, but the intimacy we'll grant them remains an open question. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Remember the "she-cession" during the pandemic? Now the US risks a "she-exit" as return-to-office mandates collide with a childcare system in crisis. Meanwhile, China's numbers tell their own story. Women's workforce participation dropped after COVID and still hasn't recovered. Two countries, one troubling question. Are we seeing unique challenges, or just the same old barriers dressed up in new ways? / Motivational Monday (20:36)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Welcome to the World Games 2025 in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province! This vibrant southwest city, famed for its easygoing charm, is now the global stage for thrilling competition, green innovation, and futuristic tech. From groundbreaking sports to sustainable arenas, Chengdu delivers an unforgettable Games. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

With the digital preservation of the Potala Palace, and the growing popularity of Xizang style carpets, incense and handmade paper among young consumers, Xizang has found ways to keep its timeless culture up-to-date and trendy. In this episode, we explore the part of Xizang where heritage meets creativity.

From smart ranching to vegetable greenhouses, from cold-chain logistics to cross-border trade… We take a look at Xizang's industrial transformation and see how the plateau is leaping into a new era of development.

Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to [email protected]. / As China's family businesses prepare for a new generation to take the helm, successors face a sobering reality: companies grow, stall, or fall. With a shifting business climate, complex political relations, and economic uncertainty ahead, the pressure is on. Are they ready to steer through it all (11:36)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

AI and pig farming sounds improbable. Yet in China, algorithms now track livestock from birth to market. Voice recognition, thermal scans and facial monitoring turn farms into data hubs. As demand for safe, sustainable meat grows, this technology is not just changing how pigs are raised, it's redefining livestock farming itself. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Shenzhen is breaking new ground by rolling out a policy which accepts failure as part of the research process, even when state funding is at stake. It pushes back against the old belief that only success matters, opening up space for bold ideas to take root. Could this policy redefine how innovation happens in China? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Li Yi