Round Table China

Today on our special APEC Youth Series, we're joined by two distinguished voices: Chen Xiaobin, a 2025 APEC Summit delegate for young entrepreneurs and Vice Chair of the Asia-Pacific Entrepreneurs Annual Forum; and Laura Nguyen, Founding Partner at GenAI Fund and Head of Vietnam for Ava Labs. They share their unique perspectives on the critical intersection of technology and sustainability. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan

In China, the ninth day of the ninth lunar month has always been a day to climb high, both in body and spirit. The Double Ninth Festival calls us to honor those who came before and to look ahead to the future we are building together. Today, as China grows older and wiser, aging is no longer a distant topic concerning our grandparents. From national strategies to smart robots, from young caregivers to digital helpers, we explore how silver and youth can shine together. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan

Welcome to Round Table's APEC Youth Series, where we spotlight a new generation reshaping the Asia-Pacific. In this special series, we'll meet the young changemakers who are redefining "development" across the region. For our first conversation, Round Table's Niu Honglin is joined by Lv Xiaoning, co-founder of the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurs Annual Forum. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan

If college English tests were a video game, the CET-4 (College English Test-4) would be entry-level and the CET-6, hero mode. While some players pass and move on, others keep replaying for higher scores to unlock better loot—like jobs or scholarships. So, is this drive for a high score a genuine passion for improvement, or just academic FOMO? / To thank or not to thank AI (14:28)? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan

They call it "the most fake business in China,"yet it's never been more real. From the workshops of Xuchang to TikTok screens worldwide, strands of hair weave tales of labor, reinvention, and pride. We explore how lives are being changed, starting from the top. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan

The traditional bar of soap is being replaced by serums, sunscreen, and makeup. Men's grooming is in the midst of a profound transformation, with market spending reaching new heights. This evolution forces us to ask what is driving the change and how legacy brands are responding. The face of masculinity is being redefined, one skincare routine at a time. / Motivational Monday (17:34)! On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

The October 2025 launch of a new online platform's healthcare venture marks a significant acceleration in the digital transformation of China's medical sector. This move is emblematic of a powerful, broader trend: the strategic entry of Chinese tech titans like Alibaba and JD, alongside specialized health firms, into the industry. By integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, streamlined online consultations, and direct hospital services, these players are constructing comprehensive digital health ecosystems. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

The old dream was built on ownership: a house for security, a car for status. But China's younger generation is trading that dream for a new kind of freedom. Why own things that tie you down, when you can rent a lifestyle that lifts you up? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan.

October 24th, is United Nations Day, and we're wrapping up our special series with a grand finale. Here on Round Table, Heyang is joined by Dong Xiaoman, who brings her unique insider perspective from her work with both UNOPS and the UN Youth Office. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan.

China's MICE sector is back, bigger than predicted. As the world flocks back, what's driving its stunning rebound? And how is China masterfully fusing its cultural story with business? The answers are reshaping the future of global events. / What are some of young people's complaints on museum visits(13:52)? On the show: Steve, Yushun & Fei Fei

International cooperation transcends strategic interests; it's about creating tangible improvements in people's daily lives. In the second installment of our UN 80 series, Round Table's Heyang sits down with Zhu Yixing from the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). They explore China's evolving role in global development and discuss how collaborative action is driving progress in health, gender equality, and opportunity for future generations. On the show: Steve, Yushun & Fei Fei

Remember the screech of chalk on a blackboard? In China, that sound has been replaced by the silent glow of electronic screens. This multi-billion dollar classroom upgrade promises a high-tech future for learning. But for parents, it brings a familiar worry. They fear we are sacrificing our children's eyesight for digital progress. So, is this a leap forward for education, or a step back for our kids' health? / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to [email protected] (16:18). On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

Eighty years after its founding, the United Nations' mission remains as vital as ever. But is it still relevant to younger generations? In this first episode of our series commemorating the UN's 80th anniversary, Round Table's Heyang sits down with content creator Qin Qian. Leveraging his insider experience at the UN, Qin connects with China's youth through his popular social media channel. Together, they explore why this relevance is crucial and how young voices are reimagining the UN for the next generation. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

Hospitals were once dreaded places of slow time and harsh disinfectant. Now, a wellness revolution is transforming them into destinations young people visit even when they aren't sick. These hubs for sophisticated self-care are winning hearts with offerings that range from herbal-infused gourmet mooncakes to advanced medical-grade aesthetic treatments. / Performance dining (13:22). On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Xingyu.

Every generation has its "first step into society." For today's youth, that step often begins far from home, in cities where dreams are tall but rent is even taller. That's where "Youth Hubs" come in. Now in over 200 cities across China, these 2,600 hubs offer more than a roof. They provide career guidance and employment services for new graduates, alongside a feeling of warmth and a community that's rooting for you. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Xingyu.

We've been promised the future would be on our faces. Now, a new wave of AI glasses is testing whether the technology can finally live up to its grand vision. The result may just change how you see the world, literally. / Motivational Monday (16:28)! On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

What if your car could do more than just save you money on gas? Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology is transforming electric vehicles from simple transportation into something far more dynamic: portable power plants. But is this a genuine energy revolution accessible to everyday people, or is it merely a high-tech fantasy? On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

What if a wedding swapped the grand ballroom for a favorite local spot? We're diving into how Gen Z is rewriting the rules, creating celebrations that are intensely personal and authentically theirs. / Round Table's Happy Place (18:19)! On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

We've all wished for a 'block' button on a difficult client. Well, for delivery riders in China, that fantasy is now real. A major platform is giving them the power to refuse service to unreasonable customers. This is a radical shift in service industry power dynamics, and it's a complete game changer. 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

China's media landscape is shifting focus from traditional studios to artificial intelligence. The rapid ascent of "comic dramas," short form and automated productions, is revolutionizing the industry. This analysis explores how plummeting costs and massive scalability are fueling algorithmic storytelling and its wider implications. / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to [email protected] (14:48). On the show: Steve, Yushan & Guo Yan

Imagine the physical, emotional, and financial weight of caring for an aging parent with significant disabilities. This July, China launched a new subsidy program to lighten that load. The pilot response has been overwhelming, with over 243,000 vouchers used almost immediately. But is this innovative approach enough to lift the burden, and what hurdles must it still clear? On the show: Steve, Yushan & Guo Yan

Your short-form video app is having an identity crisis. One moment you're watching a viral clip, the next you're thrust into a live video chat with a stranger. These platforms are no longer just for passive viewing; they're making a massive bet that we crave conversation more than just tapping 'like.' Is this the next social revolution, or simply a more sophisticated trap for our attention? / Why are employees turning their desks into mini gyms (16:22)? On the show: Steve, Yushun & Xingyu

Forget the guidebooks—the new travel itinerary is written in the stars. "Stargazing tourism" is booming, but why? We explore why travelers are now chasing celestial events and weather phenomena. On the show: Steve, Yushun & Xingyu

Chalk, test, grade, repeat. But what if school got a makeover? Out goes the one-size-fits-all lecture; in comes co-teaching, flipped classrooms, and "exit tickets" that feel more like reality TV than report cards. What if we stopped teaching AT students and started learning WITH them? We're exploring the classrooms breaking the old mold, one collaboration at a time. / Motivational Monday (20:19)! On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushun

If you've ever felt your stomach drop looking down from a tall building, imagine driving across a bridge nearly twice the height of the Eiffel Tower. This is the thrilling new journey in Guizhou, turning a two-hour drive into a two-minute spectacle. It's efficient, beautiful, and challenges everything we assume about crossing a gorge. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushun

Women in science have shattered barriers and redefined possibility—yet the path forward demands even greater strides. Join Heyang in conversation with Li Tianzhen of DP Technology as they explore the milestones worth celebrating, the systemic challenges still to overcome, and the power of women claiming their space and voice in the tech landscape.

The age-old experience of shopping for groceries is being redefined, as supermarkets evolve into sophisticated food halls. With the line between restaurant and market now dissolving, are these "grocerants" merely a transient trend, or do they signal the next chapter in the future of food? / Round Table's Happy Place (12:25)! On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

What does it mean to lead as a woman today? As the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women prepares to convene in Beijing, the story of Dr. Lin Li offers a compelling answer. A Guzheng virtuoso and a war studies scholar, Dr. Lin's journey is a powerful testament to a new paradigm of leadership—one that integrates, rather than separates, our deepest passions. Round Table's Niu Honglin sat down with Dr. Lin to explore this unique confluence of art and academia. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

How does an expedition to Antarctica prepare someone to lead a sustainability venture in Beijing? Round Table's Heyang sits down with Songqiao Yao, the founder of Wildbound.earth. She's a leader whose path is as unique as her mission. In the first of a special series on groundbreaking young women, we explore how a spirit of exploration fuels one entrepreneur's drive to tackle our planet's biggest challenges. On the show: Steve, Niu Honglin & Yushan

As China's National Day holiday wraps up, we look back at a week defined by massive movement, packed tourist spots, and a surge in consumer spending. Join us for a recap of the biggest stories from this year's Golden Week. On the show: Steve, Niu Honglin & Yushan

In Zheng'an County, Guizhou province, a thriving guitar manufacturing industry has emerged, supplying major international brands and providing thousands of jobs. In this episode, we meet the guitar-makers, the musicians, and the dreamers who've transformed an entire region by turning strings into stories.

Guizhou Province has long been known for its rugged landscapes and ethnic diversity, but today, it's making headlines for something else: the red hot chili peppers. Yes, Round Table is still in Guizhou province, and in this episode, we take you to see a city's fiery pepper boom!

What do spicy peppers, handmade guitars, and green cities have in common? Guizhou. In our new on-the-ground mini-series ChinaHorizons, we invite you to join our trip to Guizhou province. For the first stop, we record our podcast in a traditional Miao people's village cluster to appreciate diversified cultures, intangible cultural heritage items and delicious local cuisines.

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.

In Xinjiang, ancient traditions are not frozen in time but are dynamically evolving. This episode explores how daily life in the millennia-old Kashi Ancient City, and across all of Xinjiang, is being revitalized with modern comforts while carefully preserving its unique soul. From the enduring epic of Manas to the innovative fusion of Guangdong's Yingge dance with Uygur melodies, it's clear how dedicated cultural preservation, youthful creativity, and open exchanges are composing a vibrant new chapter for the region's diverse cultural mosaic.

The story of Xinjiang's industry is no longer just about sweet grapes and cotton fields. This episode travels from high tech cotton farms where AI and drones optimize harvests to the vast desert aquafarms that raise tasty seafood. We uncover how innovation is driving growth, from the massive wind farms of Hami supplying green energy to the nation, to the data centers of Karamay leveraging liquid cooling tech. It is a journey into how Xinjiang is diversifying its economy and harnessing cutting edge technology to build a robust and modern industrial ecosystem.

From the bustling lanes of the world's largest bazaar in Urumqi to the state-of-the-art logistics hubs at its 17 land ports, Xinjiang is rapidly transforming its geographical advantages into robust economic strength. As China's vital gateway to the west, the region now hosts a comprehensive opening-up network, highlighted by the groundbreaking Pilot Free Trade Zone. This dynamic integration of cross-border trade, an expansive web of China-Europe freight trains, and vibrant cultural exchanges is weaving Xinjiang into the very fabric of the Belt and Road Initiative, cementing its role as a pivotal hub for continental connectivity.

A new internet craze promises a life reset in 50 days with seven straightforward rules. Do you have what it takes to follow them?/ Little white lies are completely harmless...or are they (13:29)? On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

China's eight day holiday has sent millions abroad in pursuit of adventure. Yet behind the thrill of new landscapes lies a subtle challenge. For many travelers, the true journey unfolds not in the miles covered, but in the search for words across language barriers. These moments, balanced between awkward silence and the spark of true connection, will ultimately define how these holiday stories are remembered. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

We have never been more connected and yet never more alone. Our cities rise as monuments of gathering, while true and meaningful conversation slips further from our grasp. Close relationships may remain the non-negotiable key to a happy life, or perhaps we have long underestimated the quiet and empowering potential of solitude. / Motivational Monday (18:05)! On the show: Steve Hatherly, Fei Fei & Yushan

The end of toll collection on Chengdu's expressways and others across China will reduce costs for daily commuters and the logistics industry. But will it create a financial challenge for future maintenance? While travelers will benefit from the savings, a key concern is whether the increased traffic will lead to congestion that diminishes the comfort and efficiency of the roads for everyone. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Fei Fei & Yushan

China is currently experiencing a rapid surge in the popularity of rock climbing, a trend propelled by its debut as an Olympic sport, an expanding middle class with a growing emphasis on health and wellness, and widespread sharing on social media platforms. As participation diversifies across age and demographic groups, the sport's future trajectory is clearly oriented toward the formal development of competitive circuits and its deeper integration into domestic tourism and adventure travel initiatives. / Round Table's Happy Place (15:16)! On the show: Steve, Niu Honglin & Yushun

While childhood obesity is often perceived as an urban problem, this is no longer the case in China. Recent data shows a rapid increase in overweight and obesity rates among school-age children, with researchers predicting that rural rates will surpass urban ones by 2025-2030. What is driving this accelerated rise in rural childhood obesity? On the show: Steve, Niu Honglin & Yushun

Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to [email protected]. / VIP perks used to be simple. Now, China's biggest platforms are bundling everything you do online and offline into one super membership. But when perks become so vast and the math so tricky, do they simplify life or just make us spend more by default (17:38)? On the show: Heyang, Steve & Yushan

The 12th Silk Road International Film Festival is taking place in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, from September 22nd to 26th. Heyang speaks with Tang Kelan, who is not only active in Macau SAR youth affairs but also a passionate filmmaker, having directed and starred in the short film 'Granny' (00:49). The conversation continues with director Song Zhuofei, whose upcoming film '最好的朋友' (Best Friends) offers a gentle exploration of the life of an autistic youth. This focus reflects a broader trend in Chinese cinema toward storytelling that is socially conscious, empathetic, and deeply human (15:32).

In Xinjiang, ancient traditions are not frozen in time but are dynamically evolving. This episode explores how daily life in the millennia-old Kashi Ancient City, and across all of Xinjiang, is being revitalized with modern comforts while carefully preserving its unique soul. From the enduring epic of Manas to the innovative fusion of Guangdong's Yingge dance with Uygur melodies, it's clear how dedicated cultural preservation, youthful creativity, and open exchanges are composing a vibrant new chapter for the region's diverse cultural mosaic.

The story of Xinjiang's industry is no longer just about sweet grapes and cotton fields. This episode travels from high tech cotton farms where AI and drones optimize harvests to the vast desert aquafarms that raise tasty seafood. We uncover how innovation is driving growth, from the massive wind farms of Hami supplying green energy to the nation, to the data centers of Karamay leveraging liquid cooling tech. It is a journey into how Xinjiang is diversifying its economy and harnessing cutting edge technology to build a robust and modern industrial ecosystem.