Round Table China

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 roundtablepodcast@qq.com. / 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.

From the bustling lanes of the world's largest bazaar in Urumqi to the humming logistics hubs at the region's 19 ports, Xinjiang is transforming its geographical advantage into economic strength. As China's gateway to the west, it now hosts a major network for opening-up, including the pioneering Pilot Free Trade Zone. This episode explores how cross-border trade, a web of China-Europe freight trains, and cultural exchanges are weaving Xinjiang into the very heart of the Belt and Road Initiative, making it a pivotal hub for continental connectivity. On the show: Niu Honglin, Laiming & Yushan.

That dreaded 3 PM energy crash after a carb-heavy lunch is a common experience, but the solution isn't to abandon carbohydrates—it's to choose them wisely. This is where understanding the Glycemic Index (GI), your body's blood sugar speedometer, becomes essential. We move beyond the diet trends to deliver clear science and provide simple, actionable strategies for selecting smarter carbs. By making these mindful swaps, you can fuel your body for sustained energy all day long and finally conquer that afternoon slump. / Round Table's Happy Place (13:40)! On the show: Steve, Niu Honglin & Yushan

China has made a major update to its National Immunization Program (NIP) by including a domestically produced HPV vaccine, offering it free to school-aged girls. This first revision in 17 years is a significant public health advancement, driven by a growing national focus on preventive care and rising cancer awareness. By providing widespread, free access, the policy directly tackles barriers of cost and availability, promising to drastically reduce cervical cancer rates and protect the long-term health of millions of women. On the show: Steve, Niu Honglin & Yushan

American firms are cutting back on employee training, while Chinese companies are expanding their programs. Despite these opposing approaches, workers in both countries say the training they receive is often irrelevant to their real needs. If this is the case, is anyone actually helping employees build the skills required to advance in their careers? / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com.(17:58) On the show: Heyang, Steve & Li Yunqi

In an effort to ease the burden on elementary and middle school students, some Chinese schools are embracing more vacations and fewer study aid workbooks. This new approach is designed to give young minds time to rest, recharge, and explore beyond the classroom. The critical question is whether these measures will genuinely reduce stress and enhance learning, or if parents and educators will find new ways to fill that freed time with academic pressures. On the show: Heyang, Steve & Li Yunqi

Our deep bond with pets often conflicts with modern demands like work and travel, leaving a lingering sense of guilt. Tech companies now promise solutions through gadgets that automatically feed, water, and entertain pets in our absence. But we must wonder whether these tools represent true progress in pet welfare or merely a way to profit from our emotional vulnerability. / Your milk tea comes with a cliffhanger on the receipt (14:30). On the show: Heyang, Steve & Yushun

Buy now, pay later plans break purchases into smaller installments, a method that has surged in global popularity for its apparent convenience. This new approach to spending walks the line between a practical budgeting tool and a dangerously sugarcoated habit, offering short-term ease with potential long-term financial consequences. On the show: Heyang, Steve & Yushun

The traditional salon experience often includes a shampoo, blow dry, and small talk. A new wave of barbershops strips this down to the basics. The "10 yuan haircut" offers a swift, efficient trim for one low price. Does this surging popularity among young urbanites indicate that modern consumers are now prioritizing pure efficiency and affordability above everything else? / Motivational Monday (16:33)! On the show: Heyang, Steve & Yushun

The eternal hunt for an available charging spot is a major headache for any electric vehicle owner, often draining time and patience. But what if your EV could get a charge with the same effortless convenience as a food delivery order? Enter mobile charging vans: the innovative solution that brings the power directly to you. They simply pull up, plug in, and replenish your battery while you go about your day. On the show: Heyang, Steve & Yushun

Occupying the essential center of the sandwich generation means being the first call for homework help and the immediate update after a doctor's visit. It is a role of constant motion, where profound love continuously meets relentless logistics, a testament to those tirelessly holding everything together even during the days when it feels like barely holding on. / Round Table's Happy Place (17:13)! On the show: Steve, Yushun & Yunqi

The Golden Panda Awards honor the highest achievements in film and television, yet their influence reaches far beyond the ceremony. These stories act as powerful economic engines and cultural passports, vividly showcasing China's landscapes and heritage on a global stage. This cinematic spotlight directly fuels tourism, drawing both domestic and international visitors to explore in person the captivating scenes they first witnessed on screen. On the show: Steve, Yushun & Yunqi

Say goodbye to dull textbooks. Imagine learning science by scrolling through engaging TikTok shorts, exploring AR-powered interactive exhibitions, or chatting directly with scientists in live online sessions. This is the vision of China's first National Science Popularization Month, transforming science into an experience as dynamic and captivating as your favorite app. / Stub it out! Social media influencers leading the anti-smoking charge (15:47)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Fei Fei.

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