Round Table China

Follow Round Table China
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Round Table is the premiere English talk show that debates issues affecting China. The show shines with its three hosts who come from diverse backgrounds and offer bold as well as researched discussion on some of the hottest topics headlining in the Middle Kingdom. Everything from economic regulatio…

China Plus


    • Jun 19, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 39m AVG DURATION
    • 1,888 EPISODES


    More podcasts from China Plus

    Search for episodes from Round Table China with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Round Table China

    AI hair washing? Ready to try?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 26:14


    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

    Salt batteries! The future of clean energy?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 25:43


    Could the future of electric power lie in your kitchen? For years, lithium has been battery royalty. But now, a humble contender is stepping out of the kitchen and into the spotlight: sodium — the key element in plain old salt. It's cheap, abundant, and surprisingly powerful. So, is it just a backup plan, or could salt truly reshape the energy world? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Ding Heng

    Are you an echoist?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 21:32


    Echoism. It's like being a background character in your own life—always muting your desires to amplify others'. It's people-pleasing on expert mode, where you become so good at accommodating others, you forget you're allowed to take up space, too. / Do you have "office chair butt" (14:50)? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

    yushan echoism
    China's 120 years of cinematic magic

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 31:07


    The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival coincides with a major milestone—Chinese cinema's 120th anniversary. From its birth in 1905 to today's global hits, how is SIFF celebrating this legacy? With restored classics, special retrospectives, and a journey through film history. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

    Decision Fatigue? Your brain needs a break!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 24:02


    If someone asked you how many decisions you make in a day, would you say "a dozen?" Try 35,000. So, what happens when your brain gets overloaded with choices? You become indecisive, cranky, or just plain done. Decision fatigue is the invisible drain that saps your willpower. We explore why our brains sometimes wave the white flag… and how to reclaim control. / Why some grads say 'no thanks' to graduation photos (19:16). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

    Movies beyond borders at SIFF

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 27:57


    How far can a film take you? This week in Shanghai, the answer is: everywhere. The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) is a vibrant celebration of global storytelling, where memory, culture, and imagination collide. With filmmakers from five continents coming together, we're reminded of cinema's unparalleled power—a universal language that transcends borders and speaks directly to the soul. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

    Exoskeletons on the Great Wall!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 23:27


    Climbing the Great Wall of China is a once-in-a-lifetime experience… unless your knees beg to differ. What if your spirit is willing, but your body's waving a white flag? Enter your new travel ally: the robotic exoskeleton—think Iron Man meets ancient wonder. Are we stepping into the era of "painless tourism", or are we too lazy to walk? / Motivational Monday (17:31)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

    Shanghai International Film Festival Fever!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 27:03


    The lights dim, the screen expands, and the world applauds. Welcome to one of the most prestigious cinematic celebrations on the global stage—the 2025 Shanghai International Film Festival. From dazzling premieres to unforgettable moments, let's dive into the highlights of opening day and preview the cinematic magic lighting up Shanghai! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

    Child brain training: Help or hype?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 24:37


    China's booming 'child brain training' industry promises to unlock kids' potential—but experts question how much is science versus savvy marketing. As companies sell costly cognitive programs to eager parents, neuroscientists warn many claims lack evidence, leaving families to wonder if these tools are beneficial, or just exploiting hopes?/ Round Table's Happy Place (21:56)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

    Crafting a '15-minute' employment service circle 

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 27:32


    You've heard it before: 'There are no good jobs out there.'Yet employers insist: 'We can't find the right people!' This frustrating disconnect? It's called information asymmetry—and it's solvable. Enter the '15-minute employment service circle': a community-powered solution that brings job opportunities literally to your doorstep. By placing employment hubs within a short walk of every neighborhood, it bridges the gap between talent and demand. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun 

    Discovering Guizhou: The Guitar Fanatic

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 54:56


    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.

    Discovering Guizhou: The Red Hot recipe

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 52:58


    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!

    Discovering Guizhou: Miao culture extravaganza

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 54:31


    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.

    Enthusiasm through the roof for 'Su Chao'! 

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 24:40


    In Jiangsu's Football City League (Su Chao), it's not about stardom—it's about community. Students, shopkeepers, and everyday heroes battle on the pitch, drawing roaring crowds and boosting local tourism. This is grassroots football at its best: raw, passionate, and uniting entire cities. When local pride takes center stage, everyone wins. / Motivational Monday (18:56)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yang Guang

    All eyes on Gaokao 2025 

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 26:27


    It's that time of year again—cities grow quieter, families hold their breath, and more than 13 million students pour their hearts into the gaokao, China's national college entrance exam. As one of the most pivotal milestones in a student's life, the gaokao shapes futures and opens doors. So, what's different this year? From key exam reforms to 29 brand-new college programs, there's plenty to keep an eye on. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yang Guang

    Bikes, gear & glory

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 22:41


    Who knew two wheels could be this cool? The cycling scene in today's China is fierce, fashionable, and full of flex. Whether it's a high-performance bike built for both speed and swagger, or a neon-colored shared bike that gets the job done, the humble bicycle has officially leveled up. Get ready — we're spinning into a story where cool rides meet hot trends. / What's in a name (17:00)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Gao Junya

    Restore the beauty of rivers & lakes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 29:22


    On this Environment Day, China sets sail on an inspiring journey—to restore rivers and lakes from shore to source. What does it take to bring vitality back in a river? And how can the public ride the current of this transformation? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Gao Junya

    Everyone's obsessed with Labubu!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 23:58


    Have you ever wondered why quirky plush toys like Labubu and Jellycat have taken the world by storm—especially among adults? These aren't just nostalgic childhood trinkets; they've evolved into coveted collectibles, stylish companions, and even cultural icons. So what's the secret behind their "ugly-cute" charm? / Plant identification apps! Your new nature guide (19:57)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

    Why don't we recycle our old phones?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 28:10


    We sleep with it, eat with it, panic if it goes missing for even five minutes. Let's face it—our smartphones are practically family. But the moment a shiny new model arrives? The old one gets ghosted, tossed in a drawer to gather dust. Love at first swipe, forgotten at first upgrade. So why is it so hard to recycle our old friend? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

    Low-fat lies: Do diet meals work?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 23:38


    That 'low-fat' meal seemed like a smart choice—clean, green, guilt-free. So why are your jeans tighter? Behind the wholesome packaging lies a harsh truth: Are these 'diet' dishes helping you slim down or selling empty promises? Let's rip off the marketing hype and see what's really inside! / Machine vs. air drying: Why do most Chinese people choose the latter (17:12)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

    The sneaky cost of selling online

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 28:33


    In China's cutthroat e-commerce battleground, every 'Add to Cart' triggers a cascade of costs—layered, opaque, and ever-changing. But who ultimately pays the price? We unravel the hidden world of platform fees and decode what China's draft regulations mean for merchants, marketplaces, and the millions of shoppers caught in the crossfire. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

    Managing up in the office

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 18:43


    Your boss isn't a fire-breathing dragon, but neither is he or she an all-knowing saint. Managing up is a strategic approach to understanding your manager's goals and communication style, enabling you to align your efforts and drive better business outcomes together. We discuss how exactly you would go about it. / No need to shower every day (14:35)? On the show: Heyang, Bob Jones & Yushun

    Gap year stigma?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 31:46


    Is a gap year simply taking a break from work? Think again. In China, taking time off can set off alarm bells with HR and turn a 'break' into a barrier. The good news? Knowing the challenges means you can prepare and come back stronger. We discuss how to navigate the gap year stigma, and how to reframe that time off not as a red flag, but as a unique edge in your career story. On the show: Heyang, Bob Jones & Yushun

    Children's theater: The art of becoming

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 25:22


    More than just play, theater unlocks confidence, empathy, and self-expression—gifts that shape young hearts and minds far beyond the stage. As International Children's Day approaches, we spotlight how drama education across China isn't just inspiring bigger dreams, but nurturing deeper thinkers, collaborators, and storytellers of tomorrow. / The best way to rest (20:11). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

    Dragon Boat Festival's traditions and treats!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 26:57


    Zongzi are steaming on the table, dragon boats are slicing through the water, and this long weekend just hits different—Duanwu Festival meets Children's Day! Some are jetting off for quick getaways, while others are leaning into the art of the staycation. We discuss the traditions we love and the trends shaping the season! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

    Cue sports strike back in the digital era

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 25:46


    Long considered a slow-paced game for older generations, snooker is shaking off its dusty image—thanks to stars like China's Zhao Xintong, whose electrifying victory at the 2025 World Snooker Championship has redefined the sport. With his rapid-fire breaks and charismatic flair, the 28-year-old isn't just winning titles; he's drawing a new, younger audience to the green baize. / Rethinking escalator etiquette (18:36). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Laiming

    Mobile money erases China's ATMs

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 26:27


    The number of ATMs in China has collapsed to just 800,000, a 25% drop in five years, as mobile payments dominate daily life. While urbanites enjoy frictionless transactions, the decline of cash infrastructure threatens to exclude older and rural populations who rely on physical currency. Is China's financial future leaving vulnerable groups in the past? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Laiming

    Could the 2.5-day weekend become reality?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 22:13


    Picture this: It's 2 PM on a Friday, and instead of staring at the clock, you're already free—heading home, meeting friends, or simply enjoying an early start to the weekend. Sound like a dream? For some in China, it's becoming reality. Several cities are now piloting a 2.5-day weekend, testing whether this bold shift could redefine work-life balance nationwide. Will it catch on? The experiment is underway—and for many, the hope is clear: more free time, less grind. / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com (17:08). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

    Free preschool for China's children?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 30:02


    As China continues to prioritize education and family welfare, the idea of universal free preschool is gaining momentum. Could this be the next step in ensuring equal opportunities for every child? Supporters argue that early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong success, while critics question funding and scalability. Should high-quality preschool be a right, not a privilege, for all of China's future generations? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

    Shanghai's on-demand bus routes!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 22:16


    Imagine designing your own commute. In Shanghai, a crowd-sourced platform now allows riders to propose and vote on new bus routes. With sufficient demand, your dream bus line could be operational in as little as three days! Could this innovation fundamentally reshape our approach to public transportation? / Our childhood “a bei bei” holds psychological power (17:05). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan.

    Credit blacklists: Fair or excessive?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 30:01


    China's credit blacklist system serves as a legal safety net targeting willful defaulters—those who can repay but refuse. But does it strike the right balance? The core challenge lies in enforcing repayment obligations without overreach: how to ensure accountability while still safeguarding the chance for redemption? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan.

    Resurgence of small screen phones?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 23:38


    While the world went big, a few phone developers kept things small—and now the tide might be turning. Slim, sleek, and surprisingly powerful, these small screen phones are winning fans who miss one-handed texting and non-bulky pockets. Is retro cool making a long-term return? / Motivational Monday (18:40)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

    Retirees return to school!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 25:51


    Guess who are heading back to school? Retirees aged 55 and above, well endowed with time and curiosity. From China to the US, seniors are stepping back into the classroom. So, what are they really looking for from this second round of education? And what does it say about how we should reimagine our golden years? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

    The price of productivity: China's latest occupational diseases uncovered

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 25:01


    We often talk about careers, hustle, and performance. But here's a question we don't ask enough: What does work cost your body? Your sleep? Your peace of mind? Join Round Table today to explore what happens when work begins to hurt and how a major policy update might help. / Round Table's Happy Place (16:57)! On the show: Niu Honglin, Laiming & Yushan

    Small cities big spenders

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 27:34


    For years, China's consumer power was synonymous with big cities like Shanghai and Beijing. But the new frontier is elsewhere. In 2025, smaller cities are growing faster, spending more, and attracting global brands. Could China's economic engine increasingly be running on small-city horsepower? On the show: Niu Honglin, Laiming & Yushan

    Conscious unbossing? Gen Z doesn't want the promotion. 

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 22:07


    "Conscious unbossing" is emerging as the new career mantra for Gen Z in both America and China. It defies conventional career wisdom where young employees are actively shying away from promotions. What's behind this shift in mindset? Join us to explore the values driving this change. / Internet earworms! The meme-ification of music (17:52). On the show: Heyang, Josh Cotterill & Yushun

    Academic degrees. The longer it takes, the better? 

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 29:25


    In today's fast-changing job market, should universities be extending programs or speeding them up instead? With more programs lengthening in China, are we really raising the bar—or just the costs? We discuss who gains from the extra years in school… and who ends up paying the price. On the show: Heyang, Josh Cotterill & Yushun 

    Informal adoptive kinship for eldercare?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 22:22


    What if family wasn't about blood, and elderly care didn't have to come from strangers? On Chinese social media, posts have surfaced about “认干亲养老”—a practice where young people form supportive, contract-like relationships with older adults. It echoes elements of godparenting and elder companionship in the West, but with key differences. Could this be a way to patch the cracks left by shrinking families and limited state support? Maybe—but it also carries serious risks. On the show: Heyang, Bob Jones & Yushun

    Chinese tea brands go public

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 30:20


    Did you know the drink that comforted people in China 5,000 years ago is still soothing souls today? From humble teacups to Hong Kong Stock Exchange debuts, Chinese tea has come a long way. As we raise our cups this International Tea Day, let's dive into how this ancient brew is now powering billion-Yuan brand IPOs. On the show: Heyang, Bob Jones & Yushun

    Love, Scripted. LARP meets '520'!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 21:48


    Hey lovebirds and romantics! It's May 20th—China's sweetest unofficial Valentine's Day, '520,' where the numbers literally sound like 'I love you' in Chinese. Whether you're coupled up or flying solo, today we dive into all things about love—from heartfelt romance to live action roleplay (LARP) adventures based on intriguing love-themed scripts! Ready to feel the love? Let's get started! / Peel-apart film. Retro trend or FOMO trap (16:25)? On the show: Heyang, Yushan & Jason Smith

    Home, quality home

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 30:08


    Private gardens in high-rises? China's 'fourth-generation housing' has arrived. With bigger balconies, shared green spaces, and the villa vibes, these new homes are attracting attention, and naturally, selling at a premium. Reflecting China's move toward higher living standards and better home quality, what does this mean for you and where we will live in the future? On the show: Heyang, Jason Smith & Yushan

    Contact lenses: from practical to trendy?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 20:51


    With an estimated 700 million people in China affected by nearsightedness, contact lenses have shifted from mere vision correction to a fashion essential. Eyeglasses are out, today's trendsetters are embracing sleek, comfortable, and even vibrantly colored lenses that blend function with flair. / Is their a best time of day to drink your daily cup of coffee (17:06)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

    Claim Round Table China

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel