Round Table China

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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" 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

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 

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

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

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

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

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

Lesson after lesson, you sit in class—eyes open but spirit asleep, as if school is just background noise in a life on pause. Even chasing top grades feels hollow, like running a race without knowing why. In the US, more teens show up to school but mentally check out. In China, a similar apathy is called 'hollow heart disorder'—a spiritual emptiness despite success. So why are teens losing their spark for learning? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

In an age of information overload where everything is a click away, museums are redefining themselves—not as static halls of artifacts but as living, breathing spaces where history meets innovation. This year's International Museum Day theme challenges us to ask: In a rapidly changing society, how can museums remain relevant—and even take the lead? On the show: Niu Honglin, Laiming, and Yushan.

Last time, we began a story that blurred the lines between memory and technology, grief and connection. We met Ranran, a young woman trying to reconnect with her late grandmother—and perhaps find peace in the present. Now, the search continues. Who is J? What did Ranran's grandmother really want to say? As we delve deeper, we begin to question how far we should go to complete someone else's story. On the show: Niu Honglin, Laiming, and Yushan.

Guess what, on top of the usual summer and winter holidays here in China, some kids are getting spring and autumn breaks too! No wonder even some parents want to go back to school again. What do you think? Is it a good idea or a bit too much fun for the kids? On the show: Niu Honglin, Laiming & Yushan

Today's episode is a little different. We're pressing the pause button on our usual hot takes and heated debates to bring you something more intimate, more personal—a story. It's about memory, love, and how far technology might go to reconnect us with the ones we've lost. On the show: Niu Honglin, Laiming & Yushan

Some call themselves digital nomads, others joke that they're digital refugees instead—it all depends on the thickness of your wallet! But hey, if we're all just glued to our screens working like cyber laborers, why not do it where the living costs are much friendlier? A new wave of remote workers is turning the trend around—heading back to their hometowns. It's cheaper, familiar, and of course, comes with its own set of challenges. What is it like being a reverse nomad in your home sweet home? On the show: Heyang, Yunqi & Fei Fei

The call of the wild is louder than ever. China's outdoor leisure boom is changing the way we live, spend, and even dress. So, what's driving this desire to escape city life for nature? On the show: Heyang, Yunqi & Fei Fei

This news story is rocking the boat in the academic world where titles have often been valued above effort. A Chinese journal says: when publishing academic research, stop handing your supervisor the first-author spot if they didn't earn it. Is this a long-overdue wake-up call for ethical publishing, or a challenge to entrenched academic practices? / What's the most useless phrase to use in an email (20:50)? On the show: Heyang, Li Yi & Yushun

Not every trip needs four wheels. In China's smaller cities, two is often just enough—faster and cheaper. We dive into the rise of motorcycle ride-hailing apps, spinning into markets where car-hailing apps are feeling the heat. On the show: Heyang, Li Yi & Yushun

When did buying milk tea for colleagues become a stressful part of the workday? Some employees feel trapped in a cycle of mandatory generosity—regularly paying for drinks just to maintain workplace harmony. We're digging into how peer pressure builds up in the office, and whether intentional bonding is really worth the stress. / Motivational Monday (16:36)! On the show: Heyang, Yushun & Yushan

China's nursing workforce is growing faster and becoming better educated than ever before, yet hospital wards remain short-staffed, and many nurses report burnout, low morale, and a desire to leave the field.As we mark the 114th International Nurses Day, is it time to rethink not just how we train nurses—but how we treat them? On the show: Heyang, Yushun & Yushan

It's easy to mistake a warm tone and simplified words as respectful—but when we use the same style with both children and older adults, an important line blurs. In English, this well-meaning but often condescending way of speaking, known as elderspeak, is coming under scrutiny. The problem isn't just what we say—it's how we say it, leaving many seniors feeling infantilized rather than valued. So how do cultural norms, tone, and intention shape these conversations? / Round Table's Happy Place (19:31)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Food, medicine, groceries, electronics—if it fits on a scooter, it's fair game in China's high-stakes delivery wars. Tech giants like JD and Alibaba are charging into Meituan and Ele.me's turf, armed with lightning-fast delivery pledges and billion-yuan subsidies. But in this cutthroat, time-sensitive market, where every minute tilts the balance, who has the speed—and the stamina—to come out on top? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Gym memberships that vanish overnight? Salons that disappear with your cash? China's Supreme Court just slammed the door on prepaid scams. Starting May 1, tough new rules ban businesses from ghosting customers or skirting refunds—marking the end of an era for shady operators. / Gen Z ditching traditional pet names (17:18). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Ding Heng

Move over, blue and white collars—China's green-collar revolution is here. With over 3.4 million eco-workers and counting, the country is sprinting toward a sustainable future. But what's fueling this boom? From policy shifts to green tech investments, China is cultivating a legion of environmental professionals. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Ding Heng

Move over, milk tea—this summer belongs to crisp, tropical coconut water. Gym-goers, office workers, and wellness seekers are all chasing that hydrating glow. But is it truly a health essential, or just another overhyped trend? We crack open the truth behind the craze. / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com (14:01). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Heated seats, adaptive cruise—your car has it all… until the subscription ends. Welcome to the age of locked features, where convenience comes with recurring bills. Drivers are realizing: today's 'smart' car might just be a clever way to keep you paying. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Across North American cafés, workers juggle espresso machines and emotional labor: remembering names, performing cheer, even handwriting pep talks on cups. Some customers cherish the human touch; others wonder—when does 'service with a smile' become unpaid emotional work? The invisible effort of keeping moods light and interactions pleasant often falls disproportionately on service staff. As we rethink fair compensation, perhaps it's time to ask: Should emotional labor come with a paycheck too? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Long lines at the Temple of Heaven. Packed rural B&Bs. Sold-out concerts. This year's May Day holiday wasn't just a travel surge, it was an economic phenomenon. From digital upgrades and appliance trade-ins to inbound travel boom, people are spending in ways that defy old patterns. The question isn't just where they're going, but what their wallets reveal about the next chapter of China's economy. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & 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.

Join Niu Honglin for a captivating conversation with Dr. Lin Li—a renowned Guzheng virtuoso and War Studies scholar from King's College London. Dr. Lin reveals her unique journey of mastering both music and academia, offering powerful insights on how women can redefine success by excelling across disciplines. Discover how passion and intellect converge to create extraordinary impact.