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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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com. / 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
Social media gets blamed for teen mental health struggles, but now Australia's crackdown goes further—banning under-16s from major platforms, including the internet's biggest video hub. Is targeting video platforms alongside social media crossing a line? / Motivational Monday (20:02)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
Raising a child is never easy, and in China, the costs can deter young families. Now, for the first time, the national government is offering monthly subsidies for families with children aged 0 to 3 — a move aimed at easing the financial burden of raising kids. It's a major shift toward a more family-friendly society. But will cash alone ease the stress of parenthood? And can it actually turn the tide on declining birthrates? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
How to stay safe from Chikungunya fever. / For years, artificial sweeteners promised a guilt-free way to indulge—sweetness without the calories. But what if they've been secretly sabotaging your appetite instead? We uncover the truth behind that seemingly "healthy" sip (07:11). / A brand new car, latest gadget, overseas trip—some Chinese parents are turning the survival of Gaokao into a high-stakes payout. The trend of expensive post-exam rewards is growing, blurring the line between celebration and excess. As the pressure mounts and the gifts get bigger, so does the backlash (16:03). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
What happens when a tech giant takes over your lunch? A leading e-commerce player has just opened its first fully automated takeout restaurant in Beijing—no chefs, no dining space, just robots whipping up fresh, fast meals. Could this be the next revolution in China's food delivery market? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
A character at a tourism spot is way more than meets the eye. These non-player characters (NPCs) mean a lot to the companies they represent, and a lot to the people who enjoy them as well. / Round Table's Happy Place (15:51)! On the show: Steve Hatherly, Yunqi & Yushan
While children today face growing health challenges—from near-sightedness to obesity—a powerful solution is emerging: personalized "exercise prescriptions" and community-wide efforts to get kids moving. By combining medical expertise with fun, tailored activities, doctors and educators are turning the tide on sedentary lifestyles, proving small changes can yield lifelong health benefits. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Yunqi & Yushan
This summer isn't just hot—it's hottest. While some blast the AC and call it survival, others are floating their way to victory with 'loser rafting': no skill, no speed, just a lazy river and a determination to do absolutely nothing. Turns out, in a scorching season, the smartest way to win is to not even try. Tune in for a refreshing take on how a nation learns to live, adapt, and float through extreme summer. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
We've all seen it—a friend raves about a hotpot spot, an influencer hypes a 'must-have' product, or a vlogger casually drops a gadget recommendation. But when does a personal post become a hidden ad? Should WeChat Moments or livestream plugs count as commercial advertising? The real challenge: where should regulators draw the line? / Motivational Monday (20:44)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
Could trains soon outpace planes? China just shattered speed barriers with a groundbreaking 650 km/h maglev test, bringing us closer to a transportation revolution. While infrastructure and cost challenges remain, this leap could redefine regional travel, turning hour-long flights into obsolete relics of the past. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Yushun & Yushan
Let's be real—when do you actually bench-press in daily life? Across China, functional fitness is gaining momentum as people shift from isolated lifts to practical strength. It focuses on compound movements—lifting, twisting, pushing—building real-world ability that lasts. Just how functional is your fitness? / Throning: Dating for status (15:19). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Yushun & Yushan
From sweeping crackdowns on music piracy to the boom of paid subscriptions, China's decade of copyright reforms has turned music streaming into a lucrative business. But in this regulated ecosystem, who's really benefiting: artists or the platforms? / Motivational Monday (23:01)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
College graduation season is here, and for many graduates, the gap between classroom learning and job-market demands can feel like a vast chasm. Now, China's universities are building a potential bridge: micro-majors. But how exactly do these programs work, and could they become the new gold standard for employability? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
In a bustling city, a middle-aged man eating alone at a noodle shop isn't just a meal—it's a moment of quiet reclamation. These unassuming stalls become sanctuaries, offering warmth and stillness amid life's relentless demands. What does this solitary ritual say about the weight our fathers, brothers, and uncles carry—heavy, yet shouldered in silence? / Motivational Monday (19:38)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
For years, China's cancer screening and survival rates have trailed behind those of developed nations. But 2025 could change everything. A breakthrough AI system named GRAPE is now helping Chinese hospitals detect stomach cancer earlier—with 20 percent higher accuracy than human doctors. No tubes, no discomfort—just a quick scan. Could this be the start of AI saving millions of lives? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
China's cities are cultivating intimacy with nature through pocket parks—hyper-local green interventions that reimagine urban functionality. Yet their true potential lies not in isolation, but in synergy. Can these scattered oases weave together into a transformative urban infrastructure? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan
China's innovators are using AI to translate animal sounds—from barks to birdsong—into human language. While this could deepen our connection with nature, it also forces us to ask: Just because we can, does that mean we should? / Bibliotherapy: Reading as therapy (16:30). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan
For generations of Chinese people, caring for a loved one in the hospital meant being by the patient's side, day and night. China's new pilot program, 'family-free hospital care', promises change for the better. How does this new system work? And perhaps the biggest question of all: where will the money come from? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
We're diving into the power of intellectual humility—why admitting "I might be wrong" isn't a weakness, but a real strength. This mindset can transform relationships, sharpen our thinking, and make life more interesting. Let's explore why being humble about what we actually know or don't know is truly smart. / Motivational Monday (19:50)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
Another missed deadline, another botched project—and somehow, once again, the blame lands at your feet. You didn't cause it. You didn't drop the ball. Yet here you are, the designated scapegoat, while the real offenders vanish into the background. Why should you keep mopping up someone else's mess? / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com (15:41). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
Robotic light shows, assembly-line spectacles, exclusive snacks—China's factory tours are the new theme parks. Dubbed 'Industrial Disneyland,' these visits blend tech, spectacle, and experience. Who needs Mickey when machines are this entertaining? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
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
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
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
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