Podcasts about 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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Perched high above the power lines, it's not just a bird—it's a robotic owl. This guardian of the grid and protector of wildlife represents the powerful synergy of technology and nature, where sparks fly in all the right ways! We're taking you on a tour of machines lending their digital smarts to help monitor and protect our ecosystems. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Love can make us do unexpected things, but what happens when it obscures our true selves? A payable service will give you advice on how to snap you out of love and back to reality. Does being lovestruck require a cure, or is this simply a right of romantic passage?/ As the 15th Beijing International Film Festival unfolds its magic, we get a report straight from the red carpet! Our very own reporter Yangyang brings you a front-row reflection on one of the festival's most captivating highlights (17:51). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Step into Earth's grand narrative at China's newly crowned UNESCO Global Geoparks, where ancient rock formations and sweeping landscapes whisper tales millions of years in the making. Join us to find out exactly what makes these places so spectacular! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan 

Need a break from the hustle? What if the secret to unwinding wasn't a fancy spa day or a digital detox, but something far simpler: a humble bowl of rice in a tranquil temple? Temple meals are surging as Gen Z's go-to antidote to stress—blending mindfulness, tradition, and nourishment into one soul-soothing ritual. / As content creation and influencer culture explode, gyms are morphing into de facto film sets. Between tripods, ring lights, and carefully staged "failures," some seem more invested in crafting their next viral fitness reel than completing their reps (13:04). / We recommend one film from the 15th Beijing International Film Festival: Last Romance （《流金岁月》）, directed by Yonfan （杨凡）(20:53). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

In the West, potatoes are known as the comfort-food king—mashed, fried, or baked. But in China, they've traditionally played second fiddle to rice and noodles. Now, that could be changing. Introducing potato rice: a starch-savvy innovation that looks and cooks like rice, but is made entirely from potato. With its higher protein and fiber content, could this grainy newcomer become a staple on Chinese tables? We compare palates, preferences, and explore the future of food. / The plastics in gum (18:12). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Anime, manga, and gaming used to be dismissed as mere pastimes for kids and 'nerds.' But that fantasy world? It's exploded into the mainstream. ACG is now a major economic force, influencing how we shop, socialize, and spend. Are you ready for your inner stan to take over your wallet? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan 

Over the past five years, outdoor activities like biking and camping have seen remarkable growth, driving expansion across related industries. Now, as pleasant weather returns, a new picnic culture is blossoming - one that values genuine outdoor enjoyment over picture-perfect social media moments. / Game transfer phenomenon: When virtual and real worlds collide (17:37). On the show: Laiming, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Many of us scroll through applications on our phones when we shop. But imagine a tropical island where you can explore hundreds of thousands of products from more than 4,000 brands—no algorithms, just real-world browsing. Walk through pavilions of innovation, from household essentials to the latest tech. Suddenly, your wishlist just got a whole lot bigger! On the show: Laiming, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

We are living longer than ever, a cause for celebration. However, as societies age at an unprecedented rate, we have to wonder how the growing demand for elder care will be met. The increasing integration of robotic assistance is a prominent trend. Will these automated solutions become commonplace? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

China boasts over 400 million e-bikes, yet surprisingly few are insured, leaving owners vulnerable after accidents. How can e-bike safety improve? And will new national standards change this picture? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

Probiotics are all the rage, promising a happy gut and a host of other health perks. But with so many yogurts, pills, and potions boasting these live cultures, it does make us wonder if the miracle workers are all they're made out to be. / The link between marriage and weight gain (19:06). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

This spring, a trend is captivating nature, photography, and travel enthusiasts across China: birdwatching. It's about capturing the perfect shot of avian life in the wild. Celebrities are participating, tourism boards are launching bird maps, and online communities are buzzing about Great Crested Grebes. But what's fueling this fascination? Is it the allure of the gear, the prestige of the sighting, or a more profound connection to nature? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

That familiar headphone knot, the unexpected slice of paper – and bam! Out comes that satisfying, slightly naughty word. But scientists are saying that moment of swearing isn't just blowing off steam. It's a release, a show of resilience, maybe even a bit of self-care. Time to rethink what swear words do for us? Could it actually be… beneficial? / The never-ending titles of online novels (18:12). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

When brands built for one gender target another, success is a gamble. Some crack the code, others fail spectacularly. We explore the triumphs, the missteps, and the future of gendered marketing. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan 

Once worthless, now priceless? CCD cameras and flip phones sell for exorbitant prices, sometimes more than new tech. There seems to be a certain allure in the artifacts of a fading era, but why are people paying a premium for the past? / Blueberry mania in the office (14:28). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

A marathon transcends a mere long-distance run. It serves as a potent catalyst for local economies, invigorates sports culture, and fosters unparalleled community cohesion. We explore a marathon's profound impact beyond the finish line. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Forget city strolls and coffee dates! Young singles are now foraging in fields. This wild vegetable hunt promises a fun, relaxed first encounter. We get to the root of the question: rustic romance or a muddy mess? / Chubby filters, good or bad (16:34)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Black, cream, sugar – that's how most countries roll with their coffee. But China? How about throwing it into hotpot and steaming it into rice rolls! If coffee had eyebrows, they'd be sky-high! But beyond these wild culinary experiments, we peek into China's booming coffee scene, and how it's shaking up the global java party. / Motivational Monday (20:21)! On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

In a world where urban spaces increasingly consist of concrete and glass, a new movement is emerging—one that integrates nature into the core of our shopping experiences. Is this merely a luxury for a select few cities, or could it become a model that defines the shopping centers of the future? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) is a nongovernmental and nonprofit international organization, a platform for dialogue among leaders from governments, businesses, and academic sectors across Asia and the world, addressing critical economic and social issues. We learn about this year's forum, taking place from March 25-28. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

Bulk snack stores, with their delightful affordable drinks and a constantly surprising array of treats, have turned casual browsers into super-loyal fans, and who can blame them? We bite into the fizzy, flavorful world to uncover their secret recipe for success, and how this delicious trend is shaking up the snack industry. / Is baby screen time good or bad for your child (14:26)? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

Sneezing non-stop this spring? It's not just the flowers; it's those pesky tree pollens. With a perfect storm of allergens in the air, we explore why these tree pollens are making allergy season worse than ever. / Modern dating has become a battlefield, where you could crash and burn in an instant. Now, "floodlighting" is the latest threat—relationship experts warn that it's one to watch out for (19:31). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

The winds of change are blowing through the job market, and China's Spring Recruitment is leading the charge. Whether you're stepping into your first job or considering a career pivot, now could be the right time to reshape your future. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

China's home repair industry is one of the most convenient in the world—book a technician online, and they'll come to your home at a fraction of the cost you'd pay in many developed economies. But a recent investigation revealed that some platforms have been exploiting this trust, exaggerating faults and overcharging customers. / Round Table's Happy Place (18:37)! On the show: Heyang, Yushan & Yushun

Can money buy a good night's sleep? Millions seem to think so, fueling China's sleep industry, projected to soar past one trillion Yuan by 2030. But should good sleep come with a price tag? What are the free and better ways to sleep soundly? On the show: Heyang, Yushan & Yushun

China's average life expectancy just reached 79 years—an achievement decades in the making. The landscape continues to evolve, with ongoing developments shaping the years ahead. As we mark this milestone, we ask: How did we get here, and what comes next? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Clocking out like a boss is no longer just a dream! Some companies are now literally turning off the lights to push employees out the door. From overtime fines to unexpected "fire drill" shutdowns, the anti-rat-race movement is gaining momentum. But is a forced work-life balance really the ideal, or does it come with unforeseen trade-offs? / Is having a laptop on your stomach cozy or concerning (20:00)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

While giants such as Huawei and BYD dominate headlines, China's "hidden champions" are quietly reshaping industries. These lesser-known companies, driving innovation in areas like AI and green energy, wield surprising technological power. What fuels their success, and why are they becoming increasingly important? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Is the power suit now a relic of the past? Chinese men are demonstrably choosing comfort over the rigid formality of traditional business wear. We examine this evolving dynamic in office attire, observing the transition from meticulously tailored suits to the relaxed aesthetic of plaid shirts and practical windbreakers. Is this just happening in China, or is the trend seen in other places around the world? / Motivational Monday (22:47)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Couples' apps offer valuable features such as love diaries, shared savings, and important date reminders. But must shared toilet time define modern intimacy? Seriously. Do these apps genuinely help long-distance lovers maintain their connection, or are they merely transforming relationships into a series of obligatory check-ins? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

China's cities are growing rapidly, but are they becoming homogenized? While some cities still reflect their unique culture and history, many now showcase identical sleek glass buildings, wide roads, and monotonous designs. Has urban planning diminished the unique character that once defined these places? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

The annual Two Sessions are in full swing in Beijing! This year's top political meetings highlight science and technology as prominent topics. From artificial intelligence to cutting-edge research, how is China navigating its path toward the future of innovation?Round Table's Yushan interviews NPC deputy Cui Yan, director of the China-Germany AI Institute at Wuyi University. (06:43-18:00)On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan