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Loyalty can be expensive. For years, digital platforms have used your personal data to quietly test the limits of what you will pay. Now, a global crackdown has begun. From China to the U.S., new laws are prying open the algorithmic black box. This emerging transparency promises to challenge the secret math of personalized pricing, a hidden economy built on data. On the show: Steve, Niu Honglin & Yushan
When a public transit system must find new revenue, innovation follows. In China, subway operators are answering the call with a radical solution: transforming stations from simple transit points into vibrant, multi-purpose commercial hubs. This nationwide facelift is redefining the very purpose of urban infrastructure, turning subterranean spaces into the heart of community and commerce. / The invisible threat of third-hand smoke (13:39). On the show: Steve, Niu Honglin & Yushan
Digital life is rewiring our instincts. In China, eating alone is no longer seen as lonely. It's a curated luxury. From viral solo booths at fast food chains to an entire economy profiting from our collective comfort with solitude, we're exploring the rise of the "social anxiety economy." Why is being blissfully alone in public becoming the new normal? On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan
The Soapbox: Is Beijing deserving of its fashion critique? / You get a wedding invite. You click. They know. In China, digital invites are turning curiosity into a new kind of social pressure. A simple "save the date" is now a data mine. So, is this the end of the casual RSVP (14:04)? On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan
China's colossal toy industry is sprinting toward a high-tech, novelty-driven future, with AI companions and collectible blind boxes flying off shelves. In response, regulators have hit the brakes, enacting some of the world's toughest national safety standards. We explore the collision between breakneck innovation and a renewed crusade for safety, and asks who ultimately wins when playthings get smarter and rules get stricter. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun
Around the world, a surprising new lifestyle is catching on. It looks a lot like everyday life in China, and for good reason. From morning exercise routines and sipping hot drinks to the quiet ritual of house slippers, young people internationally are adopting the gentle, intentional habits of Chinese culture. But what's behind this sudden, widespread embrace of a calmer way of living? On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun
Across rural China, a significant change in daily travel is taking hold. It's powered by the "laotoule", a small, cheap electric vehicle filling a vast need. But as millions of these unregulated machines hit the streets, the country faces a hard choice between essential mobility and a clear safety threat. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun
Can a river double its economic power and save the planet at the same time? The Yangtze River does more than move cargo; it moves mountains, linking China's heartland to global markets and powering the country's high-tech industrial ascent. Now, this monumental waterway is cementing its role as the indispensable anchor of the world's economic future. / The "cry-cry" horse (18:04). On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun
How do you revive a great river? In the first episode of our three-part series, we look at the boldest move yet on the Yangtze: a total fishing ban. And it's working. Native fish are returning and the finless porpoise has reappeared in growing numbers, all while hundreds of thousands of fishermen have traded their nets for new lives on land. Join us for a story of ambitious ecological healing and profound human adaptation along one of China's most important waterways. On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan
Imagine a hospital visit where the longest wait is the elevator ride. Now, picture paying for care with a single glance, or shielding your family with one shared insurance wallet no matter where in the country they live. This is not science fiction. It is the new reality in China's healthcare system. Today, we explore the digital keys to this future and how they are transforming the patient experience from stressful to seamless. On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan
Our cities' greatest resource isn't buried underground; it's hidden in plain sight within the very waste we discard. We journey into the world of urban mining to discover how yesterday's forgotten trash is being reclaimed as tomorrow's essential materials and how this process is turning our cityscapes into a new frontier of resource wealth. On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan
What if every green purchase earned you tangible rewards? A major new national plan is betting that a points-for-discounts system is the key to unlocking mass green consumption. This is how the initiative could turn your environmental choice into real savings, making sustainability the smartest buy on the shelf. On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan
When a persona goes viral for the wrong reasons, what comes next? We examine the backlash against the "performative male," tracing the arc from a staged aesthetic to a social tipping point. Authentic self-expression, or just repackaged performance? / Has the stinky durian become the hottest item in the supermarket (16:52)? On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun
What if winter itself became a city's most valuable asset? In Harbin, ice is not mere artistry; it is the powerful engine driving a booming economy. We're going inside the world's largest snow festival to see how a frozen wonderland is creating a red-hot tourist boom. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun
As 2026 arrives, China pauses for a three-day national holiday, a dedicated celebration of new beginnings. Join us as we explore this cultural moment where tradition meets modernity, immersing you in the distinctive sounds, cherished flavors, and personal rituals of a nation taking a collective breath before stepping forward into the promise of the year ahead. On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan
In late 2025, the most resonant piece of self-care advice in China didn't come from a lifestyle guru, but from an internet meme: 爱你老己 (Love yourself). A single, linguistically clever phrase blossomed into a cultural phenomenon. Its power was in repackaging the universal truth of self-love into something that felt intimate, shareable, and distinctly modern. This is the story of how language itself became a premier tool for wellness in the digital age. On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan
What was the sound of 2025? It wasn't a single hit song, but a collection of sounds that moved from the background to the center of youth culture. We trace the soundtrack of a year through the adrenaline of blockbuster scores, the quirky loops of unboxing videos, and the hyper-catchy jingles from the streets. These sounds created a shared rhythm of hype, comfort, and memory. Together, they forged the unofficial anthems that defined a generation's experience. On the show: Steve, Niu Honglin & Yushan
The year 2025 has reached its final chapter, and it's time for all of us to say our goodbyes to the year. To mark this special year-end send-off, we're opening the doors wide for a final "Motivational Happy Place." We've gathered all of our guests, each ready to share a heartfelt, motivational message with our listeners to close out 2025 together. On the show: Steve, Niu Honglin, Yushan, Fei Fei, Laiming & Yushun
A health management regulation will take effect soon in the City of Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. How can legal policies help improve people's health? Today we look at how new laws are turning lifestyle into legislation—from your waistline to your daily routine. On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan
A startling fact: reported rates of youth depression in China range from 4% to 41%. Why the huge gap? New research points to a fundamental flaw in the diagnostic tools themselves. This has major implications for treatment and policy. / The socks scandal: A 10-Minute guide (14:47). on the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan
What if we stopped grading students? This is no longer a hypothetical question. From primary schools in China to university classrooms in the United States, educators and policymakers are running a bold experiment. They are removing exams from the center of education to see what happens. If we change how we measure performance, will the real experience of learning finally improve? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan
A new trend is emerging across Chinese cities, where young people explore abandoned factories, unfinished buildings, and closed hospitals. They document these journeys online under labels like“urban ruins exploration,” championing a distinct“ruins aesthetics.”However, this popular pursuit is not without real danger. It raises urgent questions about safety, the pressures driving the trend, and what happens in spaces that exist beyond the reach of everyday oversight. / Is the "swag gap" killing relationships (14:41)? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan
The distinctive scrape of skates carving ice now echoes in unexpected corners of China. From the tropical south to the northern heartland, a new generation is embracing hockey's grit and speed, recently celebrated in a historic championship sweep. This is a story of a sport on fast-forward: a nation attempting to skate the long journey from curious novelty to genuine contender in record time. / Round Table's Happy Place (21:35)! On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan
In a small county in China, a quiet revolution is reshaping a global jewelry industry. In Zhecheng, central China's Henan Province, lab-grown diamonds are produced at a fraction of the traditional cost. This phenomenon is a clear signal of how China's formidable local economies are becoming pivotal drivers of global markets. What does this county-level prowess mean for the future of global manufacturing and consumption patterns? On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan
In most professions, experience is an asset. In academia, it is becoming a barrier. A system of intense competition and rigid quotas now uses age as a crude filter for efficiency, devaluing the very time required to build knowledge. This calculus forces a stark reassessment of the PhD's worth and what our universities truly value. / The anxiety of being left "on read" (18:24). On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan
It's been ten years since the landmark Paris Agreement, and its novel engine of national pledges and global transparency now faces a decisive test against record warming and a widening climate finance gap. The journey to this point reveals a story of unexpected turns and stubborn realities. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan
With cold season here, our disposable mask defense is back. But when we toss it away, its story isn't over. It begins a centuries-long sentence in landfills and oceans. What if we could commute that sentence? Scientists may have found a way, transforming this symbol of waste into a tool for cleanup. Is this the key to breaking a toxic cycle? On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan
China's“strictest ever" e-bike safety standard is now the law of the land. Nearly 400 million rides are impacted. The mandate? Tougher frames, safer batteries—a complete upgrade for a new generation on two wheels. But what about the trusty bike in your garage? Will shops still service it? Will parts still exist? The transition has arrived. We break down exactly what it means for your daily ride and your wallet. On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan
China's monumental effort to plant nearly 200 billion trees since the 1970s is now facing a critical test. Scientists have discovered that these vast new forests, a cornerstone of the fight against climate change, are severely impacting water resources. This urgent challenge has spurred the country to lead a global shift toward "water-smart forestry," adapting its strategy for a world where every drop counts. On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan
How much of a nature survivalist are you? Extreme reality survival competitions have become more than just shows; they are now a cultural phenomenon, inspiring a generation to trade urban comforts for the challenges of the wilderness. These competitions are catalysts for a widespread movement, one that is actively redefining our ideas of adventure, self-reliance, and our fundamental relationship with the untamed power of nature. / Motivational Monday (21:09)! On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan
On December 3rd, we mark the International Day of Disabled Persons. China has made remarkable strides in accessibility, with public facilities now widely available. But true progress means moving beyond construction to thoughtful design and everyday usability. How do we transform spaces into places of genuine inclusion? We explore the journey from accessibility on paper to inclusion in practice. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Xingyu
What if you could control the camera during a live sports broadcast? Not just choosing a feed, but swooping in for a courtside view or looking down from the rafters? A new streaming tech out of China is making that a reality. It's called "ultimate perspective," and it builds a virtual, 3D model of the game as it happens. The world is watching the innovation that could change how we see sports. / When the weather turns cold, why is it that we want to eat literally anything within our reach (15:04)? On the show: Steve, Yushan & Xingyu
Gig work in China is entering a new phase. Leading delivery platforms are building affordable apartments for riders and introducing new welfare benefits. These measures offer the promise of security for millions. But the future of these improvements remains uncertain. The true test will be whether these benefits are a stable foundation or if their cost is quietly moved back onto workers through the platform's systems. On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan
Artificial intelligence now aids in diagnosing conditions such as depression within China's mental health system. By analyzing vocal patterns and micro-expressions, these technologies offer the potential for enhanced clinical efficiency and early intervention. Yet their arrival invites a deeper reflection on the nature of care itself, challenging us to balance the precision of algorithms with the irreplaceable role of human empathy. / Motivational Monday (20:28)! On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan
The internet is filled with promises that weight loss can be hacked through timing tricks and radical diets. But behind the glossy success stories, doctors are seeing a dangerous reality: emergency visits and broken metabolisms from plans lifted from social media, not science. It's time to separate the fast fixes from the facts, and explore why a responsible, long-term approach to health looks nothing like what the algorithm rewards. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan
Forget the restaurants. The most authentic meal in China might just be in a government canteen. As these buildings open their doors to the public, serving up real food at real prices, public service is getting a new meaning. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Xingyu
The fight for a library chair in China is no small matter. It's a real-time stress test of our public spaces, revealing the delicate balance between offering sanctuary for all and catering to personal demands. / Round Table's Happy Place (17:25). On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan.
Remember when a perfect avocado was a special splurge? That idea is getting a major upgrade. In China, "fruit freedom" is turning yesterday's luxuries into today's everyday staples, powered by a revolution in smart tech and digital supply chains. So what does this new era of affordable abundance mean for the future of our food? / Why do more young people prefer eating at KTVs (12:42)? On the show: Steve, Yushan & Xingyu
Forget the shopping livestreams that once flooded your feed. In China, a new digital courtroom is in session, where lawyers dispense immediate advice to millions online. This revolution offers unprecedented access, sidestepping traditional firms. But this instant justice comes with a price, sparking urgent debates about the ethics of legal counsel at the speed of a click. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Xingyu
A newfound appreciation for local dialects is growing on China's university campuses. Recent surveys reveal that an overwhelming majority of students are interested in these regional tongues and want to help preserve them. This interest has sparked practical action, and students are now at the forefront of a movement to weave these ancient linguistic threads into the fabric of modern life. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan
A hotel should be a sanctuary for rest. Yet many travelers now feel a flicker of doubt at the sight of a provided towel or the hotel bed. The fundamental expectation of feeling safe and clean away from home is being questioned by ordinary people who just want peace of mind. / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com (16:20). On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan
Across the world, people are growing unexpectedly self-conscious about the tiny sounds and pauses that sneak into our speech. These filler words are universal, ancient, and deeply human. So why have they suddenly become a source of linguistic insecurity? / The problem with maybe (16:45). On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan.
At Beijing's 2025 Global AI+ Conference, the future of AI is being shaped today. The big question is how China's distinct model of AI integration will redefine not only its own technological frontier, but the entire global digital landscape. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun
Beyond the lecture halls, a new campus ecosystem thrives online. Student we-media creators are building their brands from dorm rooms, navigating the pull of academic demands against the allure of digital fame. Their growing follower counts bring a hidden calculus of costs that weighs on their studies, their mental well-being, and the quiet of shared living spaces. / Motivational Monday (18:24)! On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun
The rise of EVs in China is accelerating an automotive design revolution. While innovations such as frunks and zero-gravity seats redefine the cabin experience, they simultaneously ignite a critical global debate concerning their inherent safety implications. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun
The convenience of one-click ordering often obscures a meal's origin. New regulations in China address this directly, requiring a "No Dine-In" label on ghost kitchens, a significant move for consumer safety and market transparency. / Is cash cringe (15:56)? On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun
The family group chat has entered its awkward phase. Designed for connection, it now often manufactures obligation, leading to a wave of quiet mutinies. This isn't a breakdown of family ties, but a user-led revolt against a platform that demands too much. The lesson? In the 21st century, setting a digital boundary is becoming a vital form of care. / Motivational Monday (18:37)! On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun
This November, the 15th National Games will electrify Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao with a wave of renewed energy. As the nation's elite athletes converge to pursue glory, the Games themselves are redefining tradition. Prepare for a spectacle where cutting-edge technology meets sustainable design, and where the competition program expands with thrilling new events. This is more than a tournament; it's a dynamic new vision for the future of sport. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun
Recent media reports identify Shanghai's elderly as a major mall consumer group. This often-overlooked demographic now dominates weekday foot traffic, pushing retailers to design spaces and services that appeal to both older and younger generations. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun
Move over, dating apps. The most reliable connection in your life could be the colleague seated next to you—the one who has endured your cringiest presentations and talked you down from professional despair. Perhaps the true purpose of the modern workplace is to provide you with a platonic life partner. After all, once someone has seen the real, unfiltered you at your worst, they may have already earned the role of your most permanent plus-one. / The great salt debate (14:01). On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun