STREET TALK

Mastering the Art of Livestreaming Sales

As China’s e-commerce industry reaches the crescendo of its annual Singles Day festival buying frenzy, livestreamers are battling it out to squeeze cash from an increasingly reticent consumer base

STREET TALK

Behold the New Emperors of the Internet

In a tongue-in-cheek attempt to gain control over their lives—or a means of excusing bad habits—China’s netizens are role-playing as emperors and servants

STREET TALK

“Retirement Lit” is Helping China’s Youth Reimagine a Future Without Rest

With the government officially confirming the long-speculated decision to raise the country’s retirement age, young Chinese workers are turning to sarcasm to cope with the seemingly endless toil that lies ahead

STREET TALK

Havoc in HR: How Chinese Workers Found a New Champion in ‘Wukong’

The much-anticipated video game has birthed various memes on the tribulations of the Monkey King (and Chinese “corporate monkeys”)

STREET TALK

How China’s Gen Z Reformed the Olympics

Asserting their opinions and reshaping body image, “post-00s” Chinese athletes are redefining what it means to be Olympians

STREET TALK

Learn the Viral Slang of the Paris Olympics

From “sense of relaxation” to “makeshift troupe,” discover how Chinese netizens are talking about the Paris Olympics

STREET TALK

An American in Shanghai Redefines What It Means to “City”

Shanghai-based American influencer Paul Mike Ashton’s viral meme, “city bu city,” transforms the concept of urbanity

STREET TALK

Office Zootopia: How Chinese Netizens Relate to Animals

Increasingly frustrated by their career prospects, China’s workers are likening themselves to various animals to blow off steam

STREET TALK

Between the Light and the Dense

What do Chinese netizens mean when they refer to each other as “light,” “dense,” and “stealthy”?

STREET TALK

Zeroes to Heroes: Chinese Fans’ New-Found Love for Losers

China’s latest meme celebrates unsung, “spineless” heroes, proving that real strength often lies in the beautifully flawed