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

SOCIAL CHINESE

The Art of Chinese Clickbait

Attention! Here are the headline-writing techniques you need to master on China’s internet!

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

SOCIAL CHINESE

Essential Chinese Phrases for Cheapskates

How to talk about saving and conscious spending in the era of “consumption downgrade”

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”?

SOCIETY

China’s Chengdu Disney Has Massive Queues and Just One Ride

How a rapper’s diss track turned a single piece of exercise equipment in a small community gym into the latest viral travel destination

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

SOCIETY

Why Are Chinese Urbanites Wearing Their Ugliest Clothes to Work?

A new trend has weary, overworked young urbanites wearing “disgusting outfits” to their office jobs and annoying their bosses in the process