Pop Culture

China's Robots Are Here. And They're Dancing.

China isn’t renting robots. It’s beta-testing a new economy.While Silicon Valley obsesses over AI chatbots, China’s bots are already clocking in.

Ne Zha 2’s $500M Merch Storm — How China’s IP Frenzy is Rewriting Global Playbooks

China’s box-office demon child isn’t just a movie hero—it’s a $1.9B case study in consumer mania.

Nezha 2: How a Mythical Rebel Became China’s Box Office King

China’s Ultrashort Drama Boom Meets Regulatory Reality

China’s ultrashort drama industry—a whirlwind of fast-paced, mobile-first storytelling—has become a cultural and economic juggernaut. But as with any runaway success, the government has stepped in to ensure the party doesn’t get too wild.

Spring Festival 2.0: How Gen-Z Is Rewriting the Rules of China’s Biggest Holiday

Gen Z is turning Chinese New Year into a cultural mashup, where tradition gets a tech-savvy twist. Think virtual reunions, DIY decorations, and a fresh take on what it means to honor the past while embracing the future.

RedNote Rises

TikTok Refugees and a Tale of Two Timezones

The Year Chinese Games Broke Through

China’s gaming industry just leveled up. But can it keep the momentum going?

From Beijing to Broadway: Wu Man and the Pipa’s Global Journey

How one woman turned a 2,000-year-old Chinese lute into a global music sensation.

🎄 What's Christmas like in China?

The Snake Oil of China’s Livestream Dream

How aspiring livestreamers are getting hustled, scammed, and sidelined in China’s booming live commerce market.

ICYMI: Why Xi Skipped Trump’s Invite and More You Shouldn’t Sleep On.

In Case You Missed It Last Week

The Anime Collectible Craze in China: Modern Nostalgia